Med Flory

[Durium]

MED FLORY

The introduction to Med Flory must have been somewhere during the 1960s or 1970s, as I was an admirer of the Bonanza TV-series that was on Dutch television, broadcasted by the KRO ( 1963 - 1972 ). Med Flory was to be seen in just four episodes, so I really don't remember him. Last month I was introduced to a complete other side of this actor - his biggest love - music - as a bandleader, jazz saxophone player and, above all, a great composer.

Med Flory: Go West Young Med

Med Flory is perhaps best known as the co-founder of Supersax, the commercially successful reed ensemble started in 1972 that plays transcriptions of Charlie Parker's solos. But before Supersax, Med was one of the most dynamic alto saxophonists, arrangers and bandleaders on the New York and Los Angeles scenes in the 1950s. If you listen to his leadership recordings from the mid- and late-1950s or his work with Terry Gibbs and Dave Pell, you'll be taken aback. I certainly was. ( Marc Myers in zijn Jazz Wax blog )

Keep swinging

Durium

[Big Beat Steve]

I think his JAZZ WAVE LP (Jubilee, 1956) was discussed here before, and it's worth a revisit anytime.

[BillF]

Go West Young Med! is a favorite, together with the Supersax albums.

[Larry Kart]

Great Al Cohn chart there -- "No Thanks." One of the best shout choruses ever.

[Larry Kart]

Multi-part interview with Med from Marc Meyers' Jazz Wax blog:

http://www.jazzwax.com/2009/07/interview-m...ory-part-1.html

[Durium]

MED FLORY

Med's charts and the charts he motivated others to write for him are like pure rocket fuel. They take off and don't stop. Part of Med's gift was a knack for assembling just the right swingers. Like a kid who keeps tinkering with hot rods to get them to go faster, louder and cooler, Med routinely assembled groups that out-did the last ones. Musicians impressed into duty (often in the same band) included Al Cohn, Johnny Bello, Doug Mettome, Hal McKusick, Billy Byers, Urbie Green and so many others. Med's leadership dates bring new meaning to his "dream bands. ( Marc Myers Jazz Wax blog )

Enjoy the second part of Med Flory's career during the 1950s: Med Flory: His Dream Bands

Keep swinging

Durium

[chewy-chew-chew-bean-benitez]

is jazz wave really good big beat steve- i see its med+ orchestra........