Benny Morton

The trombone was a particularly effective musical device in swing music, and not only for its slurs, slides, growls, and groans. Benny Morton was known for his beautiful tone, advanced use of chromatics outside of the key signature, and tasteful understatement. He took part in much of the essential music of the swing period; in fact, listeners undertaking an exploratory journey into the heart of swing music will run smack dab into the man wherever they may turn. For example, dig into the limited but miraculous discography of innovative electric guitarist Charlie Christian and Morton is right there bopping along. One doesn't have to be a jazz fan to appreciate the '30s and '40s recordings of vocalist Billie Holiday and Morton is one of the many great players whose contributions make these sides such pearls. He played with Fletcher Henderson and Count Basie and was the member of several of the best swing revival bands from later decades. He kept being invited out on choice gigs well into his '70s, yet tends to be seen as an undersung hero.

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