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Swingin' the Blues: The Virtuosity of Eddie Durham

Guillermo Blair

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Eddie Durham Playing The Trombone Swingin The Blues The Virtuosity Of Eddie Durham: Volume 1

Swingin' the Blues - The Virtuosity of Eddie Durham: Volume 1

by Topsy M Durham

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Eddie Durham was a jazz trombonist, arranger, and composer who made significant contributions to the development of swing and bebop. Born in San Marcos, Texas, in 1906, Durham began playing the trombone at an early age. He quickly developed a reputation as a gifted musician, and in the early 1930s, he began playing with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Benny Goodman.

In the mid-1930s, Durham began to experiment with new approaches to jazz arranging and composition. He was one of the first musicians to use the trombone as a solo instrument, and he also developed a unique style of arranging that incorporated elements of swing, bebop, and blues. Durham's innovations had a profound impact on the development of jazz, and he is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of the music.

Durham's Early Life and Career

Eddie Durham was born in San Marcos, Texas, on August 19, 1906. His father was a minister, and his mother was a schoolteacher. Durham began playing the trombone at an early age, and he quickly developed a reputation as a gifted musician. In the early 1930s, he began playing with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Benny Goodman.

In 1935, Durham joined the Count Basie Orchestra. He quickly became one of the most important members of the band, and he played a major role in developing the Basie sound. Durham's trombone solos were always a highlight of the band's performances, and he also contributed a number of important arrangements to the Basie repertoire.

In 1937, Durham left the Count Basie Orchestra to join the Duke Ellington Orchestra. He stayed with Ellington for two years, and during that time he made a number of important contributions to the band's music. Durham wrote several arrangements for the Ellington Orchestra, and he also played a number of memorable solos.

Durham's Innovations

Eddie Durham was one of the most innovative musicians of his time. He was one of the first musicians to use the trombone as a solo instrument, and he also developed a unique style of arranging that incorporated elements of swing, bebop, and blues.

Durham's trombone solos were always a highlight of his performances. He had a unique sound that was both lyrical and powerful. He was also a master of improvisation, and he could always create something new and exciting on the spot.

Durham's arrangements were also highly innovative. He was one of the first musicians to use the trombone section as a solo instrument. He also developed a number of new harmonic and rhythmic devices that gave his arrangements a unique sound.

Durham's innovations had a profound impact on the development of jazz. He was one of the most important figures in the transition from swing to bebop, and his music continues to inspire musicians today.

Durham's Later Career

In the late 1940s, Durham began to focus more on composing and arranging. He wrote a number of important pieces for the Count Basie Orchestra, including "Moten Swing" and "Jumpin' at the Woodside." He also wrote several pieces for the Duke Ellington Orchestra, including "The Mooche" and "Sophisticated Lady."

In the 1950s, Durham moved to Europe. He continued to compose and arrange, and he also played with a number of European jazz musicians. Durham died in Zurich, Switzerland, on December 6, 1987.

Durham's Legacy

Eddie Durham was one of the most important figures in the history of jazz. His innovations had a profound impact on the development of the music, and his music continues to inspire musicians today.

Durham's legacy is a complex one. He was a brilliant musician who made significant contributions to jazz, but he was also a troubled man who struggled with personal and professional problems. Despite his flaws, Durham's music remains a testament to his genius and his passion for jazz.

Eddie Durham was a true jazz original. He was a gifted musician who pushed the boundaries of the music and helped to shape its future

Swingin' the Blues - The Virtuosity of Eddie Durham: Volume 1

by Topsy M Durham

4.6 out of 5