Biography: Al Norris, Al Philburn, Al Porcino, Al Sears, Al Viola, Al Vizzutti, Al Williams, Al Wynn, Alabama Washboard Stompers, Aladár Pege,

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Mail a letter in New York City in the ’50s and it may have been touched by the same fingers that throttled the chords to “Sweet Sue” and other classic jazz themes from the Jimmie Lunceford band

In this case the “you can call me Al” action resulted as a trimming of Aloysius, actually the middle name of the trombonist who was born Michael Philburn Al Philburn’s career as a low brassman was largely confined to the American east coast, despite his presence on many recordings by a group known as the California Ramblers

A well-respected lead trumpeter able to hit high notes during his prime with a strong tone, Al Porcino was a valuable asset to many bands through the years Starting in 1943, Porcino played with the big bands of Georgie Auld, Louis Prima, Jerry Wald, Tommy Dorsey, Gene Krupa and Chubby Jackson

It is ironic that tenor saxophonist Al Sears’ one hit, “Castle Rock,” was recorded under Johnny Hodges’ name (the altoist is virtually absent on the record), denying Sears his one chance at fame

A reliable guitarist with a cool tone, a hard-swinging style, and strong technical skills, Al Viola had been an asset to every session that he appeared on, and there have been many

A brilliant trumpeter with a wide range and technique that borders on the wondrous, Al Vizzutti has thus far mostly recorded in more poppish settings than one would hope He began studying classical trumpet at age nine from his father, a self-taught trumpeter

A blues-based pianist who played with trumpeter Henry “Red” Allen, trumpeter Buck Clayton, and saxophonist Johnny Hodges, among others, Williams lived in Chicago from an early age

Although born in New Orleans — the birthplace of jazz — Wynn actually learned to play in Chicago, where his family had moved when he was a child He began trombone while in school and he played left-handed for a time

Alabama Washboard Stompers Biography, Photos, Pictures

Alabama Washboard Stompers was the original name of the Washboard Rhythm Kings They were based on the East Coast of the United States They recorded 12 records during 1930-1931 under that name

A brilliant virtuoso, Aladár Pege was one of the top jazz musicians to emerge from Hungary He did not start playing bass until he was 15, but Pege developed quickly After studying classical music at Bela Bartok Musical Training College, he freelanced in jazz groups, often leading his own band

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