Benny Bailey RIP
I was saddened to learn from a mutual friend today, that the great Trumpet player Benny Bailey passed away, at home in his Amsterdam apartment, on April 14th 2005. He was 79.
Benny was one of the American bebop generation who came to Europe in the 1950s. He along with Art Farmer, settled on this side of the pond and forged many great musical associations, most notably as 1st Trumpet with the Kenny Clarke - Francy Boland Big Band. He lived all over Europe during his 50 or so years here but spent longest periods in Vienna, Munich and, latterly, Amsterdam.
He had enjoyed a recent musical renaissance having made a recent clutch of recordings, my favourite being “I Remember Love” featuring the Kirk Lightsey Trio and a string orchestra.
Rest in Peace Benny - here’s wishing you a good blow at the great Jam Session in the sky….
