Marshall Royal
Marshall Royal (or Marshal Royal, 12 May 1912 – 9 May 1995) was an American clarinettist and alto saxophonist best known for his work with Count Basie, with whose band he played for nearly twenty years.
Royal was born in Oklahoma, the elder brother of trumpeter Ernie Royal, and learned to play violin, guitar, as well as clarinet and sax while still a child. He first performed in public at the age of thirteen, starting his professional career with an eight-year stint with Les Hite's band (1931–1939), during which time he also recorded with Art Tatum. He spent 1940 to 1942 with Lionel Hampton, until the war interrupted his career. With his brother, Ernie, he served in the U.S. Navy in the 45-piece regimental band that was attached to the Navy's pre-flight training school for pilots at St. Mary's College in Morago, California. Because there were no facilities for blacks to stay on the St. Mary's campus, the bandsmen found lodging in nearby black communities and commuted to work daily, where they played for the raising of colors and then rehearsed. They also played for bond rallies, regimental reviews, at football games, and in concerts for the cadets and the community. Two swing bands were organized from the larger regimental band, and they played for smokers and dances at USOs and officers clubs. The Bombardiers, one of those bands, included the Royal brothers as well as Earl Watkins, who would become "the most distinguished jazz musician in San Francisco history." [1]
After his military service, Royal played with Eddie Heywood, then went on to work in studios in Los Angeles, California.
In 1951 Royal replaced Buddy DeFranco as clarinettist with Count Basie's septet, which Basie had formed after circumstances forced him to dissolve his big band. When the Basie band was reformed the following year, Royal stayed on as lead alto saxophonist and as music director — not to leave until 1970. Though he was admired as an occasional soloist, his main rôle was as an important part of the reeds section, and as a leader who helped to give Basie's sound its distinctively precise yet swinging character.
When he left Basie in 1970, Royal settled permanently in Los Angeles, continuing to play and record, working with Bill Berry's big band, Frank Capp and Nat Pierce, Earl Hines, and Duke Ellington.
Royal recorded as a soloist with Dave Frishberg in 1977, and with Warren Vache in 1978. He co-led a band with Snooky Young in the 1970s and 1980s, recording with it in 1978,[2] and with Ella Fitzgerald and Gene Harris, among others. In 1989 he took the lead alto chair with Frank Wess's big band.
Discography
- 1960: Gordon Jenkins Presents (Everest)
- 1978: First Chair (Concord Jazz)
- 1978: Snooky and Marshall's Album with Snooky Young[3]
- 1980: Royal Blue (Concord Jazz)
As sideman
With Clifford Coulter
- Do It Now! (Impulse!, 1971)
Marshal was also a guest soloist on "THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW", Salute to Irving Berlin. Great solo on "I can't get started with you"
References
- ↑ Alex Walsh, "Earl Watkins--Mr. Lucky" Local 6 Archives, Musicians Union Local 6, San Francisco, CA
- ↑ Review at allmusic
- ↑ Review at allmusic
Sources and external links
- Ian Carr, Digby Fairweather, & Brian Priestley. Jazz: The Rough Guide. ISBN 1-85828-528-3
- Marshall Royal — brief biography by Chris Kelsey at AllMusic
- Recorded Telephone Interview of Frank Foster — alumnus of the Basie band recalls how Marshal Royal would read "Jet" magazine on his stand while he performed
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