Wilbur Ware, Bass, 1932, Chicago, IL
Wilbur, who was mainly self-taught, grew up in Philadelphia where he gained most of his music education while working with local bands. He was associated early on with two of the greats, Roy Eldridge and Sonny Stitt in the Philadelphia area. Later, while a permanent member of the house band at the Flame Lounge in Chicago (mid '50s), he performed with Junior Mance and Joe Williams. In 1956 he joined Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and moved to New York, where he also became house bassist for Riverside Records. In this capacity he recorded with many important musicians and also led his own groups. In 1957 he worked with the great John Coltrane while a member of Monk's quartet at the Five Spot, and with Sonny Rollins' group at the VillageVanguard. From 1963 Ware was inactive for around five years due to illness. When he finally did return to playing, it was with Archie Shepp's modern group. He performed and recorded sporadically with Shepp into the early '70s. Wilbur's full tone, percussive attack and short notes were very remniscent of Walter Page. Unlike many of the bass players of the day, who played logato solos, Ware developed his solos rhythmically. Wilbur Ware died in 1979.
Specs Wright, Drums, 1927, Philadelphia, PA
During world war two, Specs was in the army where he performed with several service bands, and also continued his education. After his discharge he worked with the Heath Brothers and numerous other up-coming jazz players in the Philadelphia area.. During the late '40s, while working with Howard McGhee, he recorded and also toured in France. He later worked with a wide variety of musicians, including Dizzy Gillespie, Earl Bostic, and Kenny Drew. During this period ,mid '50s, Wright worked a great deal as a freelance in the Philadelphia/NewYork area. In the late '50s he recorded with the modernists, Cannonball Adderley, Art Blakey, Carmen McRae and Ray Bryant. Specs Wright died in 1963.
James Clay, Saxophone, 1935, Dallas, TX
Norris Turney, Saxophone, 1921, Wilmington, OH
