Gerald Wilson's Magnificient Big Band
Blues for Yna Yna from the 1962 LA TV show, Frankly Jazz
Gerald Wilson was a prominent American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, composer, and arranger. Born on September 4, 1918, in Shelby, Mississippi, and passing away on September 8, 2014, Wilson had a career that spanned over several decades, making significant contributions to the world of jazz.
Wilson was known for his innovative and sophisticated arrangements and compositions. His work often featured complex harmonies and rhythms, which were ahead of their time and influenced the development of big band and orchestral jazz.
He integrated various musical styles into his jazz compositions, including Latin, African, and even classical music elements. This fusion approach helped broaden the appeal and scope of jazz music.
Throughout his career, Wilson collaborated with many jazz legends, including Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Dizzy Gillespie. These collaborations not only highlighted his talent but also contributed to the evolution of jazz.
Wilson was also an educator who taught at various institutions, sharing his knowledge and passion for jazz with younger generations. His role as an educator helped nurture new talents and sustain the jazz tradition.
His influence extends beyond his compositions and recordings. The Gerald Wilson Orchestra was a training ground for many musicians who later became significant figures in jazz. His arrangements and style influenced numerous artists and ensembles.
Jazz returned to the television screen in Los Angeles in the summer of 1962. The first program created for syndication by Steve Allen was Jazz Scene U.S.A, filming in April of that year at CBS Studios in Hollywood, produced by Jimmie Baker. Baker was a veteran jazz TV producer who had been one of the creative forces responsible for the award winning Stars of Jazz TV series that ran from June of 1956 through January of 1959 on local LA screens. Popular LA Jazz DJ Frank Evans launched the second jazz TV series that year in Los Angeles on channel 5, KTLA, in August, Frankly Jazz.
From their appearance on Frankly Jazz, here’s Wilson’s popular Blues for Yna Yna, named for his daughter’s cat.