(unknown newspaper [New York?], 1955 August)

THE SIX with MOONDOG

Thursday [1955] August 18, 8:40 P.M.


The six is a co-operative unit with a musical credo. It is a group that is unconcerned with labels and wishes to play with swing and a good happy feeling. They play show tunes, standards, the Dixieland regulars and the bop originals. Bob Wilber, clarinet has studied with Sidney Bechet, been one of the featured soloists at the International Jazz Festival at Nice, France. He has led bands in New York and Boston for five years and recorded extensively for Columbia, Commodore and Circle records. Bobby Hammer studied at the Manhattan School of Music. He played with Eddy Grady's Commanders. He is a versatile pianist, arranger and composer. Johnny Glasel, trumpet, began his professional career at sixteen appearing with Cozy Cole, Sidney Bechet, and George Brunis. He went on to glean two degrees in music from Yale. Eddie Phyfe, drums, has played his way around the country with Joe Bushkin, Muggsy Spanier, Claude Thornhill and Eddie Condon. His vital rhythmic support, as well as his ability to take extended solos, rank him among the finest Jazz drummers. Sonny Truitt, trombone, is equally adept at piano, clarinet, saxophone, and bassoon. He also arranges, composes and sings. He has worked with Bill Harris - "Chubby" Jackson Band, Tony Pastor and Art Mooney. Bill Britto, bass, was born in new Bradford, Mass. He studied at Schillinger House in Boston and worked with Phil Napoleon. Although acclaimed as a soloist, he believes the rightful function of the bass in jazz combos is to furnish a firm rhythmic foundation.

MOONDOG

For years Moondog has been entertaining New Yorkers by playing his unique percussion instruments in the streets in the theatre district usually after the shows let out. Sometimes be accompanies his intriguing rhythmic effects with chanting. The blind minstrel, tall and wearing simple robes and a hood presents a strange, dignified figure. In the last two years his remarkable musical talents have made him many friends in the music world, notably Jazzbo Collins.
He now has made some half dozen L.P. records and has appeared on radio and the concert stage.