Historical Dictionary of Jazz. John S. Davis
Journalists Association and in 2005 received a Grammy Award nomination in the category of Best Jazz Vocal Album for his recording American Song (Savoy).
BIGARD, ALBANY LEON “BARNEY” (1906–1980)
A clarinet player, Bigard was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. In the early 1920s, he moved to Chicago and began playing with King Joe Oliver and others, during which time much of his recording was done playing the saxophone. In 1927, he joined the Duke Ellington Orchestra and became a featured clarinet soloist, while also doing section work on tenor saxophone. Bigard played with Ellington until 1942 and is credited as co-composer of the classic song “Mood Indigo.” Bigard later worked with Louis Armstrong as a member of Armstrong’s touring band, the All Stars. Bigard titled his autobiography With Louis and the Duke.
BIG BAND
A term used to describe a large jazz ensemble, usually between 12 and 18 people. A typical jazz big band is made up of five saxophones (two altos, two tenors, and one baritone), four trumpets, four trombones, piano, bass, and drum set. There are many variations of a big band, and frequently a trombone or trumpet can be omitted or a guitarist, percussionist, or vocalist may be added. Instruments used rarely in big bands include the oboe, bassoon, and French horn, although some third stream and modern music contains parts for such instruments. Famous big band leaders include Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, and Benny Goodman. See also CALLOWAY, CABELL “CAB” (1907–1994); DORSEY, TOMMY (1905–1956); GILLESPIE, JOHN “DIZZY” (1917–1993); HENDERSON, FLETCHER HAMILTON, JR. (1897–1952); HERMAN, WOODROW CHARLES “WOODY” (1913–1987); JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA; LUNCEFORD, JAMES MELVIN “JIMMIE” (1902–1947); MILLER, (ALTON) GLENN (1904–1944); MINGUS, CHARLES (1922–1979); MINTZER, BOB (1953–); SCHNEIDER, MARIA (1960–); SHAW, ARTIE (1910–2004); WDR BIG BAND; WEBB, CHICK (1909–1939); WHITEMAN, PAUL (1890–1967).
BIG BANDS INTERNATIONAL
An English organization founded by Roy Belcher in the late 1970s with the intention of providing members the opportunity to discuss various topics regarding rehearsing, performing, and directing big bands.
BIG CHIEF JAZZBAND
A Norwegian-based early jazz septet that remained active for almost 40 years, from 1952 into the 1990s. It frequently recorded and toured.
BIG FOUR
A name frequently used for all-star quartets that recorded. Groups led by Sidney Bechet, Buddy Rich, and Oscar Peterson all recorded under the name Big Four.
BIONDINI, LUCIANO (1971–)
An accordion player, Biondini began classical music studies at the age of 10 in Italy, winning numerous awards for his playing. In 1994, he began performing jazz music and became known particularly for his emotional interpretations. He incorporates elements of his Italian musical influences into his jazz stylings. Most recently, he has been presenting a modernist interpretation of Italian film music as part of a duo, often working with Italian saxophonist Rosario Giuliani.
BIRD
Frequently used nickname for bebop saxophonist Charlie Parker.
BIRDLAND
The name of a very significant nightclub in New York that was opened in 1949. Birdland, along with the Village Vanguard, is considered to be one of the top jazz clubs and frequently features big-name performers. The club’s name is in reference to the nickname of Charlie Parker, “Bird.” Pianist Joe Zawinul dedicated a famous fusion work, “Birdland,” in honor of the club. The club remains active today.
BISTROUILLE AMATEURS DANCE ORCHESTRA
A Belgium-based dance band created in the 1920s that prominently featured many of the country’s finest working musicians.
BJØRKEN, ASMUND (1933–2018)
A Norwegian saxophone and accordion player, Bjørken played in both folk and jazz styles. He performed with the Harry Waagens Orchestra from 1949 to 1953 and went on to form his own jazz bands beginning in 1956. In 1990, he led the Asmund Bjørken Swing Sextet, which recorded one of four albums Bjørken made as a leader. His autobiography was released in 2003.
BLACK AND BLUE
A French record label that primarily distributed and rereleased albums recorded by smaller companies. Significant jazz players to have albums released on Black and Blue include Jay McShann and Jo Jones.
BLACK & WHITE
Only in existence from 1943 to 1949, the Black & White label released many jazz albums by artists including Lil Armstrong and Erroll Garner.
BLACK ARTISTS GROUP (BAG)
An artist collective created by Charles “Bobo” Shaw in 1968 and housed in a performance space in St. Louis, Missouri. The Black Artists Group was created with similar principles as the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians in Chicago, focusing on the creation of free and creative music. Concerts presented by the BAG ranged from solo to large group performances. Included in this group of musicians were avant-garde jazz pioneers Oliver Lake, Joseph Bowie, Hamiet Bluiett, Julius Hemphill, and Marty Ehrlich. The collective only lasted four years and was forced to fold due to a lack of funding and an absence of younger musicians to replace members who had left to pursue individual careers.
BLACK BOTTOM
A style of dance in the 1920s that involved a set number of specific steps and moves. See also BLACK BOTTOM STOMPERS.
BLACK BOTTOM STOMPERS
A group founded in the 1920s to record popular music to which people could perform the black bottom style of dance. The group made several recordings but did not tour or perform in public.
BLACK LION
Founded in London in the late 1960s, Black Lion primarily reissued older American albums in addition to distributing the music of British jazz musicians. Artists to have albums issued or reissued on Black Lion include Paul Gonsalves, Sun Ra, Dexter Gordon, and Chris Barber. Black Lion acquired another significant jazz label, Candid, in the 1980s. See also FREEDOM; RECORD LABEL.
BLACK SAINT
An Italian record label created in the 1970s that specializes in free or avant-garde jazz. Artists to have albums released on Black Saint include David Murray, Steve Lacy, the World Saxophone Quartet, and Anthony Braxton.
BLACKWELL, ED(WARD) JOSEPH (1929–1992)
Born in New Orleans, Blackwell grew up inspired by the variety of rhythms he heard in local bands and among tap dancers. Blackwell’s most famous musical association, playing with Ornette Coleman, began in the late 1940s in Los Angeles. After a short hiatus in the 1950s, Blackwell resumed playing at the end of the decade. Blackwell’s associations with Coleman and Eric Dolphy helped define a new style of playing drum set in free jazz music. Blackwell would be affiliated with many of the top free jazz musicians during the 1960s, including Archie Shepp and Don Cherry.
After suffering some minor health setbacks in the 1970s, Blackwell continued to be a highly regarded sideman for most of the next few years. Blackwell began leading his own groups in the 1980s, although