Biography
Wallace Davenport distinguished himself as a trumpeter among the limited number of traditional jazz players who expanded into swing and bop while also supporting gospel and R&B vocalists across a lengthy professional span. His early work included stints with the Young Tuxedo Brass Band in 1938 and Papa Celestin in 1941, after which he departed New Orleans for Navy service. Following the war he resumed activity in his hometown, shifting toward swing and bop idioms alongside assorted local ensembles. The 1950s brought extensive tours across America and Europe beside Lionel Hampton, plus mid-decade sessions in Paris alongside Mezz Mezzrow. Between 1964 and 1966 Davenport performed in Count Basie’s orchestra and additionally traveled with singers Ray Charles and Lloyd Price. He returned to traditional jazz in New Orleans in 1969, releasing group recordings in that vein from 1971 to 1976 on his My Jazz imprint. European dates followed with George Wein in 1974 and with Panama Francis plus Arnett Cobb in 1976. From 1976 through 1979 he sustained his own New Orleans ensembles and rejoined Hampton for a short period that same year. During the 1980s Davenport appeared with both traditional groups and gospel outfits such as the Zion Harmonizers and Aline White. He passed away in New Orleans on March 18, 2004, aged 78.
Albums
