Wendell Marshall

[Morganized]

I recently purchased an Ike Quebec, Soul Samba, mostly to fill some holes in my collection. Much to my surprise I have been enjoying this one more than I anticipated. I think Ike's playing is soulful as always, but I have really enjoyed the sidemen on this one. Kenny Burrell is outstanding but I have been fascinated with the bassist Wendell Marshall. The guy is very creative and has a really nice touch.

I am not familiar with him. Looked him up on AMG(yes the NEW version, only took a week!) and saw that he was in the Ellington band. Did he ever record with smaller groups? Are there any sessions that anyone would recommend?

Thanks for the help.

[Spontooneous]

He's on a TON of Prestige and Swingville sessions around 1959-60. (Type his name into the towerrecords.com search engine!)

I was just last night listening to the compilation of Bill Jennings sessions, where Marshall's in the rhythm section with Jack McDuff. This is pretty light stuff, but so sweet and tasty. One false move and the cake would collapse. It never does. Marshall keeps it floating. (Mixed metaphor, but you know what I mean.)

Edited July 24, 2004 by Spontooneous

[B. Goren.]

During the 50's Marshall recorded and played with Hank Jones. Check out some of HJ recordings from this decade.

Bluebird is a very good one.

[brownie]

Wendell Marshall was Jimmie Blanton's cousin. Blanton gave him his first lessons on the bass. He was in Duke Ellington's orchestra from 1948 to 1955.

He was the house bassist for Savoy records in addition to the numerous sessions he took part in with Prestige and other labels.

A favorite Savoy session with Marshall is the Hank Jones trio date with Kenny Clarke that was reissued under Clarke's name. Marshall was also on the Milt Jackson-Lucky Thompson Savoy sessions that need to be properly reissued.

[mikeweil]

Wendell Marshall was Jimmie Blanton's cousin. Blanton gave him his first lessons on the bass. He was in Duke Ellington's orchestra from 1948 to 1955.

...., AFAIK he also played Jimmy Blanton's bass!

IMHO, one of the greatest bassists of his generation. I'd recommend any Savoy or Prestige session just for his playing.

Too bad he retired from playing in 1968, after spending almost 10 years in Broadway pit bands.

[John L]

And like Blanton, he was the bass player in Duke Ellington's orchestra in the late 40s and early 50s. He was also the bass player in the Donald Byrd-Gigi Gryce Jazz Lab.

[Larry Kart]

Marshall really shines on Eddie Costa's "Guys and Dolls Like Vibes," with Bill Evans (at his early best), and Paul Motion.

[randyhersom]

One false move and the cake would collapse. It never does. Marshall keeps it floating. (Mixed metaphor, but you know what I mean.)

Someone left the cake out in the rain ...

[jazzbo]

That Hank Jones Trio is a favorite, and recorded by RVG the afternoon I was born!

I've been a big fan of Marshall for some time. Such a wonderful tone, and swinging with great ideas too. . . he had all you need in a bass player. I kept discovering more and more great sessions with him as I collected all those Savoy/Denon cds starting about 12 years ago or so. . . !

[mikeweil]

That Hank Jones Trio is a favorite, and recorded by RVG the afternoon I was born!

Congrats!!! Great album.

Wasn't there a thread on this? Would be a nice post there!

[jazzbo]

There was; it is.

[Brad]

I believe he was also involved in some of the early BN Lee Morgan sessions. However, being at work, I don't have a lot of info here.

[Morganized]

Thanks guys. I knew I would get some good info. and recommendations from the group. I will have to check out that Hank Jones recommendation. Looks pretty tasty.

Brad, thanks for the tip. If you find out which Lee Morgan albums he was on let me know. I seem to be a fan of both.....

Thanks again.

[Michael Fitzgerald]

No, Marshall never recorded with Morgan. You might be thinking of Wilbur Ware or perhaps remembering the composer Owen Marshall, both of whom contribute to the first BN Lee Morgan session.

Mike

[Brad]

Mike is right. Looks like I had the wrong Marshall.