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John Kirby, a gifted bassist from Baltimore, moved to New York in the ‘20’s and in 1930 joined the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra, the most important of the pioneering big bands playing arranged music. It was Don Redman, the talented arranger with Henderson, who developed the basic patterns of big band arrangements: the interplay of brass and reed sections – sometimes in call and response and at other times with one section playing supporting riffs behind the other, with many solos interspersed between the arranged passages. Kirby employed this format as the basis for his arrangements, and in 1937 he formed his small group at the Onyx Club on 52nd Street, New York. The sextet included some of the finest musicians, including trumpeter Charlie Shavers, who wrote most of the arrangements. Shavers was one of the great trumpeters to emerge during the swing era – a virtuoso with an extroverted style and a strong sense of humor. Other Members of the Sextet were Russel Procope, alto; Buster |
The John Kirby Sextet c.1937 |
Bailey, clarinet; Billy Kyle, piano; O'Neil Spencer, drums ; and Maxine Sullivan, vocals. The group was a perfect accompaniment for Maxine Sullivan's clear voice and reserved demeanor along with her distinctive coolness. The singer and the Band simply projected dignity. Melodic and always in tune, her repertoire included many classic and folk songs including her major hit Loch Lomond. The Kirby Sextet was an ideal vehicle for Shavers, showing his versatility with crisp solos while muted. The arrangements were cool-toned and required a high degree of skill. Shavers’ “Undecided” became a hit and the band’s abilities to “swing the classics” caught on. The group concentrated on a “chamber” jazz style, performing intricate arrangements at a subdued dynamic level with a light sense of swing and an extremely precise ensemble. The arrangements are clever and full of surprises and humor. The group was the most popular small band in the swing style at the time ('38-'42) and performed weekly national network broadcasts. |
