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Illinois Jacquet

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Illinois Jacquet was an American jazz saxophonist, born on 30 October 1922. His parents were Creoles from Louisiana, but he grew up in Houston, Texas. His father led a band in his spare time and Illinois played alto in that group as a child. At fifteen he was already working with the Milton Larkin Orchestra, a dance band from the region. In 1939 he moved to Los Angeles, where Nat King Cole put him in touch with Lionel Hampton. Hampton wanted him in his new big band, but on tenor saxophone.

Music and breakthrough

In 1942 Jacquet, nineteen years old, played the solo on Flying Home with Hampton's orchestra. It was one of the first times a screaming, raw tenor sax was heard on record. The piece became the climax of every concert, and later saxophonists copied the solo. After that he worked with Cab Calloway, appeared in the film Jammin' the Blues and took part in the first Jazz at the Philharmonic concert. In 1946 he succeeded Lester Young in Count Basie's orchestra. With Jimmy Mundy he wrote Black Velvet, which became a standard as Don'cha Go 'Way Mad.

Influence

Jacquet played with a hard sound that ranged high and low, but could also improvise melodically on ballads. As one of the few jazz musicians, he also played the bassoon. His style influenced the saxophone in rhythm and blues and rock 'n' roll. He also protested against segregation in his hometown of Houston. He kept performing until his death in 2004.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Flying Home with Lionel Hampton and notice the tenor solo: how does Jacquet use the lowest and highest notes, and how does he build tension before the band comes in?

Discography

Studio albums

See also

Categories: Artists