Up for auction "Jazz Trombonist" Al Grey 8X10 Matted Hand 3X5 Card. This item is certified authentic by JG Autographs and comes with their Certificate of Authenticity.

ES-3012

Al Grey (June 6, 1925 – March 24, 2000) was a jazz trombonist who was a member of the Count Basie orchestra. He was known for his plunger mute technique and wrote an instructional book called Plunger Techniques. Al Grey was born in Aldie, Virginia and grew up in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. During World War II he served in the U.S. Navy, where he started playing the trombone. Soon after his discharge, he joined Benny Carter's band, then the bands of Jimmie Lunceford, Lucky Millinder, and Lionel Hampton. In 1950s he was a member of the big bands of Dizzy Gillespie and Count Basie. He led bands in the 1960s with Billy Mitchell and Jimmy Forrest. Later in life he recorded with Clark Terry and J. J. Johnson. Grey's early trombone style was inspired by Trummy Young. He developed a wild, strong and full sound. Solos often consisted of short, pronounced phrases with precisely timed syncopation. When playing with the plunger, however, he would produce the most mellow fill-ins and shape melodic answers to the lead voice. This aspect of his playing can be heard to great effect in response to Bing Crosby's vocals on the 1972 album Bing 'n' Basie.