Charlie Queener, Piano, 1923, Pineville, Ky
When Charlie began working with "name" musicians in the mid '40s, his jobs were with Muggsy Spanier, Harry James, Glen Gray, and Joe Marsala. In 1946 he began a four year stint at Nick's in New York, and then, after a brief return to his home town in Kentucky, he became a freelance musician, playing swing and the more traditional jazz with Billy Butterfield, Jimmy McPartland, Max Kaminsky, Bobby Hacket, and Ruby Braff. His longest-lasting association was primarily with Clarence Hutchenrider, with whom he played from 1958 to 1973. During this period he also managed to lead his own trio with Carl Kress and Bob Wilbur. From the late '60s, having studied with Paul Creston, he was able to compose orchestral works. He continued to be active as a performer in the late '80s.
Charlie Shoemaker, Vibraphone, 1937, Houston, Tx
Most of Charlie's music education was self-taught. He studied formally only one year at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, and from 1959 to 1963 he worked in Los Angeles with Charles Lloyd, Art Pepper, and Howard Rumsey's Lighthouse Allstars. In 1965 he freelanced as a studio musician, recording with Lalo Schifrin, Quincy Jones, Nelson Riddle, and Johnny Mandel. From 1966 to 1973 he was a member of George Shearing's quintet, recording, touring and performing at music festivals. He later taught, and worked with his own group in clubs and at concerts. Most feel that Charlie's best work was with George Shearing's group.
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