Overview

Traces the events spanning Griffin's career from his time in the Benny Goodman band with Harry James and Ziggy Elman in what Duke Ellington dubbed the best brass section of its day through his freelance years in radio, television and records where he recorded with legendary musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett, and Frank Sinatra. Griffin's honesty and humor shine through the text as he recalls a time when talent and dedication to quality were supreme.

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9780810850019

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Reviews

...I'm delighted that one of the unsung heroes of the Swing Era is not forgotten... * The Jazz Rag * This small book offers Griffin's affectionate tales of Goodman, Gleason, Charlie Barnet, Frank Sinatra and others. He comes across as a modest, witty raconteur and any new first-hand testimony about those long-gone days when, for a moment, jazz was American popular music, is worth having. * All About Jazz, March 2007 * This biography of trumpet player Chris Griffin collects his reminiscences of playing with the Benny Goodman band and the Ed Sullivan Show band and working with Charlie Barnet, Ziggy Elman, Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, Dinah Shore, and Tony Martin. Black and white photographs and a discography are provided. * Reference and Research Book News * About a year ago Warren told me of his new and exciting project, the story of big band trumpeter Chris Griffin. I was so excited about the news as Mr. Griffin was a true giant of the golden age of the swing era, yet never really made the 'name status' of other trumpet stars that in many respects learned from Griffin, Ziggy Elman and Harry James included. Jazz fans every where rejoice in the idea that those who should be given their dues do in fact gain some of that in historical documentation such as Warren's book, released recordings or newly found concert performances. The fact that someone such as Warren was finally putting into print the story of Chris Griffin caused many to smile. And then there is the chance that people who never knew of his great sound could finally learn of it and in doing so keep it alive. This is perhaps why I write this review, because to me this book now serves as a tribute. On February 27, 2005 Murray Davison passed away, the same week his old army buddy Warren Vaché passed. A few months later on June 18, 2005 Chris Griffin joined the two in a jazz reunion in the sky. This book therefore, is meaningful in several ways to those who knew the men behind this great story. -- Dan Del Fiorentino, NAMM, THE INTERNATIONAL MUSIC PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION

About a year ago Warren told me of his new and exciting project, the story of big band trumpeter Chris Griffin. I was so excited about the news as Mr. Griffin was a true giant of the golden age of the swing era, yet never really made the 'name status' of other trumpet stars that in many respects learned from Griffin, Ziggy Elman and Harry James included. Jazz fans every where rejoice in the idea that those who should be given their dues do in fact gain some of that in historical documentation such as Warren's book, released recordings or newly found concert performances. The fact that someone such as Warren was finally putting into print the story of Chris Griffin caused many to smile. And then there is the chance that people who never knew of his great sound could finally learn of it and in doing so keep it alive. This is perhaps why I write this review, because to me this book now serves as a tribute. On February 27, 2005 Murray Davison passed away, the same week his old army buddy W

Author Information

The late Warren W. Vaché was a freelance writer and jazz musician. He was a co-founder and charter member of the New Jersey Jazz Society, the co-founder of the American Federation of Jazz Societies, and founder of the American Jazz Hall of Fame.

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