Tadd Dameron

Tadd Dameron was born in Cleveland in 1917 and came of age towards the end of the Swing Era.  As the bebop revolution unfolded, Dameron was a key figure as a pianist in various bands,  arranger for Dizzy Gillespie and others, and composer of classics such as “Hot House", "If You Could See Me Now", "Our Delight", "Good Bait" and "Lady Bird".

He’s been called the romanticist of the bebop era.  Certainly his sophisticated musicianship and lyrical touch elevated the harmonic advances of bebop, and his emotive style informed the music of Fats Navarro, Wardell Gray, Clifford Brown and so many others.

Additionally, Dameron had the opportunity to present his music in his own medium-sized orchestras.  His recording legacy also includes leading sessions with greats like John Coltrane, inter alia.

Unfortunately his career was interrupted by narcotics issues and related prison terms, and later cut short by various health problems.  Dameron died of cancer in 1965.

 

originally broadcast in 2010

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