Alan Rock's Trivia

Questions:

1) Milt Jackson, John Lewis, Percy Heath and Kenny Clarke formed what influential group in 1952?

2) Who was the big man from Texas nicknamed "Big T"?

3) Who was the Belgian-born gypsy who made his reputation as a musician in France, cemented it by performing with Duke Ellington in America, and was regarded as one of the first jazz masters on his instrument?

Answers:

1) The Modern Jazz Quartet; with Lewis on piano, Jackson on vibraphone, Heath on bass, and Clarke on drums. Connie Kay replaced Clarke in 1955, and this newer form of the group remained together until 1974 when they disbanded. They reformed, however, only seven years later in 1981.

2) Jack Teagarden, who was the trombonist with the Louis Armstrong Allstars, Hot Fives and Hot Sevens.

3) Django Reinhardt, the co-leader of the Quintet of the Hot Club of France. He and French violinist Stephane Grappelli led the group to international renown. This group was interrupted by World War II; but afterwards, the pair traveled to the United States together.