Jimmy Heath's Biography
The middle of the three Heath Brothers, Jimmy Heath has a distinctive sound on tenor, is a fluid player on soprano and flute, and a very talented arranger/composer whose originals include "C.T.A." and "Gingerbread Boy." He was originally an altoist, playing with Howard Mcghee during 1947-1948 and the Dizzy Gillespie big band (1949-1950). Called "Little Bird" because of the similarity in his playing to Charlie Parker, Heath switched to tenor in the early '50s. Although out of action for a few years due to "personal problems," Heath wrote for Chet Baker and Art Blakey during 1956-1957. Back in action in 1959, he worked with Miles Davis briefly that year, in addition to Kenny Dorham and Gil Evans, and started a string of impressive recordings for Riverside. In the 1960s, Heath frequently teamed up with Milt Jackson and Art Farmer, and he also worked as an educator and a freelance arranger. During 1975-1982, Jimmy Heath teamed up with brothers Percy and Tootie in The Heath Brothers, and since then has remained active as a saxophonist and writer. In addition to his earlier Riverside dates, Jimmy Heath has recorded as a leader for Cobblestone, Muse, Xanadu, Landmark, and Verve. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Jimmy Heath's Albums
- Really Big! [Bonus Track] (2007)
- Turn Up the Heath: The Jimmy Heath Big Band (2006)
- You or Me (1995)
- You've Changed (1994)
- Little Man, Big Band (1992)
- Peer Pleasure (1987)
- New Picture (1985)
- In Motion (1979)
- Marchin' On (1975)
- Picture of Heath (1975)
- Time and the Place (1974)
- Love and Understanding (1973)
- Jimmy (1972)
- The Gap Sealer (1972)
- On the Trail (1964)
- Fast Company (1963)
- Triple Threat (1962)
- Really Big! (1960)
- Nice People (1959)
- The Thumper (1959)
Compilations
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