Tyree Glenn, who had the unusual double of trombone and vibes, was an important asset at various times to both Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. Glenn started out working in territory bands in Virginia then moved to the West Coast, playing with groups headed by Charlie Echols (1936) and Eddie Barefield. After playing with Ethel Waters and Benny Carter, he became a longtime member of the Cab Calloway Orchestra (1939-46). Glenn visited Europe with Don Redman's big band (1946). During his association with Duke Ellington (1947-51), he was an effective wa-wa trombonist in the Tricky Sam Nanton tradition and Ellington's only vibraphonist, being well-featured on the "Liberian Suite." During the 1950s Glenn worked in the studios, led his quartet at the Embers and freelanced in swing and Dixieland settings. Other than some European dates in 1947, Glenn's only extensive opportunity to record was for Roulette (1957-58 and 1961-62). During 1965-68 he toured with the world with Louis Armstrong's All-Stars. After leaving Armstrong, Tyree Glenn led his own group during his last few years. — Trombonist Tyree Glenn, who played with both Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong, was not that well-known as a bandleader, but he did head six now-obscure albums for Roulette from 1957-62, none of which have been reissued on CD yet. For this fairly freewheeling live set, the distinctive trombonist is joined by guitarist Mary Osborne, pianist Hank Jones, bassist Tommy Potter and drummer Jo Jones for likable versions of a dozen standards. A few ("Just a Wearyin' for You," "Wonder Why" and "Marcheta") are lesser-known. Glenn sounds in particularly fine form on "Teach Me Tonight," "There Will Never Be Another You" (which finds him switching to vibes), "Royal Garden Blues," and "Limehouse Blues." Fun music, but this will be difficult to find. — Scott Yanow He's Talking about the Roundtable album, which has been sold, but we have the London House and Embers LPs. Both have Mary Osborne. These two LPs are all $18.00 each, plus postage (on each). The "Embers" album is on Forum, which is the re-issue. The "London House" is on the original Roulette release. Condition is very good with a Goldmine's rating. Some surface noise. No skips or jumps. |
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| AT THE LONDON HOUSE | | | EMBER'S LINER NOTES | ||
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