Just Jazz – 1971

Gene Ammons

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Gene Ammons (1925-74) was one of the great tenor-saxophonists to emerge from the bebop era.

In 1943 he toured with trumpeter King Kolax’s band, he gained some fame while being one of the main soloists with the Billy Eckstine bebop orchestra of 1944-47 and with Woody Herman’s Second Herd in 1949, and was a popular player throughout the 1950s.

Ammons made a series of classic albums for the Prestige label in the 50s but his career was severely limited by jail sentences during 1958-60 and 1962-69 due to drug problems.

After he was finally released in 1969, Ammons made a comeback during his final five years

This edition of the television show Just Jazz from 1971 features Ammons (who uses an electric attachment called the Varitone that changes his sound a little) joined by his former boss trumpeter King Kolax, guitarist George Freeman (who sometimes takes solo honors), pianist Wallace Burton, bassist Chester Williamson and drummer Bob Guthrie.

Together they perform four songs including tunes from the period and originals, giving listeners a rare opportunity to see Gene Ammons play and talk.

-Scott Yanow

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