Shadow Wilson, Drums, 1919, Yonkers, NY
It was during the late '30s that Shadow (Rossiere) started working with the big bands of the period. His most important gigs were with the bands of Lucky Millinder, Benny Carter, Tiny Bradshaw, and Lionel Hampton. Around seven or eight years later Shadow was working with Woody Herman and Count Basie. During this time he still managed to continue working in small groups led by Illinois Jacquet, Erroll Garner and Ella Fitzgerald, and even the more modern bands of Monk and Sonny Stitt. He recorded with many different leaders, including Basie, Joe Newman, and Lee Konitz. Early in his career Wilson was famous for his hard driving rhythmic force behind large orchestras, and by 1950 he also became highly regarded for his work in small ensembles. Equally swinging, using sticks or brushes, he was one of the most flexible and accomplished drummers of the era, and an unfailingly sensitive player. Shadow Wilson died in 1959.
Sam Rivers, Saxophone, 1930, El Reno, OK
In addition to playing the reed instruments, Sam also played the piano and the viola. He acquired his early training in Little Rock, AK and in Chicago. From 1947 to 1952 he attended the Boston Conservatory of Music. Being in New England, he performed regularly in the Boston area until around 1965, during which time he developed a very personal approach, creating his own exercises and practice regimen. Rivers first came to prominence while with Miles Davis in the mid '60s. In the late '60s he played with Cecil Taylor, whom he also joined as artist in residence at the Foundation Maeght. St. Paul de Vence, France. In 1970 Sam and his wife ,Bea Rivers, established Studio Rivbea in Soho, an important forum for new music. From that time Sam has performed, toured and recorded with his own groups and has continued to develop a highly individual musical personality. His work with the bassist, Dave Holland , in quartet, trio, and duo settings, has been especially influential to countless younger musicians.
Bill Pierce, Saxophone, 1948, Hampton, VA
Bill began his professional career playing in various bands in the Boston area around 1970. At that time his specialty seemed to be accompaning visiting soul artists such as Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder and he also continued to play jazz. Around 1985-86 Bill performed and recorded with James Williams and also toured the U.S. and Europe with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. With Blakey, Bill cut several recordings on which he played tenor, including an album that was chosen Album Of The Year in 1981. He returned to his favorite area, Boston, in 1982, where he continued to perform and teach privately. As a leader, he recorded the wonderful album "William The Conqueror" in 1985. Today, Bill is very active in the New England area, teaching and performing with small groups and in big-bands.
Horace Arnold, Drums, 1937, Wayland, KY
