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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZTRUMBAUER, Frankie(b 30 May '01, Carbondale IL; d 11 June '56, Kansas City MO) C-melody sax; also vocals, other instruments; aka 'Tram'. The best white saxist of the '20s, a great technician who could play hot but also liked to play pretty, infl. Lester Young, Benny Carter, Buddy Tate, many others. Worked with Bix Beiderbecke in Jean Goldkette band (where Tram was mus. dir.); on their classic 'Bix and Tram' small-group sides '27 incl. 'Singin' The Blues', the finest white jazz of the day. Worked with Adrian Rollini's excellent short-lived band, whose failure contributed to the myth that jazz doesn't sell; then in Paul Whiteman band, where Tram stayed '27--32, '33--6. Also co-led the Three Ts '36 with the Teagarden bros, then a band with trumpeter Manny Klein '38. Led own bands in '33, '38 (used name 'Trombar'). He was also a pilot; left full-time music '39, during and after WWII working for Civil Aeronautics Administration. He made three sides at Capitol '46 with a good small group, not having played as a soloist for years, and was dissatisfied with the results; played at a Bix tribute '52. |