Red Norvo Bops
Red Norvo and Lionel Hampton were both born in 1908. Their careers followed many of the same paths as they helped take the xylophone and vibraphone from novelty instruments in vaudeville, to fully respected jazz instruments in the modern recording industry. They left a trail to follow for other innovators on the instrument like Milt Jackson, Bobby Hutcherson, Gary Burton and Stefon Harris.
Norvo’s career took him from being a sideman for Paul Whiteman, Benny Goodman and Woody Herman, to become a bandleader, composer, early TV celebrity, and even cameo roles in the movies. In this clip Red Norvo shows his impeccable rhythm on a jaunty little tune