Dizzy, Bird, and Bop (1945-1946)
Ray Brown - His Life and Music - Jay Sweet
Jay Sweet [+]
musician, educator and writer
Jay Sweet is a professional jazz bassist, educator, writer, and researcher. Currently, he teaches bass instruction and courses in Jazz History, American Music History, and Music Appreciation at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey. He has also taught several related courses at Middlesex College and Rutgers University. In addition, he is the owner and director of Sweet Music Academy, where he and his fantastic staff of highly trained instructors have taught well over 3,500 students through his efforts. Along with teaching, Jay Sweet is an active performer who has performed and recorded with several noted artists. Most recently, he has worked as a contributing editor of Jersey Jazz Magazine and released the book A History of American Music: An Origin Story 1750-1950 (Kendall Hunt).
Jay Sweet holds degrees from Berklee College of Music (B.M.) and Rutgers University (M.M.). He is also the host of the popular podcasts 30 Albums For 30 Years (1964-1994) and The Jazz Real Book.
Jay Sweet holds degrees from Berklee College of Music (B.M.) and Rutgers University (M.M.). He is also the host of the popular podcasts 30 Albums For 30 Years (1964-1994) and The Jazz Real Book.
Description
In 1945, 19-year-old bassist Ray Brown seized an opportunity to move to New York, mailing jazz agencies with Snookum Russell's "World's Greatest Bass Player" flyers. Dizzy Gillespie offered him a spot in his bebop band, leading to a groundbreaking stint at Billy Berg's Club in Los Angeles. Despite challenges and pressure to commercialize, the band showcased bebop's intensity on the West Coast. Brown's first recordings with Gillespie and Charlie Parker, including the Jubilee broadcast and Dial Records sessions, marked significant moments. However, a West Coast trip ended with Gillespie and Parker's relationship strained. Brown, influenced by Gillespie, avoided Parker's destructive path.