Kai Winding trombone, 1922, Aarhus, Denmark
Kai Winding came to the USA from Denmark with his family when he was 12 years old. He started lessons on the trombone when in his teens, and was largely self-taught. In his late teens, Kai played in the big bands of Alvino Rey and sonny Dunham. In 1942 Kai entered the U. S. Coast Guard for 3 years and played in the service band in NY. He also took part in bop jam- sessions at Minton's Playhouse and Monroe's Uptown House in New York. Kai played in some of the most popular big-bands of the era; Benny Goodman and Stan Kenton 1946-47, and Charlie Ventura 1947-48. In 1954 he and trombonist J.J. Johnson, formed their quintet known as Jay and Kai. The group was a huge success, touring and recording frequently here and in Europe. The group disbanded in 1958, after which Kai toured for a short while with Jay's group and then led a septet consisting of four trombones and a rhythm section. Winding was among the first bop trombonists and one of the most important players of the era. The unique sound he brought to the Kenton trombone section was achieved partly by his persuading the players to produce a vibrato with the lip rather than with the slide. A fine example Kai's rough, exuberant, and sharp tone can be heard on Kenton's recording of "Lover". Kai also contributed to the early Miles Davis sessions that resulted in "Birth of The Cool". Winding's trombone sound was so much like that of J.J. Johnson's, it is sometimes difficult to separate them. Kai Winding died in 1983.
Big Joe Turner singer 1911 Kansas City MO
Joe Turner started working in various clubs in Kansas City as a bartender and cook, not as a musician, when he was in his early teens. He became known as "The Singing Bartender" and came to the attention of such bandleaders as Bennie Moten, Andy Kirk and Count Basie. Joe eventually toured with the Basie band throughout the country. From the mid 1930s he frequently worked with Pete Johnson, and appeared with him at the "From Spirituals to Swing" concert at Carnegie Hall in 1938. A good example of Turner's half-shouted vocal style is "Roll Em Pete", with Pete Johnson playing piano. Although he was mainly known as a "blues shouter", Joe had a melodic voice, and was a sensitive singer on slow blues and ballads. During the '40s and '50s Joe toured extensively with several different bands and with pianists. Joe Turner became a strong model for many other blues singers who followed, with his relaxed singing style and the hot tone, strength, and subtle inflections of his voice. His recording of "Shake, Rattle and Roll" precipitated a revolution in popular music. In spite of his many popular hits, Turner remained at his best when singing jazz-blues. the music he really loved. He was much in demand for work in films, concerts and television appearances. Joe Turner died in 1985.
