Don Joseph

Joseph raised in Staten Island and had an own quintet in the 1940s, where alto saxophonist Manny Albam had his first professionel gig; At the end of the decade Joseph worked with big band leaders Buddy Rich, Alvino Rey, and Lucky Millinder. He kept a low profile in New York City in the 1950s, sitting in at clubs where he and Tony Fruscella sometimes jammed together. In 1950 he played in the rehearsal band of Gene Roland with Charlie Parker (It's A Wonderful World); in 1953 he was involved in sessions with pianist Bill Triglia and bassist Red Mitchell im Robert Reisner's jazz club Open Door. He recorded seldom, notably with guitarist Chuck Wayne and with Gerry Mulligan's big band. In 1954 he recorded with drummer Art Mardigan (The Jazz School), 1955 with Tony Fruscella. In 1961 he recorded under the direction of Dave Schildkraut, with vocalist Jackie Paris at one take (Jackie's Blues).

In poor health, he retired to Staten Island and private teaching. Joseph made a small splash with the Uptown Records album One of a Kind (1984), which was widely and favorably reviewed. Al Cohn, Bill Triglia, Joey Baron, and Red Mitchell were the sidemen. Joseph played in his career also with Bill Crow and Turk Van Lake. In the 70s and 80s he lived in Staten Island, where he played in local venues and taught. He also included a long stint as band director and full-time music appreciation teacher at Farrell Catholic High School. He had a keen interest in literature, especially William Shakespeare; and he recited long passages from memory in a deep Orson Wellesian voice with the conviction of a seasoned Shakespearian actor.

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