The Oscar Pettiford Orchestra led by the great pioneering bassist and cellist was a short lived big band that existed for several months in 1957. This Jazz feature is our on going tribute to short-lived bands. Pettiford had always dreamed of having a big band and he was able achieve it for a short time with the assistance of player/arrangers like alto saxophonist Gigi Gryce and tenor saxophone great Lucky Thompson. The band had a unique sound with two French horns (Julius Watkins and David Amram) plus a harp (Betty Glamman). Well hear solos by Pettiford on bass and cello plus some fine moments by trumpeters Art Farmer and Ernie Royal and trombonist Jimmy Cleveland plus of course alto saxophonist Gigi Gryce and tenor saxophone master Lucky Thompson and pianist Tommy Flanagan and the French horns. A great bog band with inspired playing throughout. The Oscar Pettiford Orchestra on tap tonight!
