STYLE
Teddy Wilson was the master pianist of the swing era. His early influence
was Earl Hines, but in time Wilson developed
a more legato and graceful style of playing, perhaps through listening
to, and playing with, Art Tatum. His playing
exhibited a delightful touch and a concise style, rarely did he fill
his canvas with an excess of notes, and often, like Tatum, his subtlety
implied more notes than he struck. |
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1912
Teddy Wilson
is born in Austin, Texas; his parents are academics. He studies
music at college and falls in love with jazz.
1936-39
Wilson is the first black artist to play with Benny
Goodman. In later years the partnership is reformed for reunion
concerts and recordings.
1940-86
Wilson plays with smaller ensembles and his own trio, and a certain
amount of solo playing, for the rest of his career. He teaches at
the Juilliard for a while in the 1950s. His playing remains of high
quality until his death.
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1933
Having worked
in Chicago with Armstrong among
others, as both pianist and arranger, and having played duos (and
not disgraced himself) with Art Tatum,
his first full-time job is with the Benny
Carter band. He works with Billie
Holiday as well.
1939-40
Wilson forms a big band briefly. It is well received, but Wilson's
urbanity does not lend itself to showmanship and the band is a commercial
failure. |