The best vibraphonist you've NEVER heard!
Check out my Vibes History Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Kw...
If you've never heard of Charlie Calzaretta, you're not alone! Let's learn some more about him.
Link to a full analysis of his solo on "Blue Lou": • Vibes Solo Analysis: 'Blue Lou' - Charlie ...
Charlie Calzaretta (1921-1986) was a Chicago area vibraphonist who recorded with the Art Van Damme quintet in the 1940s and 1950s. I love discovering musicians like this - he was clearly a total pro and could swing with anyone. It's kind of a shame that he never recorded anything under his own name, but at least we have the recordings he did make. It's worth a rabbit hole for sure.
Here is the link to the 1951 'David Garroway At Large' clip: • art van damme-show in chicago 1951
Here is 'Blue Lou', recorded with Art Van Damme in 1953: • The Art Van Damme Quintet - Blue Lou
Do you agree with my analysis of his style? Let me know in the comments! Let me know of other unsung vibes heroes as well!
Thanks as always for watching.
-Tim
#vibraphone #jazzhistory #accordion
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Credit to newspapers.com where I get the old clippings from...
0:00 Why is he unknown?
1:20 Charlie’s career
2:08 1951 Live Performance
2:56 Solo on Blue Lou
3:29 Solo Analysis