William Osborne Kyle (July 14, 1914 - February 23, 1966)
was an American jazz pianist.
Kyle was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He began
gigging with local bands while in his teens. In the early 1930's, he
free-lanced in New York, then was resident pianist at the Memphis Club in
Philadelphia. He first came to prominence as accompanist for vocalist Bon Bon
Tunnell on radio station KYW.
After a stint with the band of Lucky Millinder (1936-38), Kyle joined the John Kirby Sextet, which included among its personnel such illustrious jazz musicians as Russell Procope, Buster Bailey and Charlie Shavers. Kyle remained with 'The Biggest Little Band in the Land' until called up for military.
After a stint with the band of Lucky Millinder (1936-38), Kyle joined the John Kirby Sextet, which included among its personnel such illustrious jazz musicians as Russell Procope, Buster Bailey and Charlie Shavers. Kyle remained with 'The Biggest Little Band in the Land' until called up for military.
Like so many of his generation, Kyle was drafted into the
army in 1942. He joined the legendary 93rd Infantry Division of the army, but
also got to keep his piano chops up, performing with the 368th Infantry
Battalion Band.
Upon discharge, Kyle rejoined Kirby for a short bit but
also started making records under his own name, including four for the Hot
Record Society label with future All Stars Trummy Young and Buster Bailey. On
April 11, 1946, Kyle, backed by Kirby and guitarist Jimmy Shirley, recorded a showpiece
version of the then in-vogue "All the Things You Are," a favourite of
the up and coming boppers. But instead of going the more modern route, Kyle
instead finds some connections between Jerome Kern's tune and the classical
music Kyle grew up playing in Philadelphia.
Kyle also left Kirby in 1946, joining Sy Oliver's
Orchestra for a few years. Kyle never was at a loss for work but after 1946 he
never led another session under his own name, a true shame. However, his name
was still big enough to be featured on the labels of some records made by some
of the best singers of the day. including Ella Fitzgerald.
Kyle obviously impressed both Milt Gabler at Decca and
his then-boss, Sy Oliver, as he became a regular pianist on many Decca dates of
the late 1940s and 1950's including those featuring Louis Armstrong.
Kyle wasn't going anywhere, just yet. In 1950, the smash
hit Guys and Dolls opened on Broadway with none other than Billy Kyle on piano.
It was the very beginning of black musicians being allowed to play in Broadway
pit bands, Kyle being joined for this show by trumpeter Joe Wilder and
trombonist Benny Morton. Kyle was content, working six days a week in New York
and picking up session work whenever available.
In late 1953 Billy replaced Marty Napoleon in Louis Aemstrong’s All Stars's. Joe Glaser usually did the hiring and firing of Armstrong's musicians but one can imagine that Armstrong had a say in hiring Kyle. With Kyle, Louis finally had the ideal pianistfor the group. His features always impressed audiences and was much more of a team player being a rock solid accompanist. And with three years playing the exact same things night after night on Broadway, eight shows a week, he had no troubles playing many of the same songs--and solos--night after night with the All Stars. In fact, once Kyle hit upon a set solo or introduction, he never wavered, remaining more tied to his "set" excursions than even Armstrong. Kyle can be glimpsed in the musical High Society (1956).
In late 1953 Billy replaced Marty Napoleon in Louis Aemstrong’s All Stars's. Joe Glaser usually did the hiring and firing of Armstrong's musicians but one can imagine that Armstrong had a say in hiring Kyle. With Kyle, Louis finally had the ideal pianistfor the group. His features always impressed audiences and was much more of a team player being a rock solid accompanist. And with three years playing the exact same things night after night on Broadway, eight shows a week, he had no troubles playing many of the same songs--and solos--night after night with the All Stars. In fact, once Kyle hit upon a set solo or introduction, he never wavered, remaining more tied to his "set" excursions than even Armstrong. Kyle can be glimpsed in the musical High Society (1956).
Kyle with Ben Webster |
At his last performance in Ohio band members had to help
him up the stairs to the stage. He was out of breath and couldn't hardly make
it, but he played everything he knew. It was just magnificent playing. The band
knew something was wrong when Kyle didn't come out of his room the following
morning. He had been suffering from liver failure. He was kept alive for a
week, but died on February 23, 1966. Youngstown, Ohio. He was 52 years old.
(Compiled and edited mainly from Hoosick History.com
& IMDB)
"Now You Has Jazz" written by Cole Porter for
the 1956 film High Society. In the clip are Edmond Hall, Louis Armstrong,
Trummy Young, Billy Kyle, Arvell Shaw and Barrett Deems from The All Stars.
Bing Crosby on vocals.
1 comment:
For: The Chronological Classics: Billy Kyle 1939-1946” go here:
https://www63.zippyshare.com/v/7MOTf8P0/file.html
1. You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby (3:03)
2. Just a Kid Named Joe (3:15)
3. Jeepers Creepers (2:58)
4. I Must See Annie Tonight (2:49)
5. Honey in the Bee Ball (3:11)
6. 'Tain't What You Do (2:47)
7. Mioney Is Honey (3:10)
8. Lonesome Railroad (2:36)
9. Fishing Up a Date (2:40)
10. Between Sets (2:34)
11. Paule Revere (2:48)
12. Ole Chris (2:58)
13. Scatterbrain (2:40)
14. The Monkeys Have No Tails in Pago Pago (2:42)
15. Peach Tree Street (2:41)
16. Hezekiah (2:46)
17. I Want You, I Need You (3:03)
18. All the Things You Are (2:42)
19. I Got a Right to Sing the Blues (2:51)
20. H.R.S. Bounce (3:02)
21. Ooh, Baby, You Knock Me Out (2:50)
22. Date for Eight (3:00)
23. Contemporary Blues (2:58)
A big thank you to Audiotot for mp3’s
This is the second of two Classics Billy Kyle CDs which has all of the remaining titles the superior swing pianist led during his life (although he lived until 1966). Ten of the 23 numbers are lesser performances, with four featuring the dated organist Bob Hamilton and the vocals of O'Neil Spencer; two are jivey numbers by singer Jack Sneed and his Sneezers, and four others also emphasize O'Neil Spencer's singing along with the organ of Milt Herth. However, the other 13 selections are full of classic swing-oriented performances. The talented British trumpeter Nat Gonella is heard fronting a hot septet also including Kyle, clarinetist Buster Bailey and altoist Benny Carter (their version of "You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby" is a highlight); Kyle leads a couple of high-quality trio sets from 1939 and 1946, and he also heads a 1946 octet also featuring trumpeter Dick Vance, trombonist Trummy Young, clarinetist Bailey and tenor saxophonist John Hardee. The better half of this CD is so strong that it makes the entire set well worth acquiring despite the organists. (Scott Yarrow @ AllMusic)
Post a Comment