Zoot Sims
Following in the footsteps of Lester Young, Sims developed into an innovative tenor saxophonist. Throughout his career, he played with renowned bands, including Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Stan Kenton, and Buddy Rich. Sims was also one of Woody Herman's Four Brothers, and he was known among his peers as one of the strongest swingers in the field.
Sims frequently led his own combos and sometimes toured with his friend Gerry Mulligan's sextet, and later with Mulligan's Concert Jazz Band. Sims had a long, successful partnership as co-leader of a quintet with Al Cohn, which recorded under the name Al and Zoot. That group was a favorite at the New York club The Half Note.
Late in his career, Sims added the soprano saxophone to his performances. Sims acquired the nickname Zoot early in his career while he was in the Kenny Baker band in California. The name was later appropriated for a sax- playing Muppet.
Zoot Sims died in New York on March 23, 1985.
Tags
Album Review
- In a Lighter Vein by Jack Bowers
Getting Into Jazz
Album Review
- Compatibility by Maurizio Zerbo
Reassessing
Album Review
- With Bucky Pizzarelli by Andrew Velez
- Blues And Haikus by Sid Smith
Extended Analysis
Album Review
- Live at Falcon Lair by Jack Bowers
- Joe & Zoot & More by Dave Nathan
October 29, 2020
Jazz Musician of the Day: Zoot Sims
April 07, 2020
January 14, 2020
November 27, 2019
October 29, 2019
Jazz Musician of the Day: Zoot Sims
October 29, 2018
Jazz Musician of the Day: Zoot Sims
October 29, 2017
Jazz Musician of the Day: Zoot Sims
October 29, 2016
Jazz Musician of the Day: Zoot Sims
October 28, 2015
Jazz Musician of the Day: Zoot Sims
October 29, 2014
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