Subgenre

West Coast Jazz

26 profiles tagged West Coast Jazz, A-Z.

West Coast jazz developed in and around Los Angeles in the early-to-mid 1950s as a regional branch of cool jazz, heavily populated by studio musicians working in the area's film and recording industries. It shares cool jazz's relaxed tempos and restrained dynamics, but is further marked by meticulously arranged small-group charts, unusual instrumental combinations, and a polished, understated ensemble sound. Trumpeter Chet Baker, baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan, and drummer Shelly Manne are among its most closely associated figures.

André Previn Piano ✦ 1929–2019 Art Pepper Alto saxophone (also tenor saxophone, clarinet) ✦ 1925–1982 Bill Perkins Tenor and baritone saxophone ✦ 1924–2003 Bob Brookmeyer Valve trombone ✦ 1929–2011 Bobby Shew Trumpet Carl Perkins Piano ✦ 1928–1958 Chet Baker Trumpet ✦ 1929–1988 Dave Brubeck Piano ✦ 1920–2012 Dick Spencer Alto saxophone Don Baldwin Double bass ✦ 1940–2024 Gary Foster Alto & tenor saxophone ✦ 1936–2026 Gerry Mulligan Baritone saxophone ✦ 1927–1996 Hampton Hawes Piano ✦ 1928–1977 Jimmy Rowles Piano ✦ 1918–1996 June Christy Vocals ✦ 1925–1990 Leroy Vinnegar Double bass ✦ 1928–1999 Mel Lewis Drums ✦ 1929–1990 Mel Tormé Vocals (also drums) ✦ 1925–1999 Paul Desmond Alto saxophone (also clarinet) ✦ 1924–1977 Peter Donald Drums Red Mitchell Double bass ✦ 1927–1992 Stan Kenton Piano ✦ 1911–1979 Stu Williamson Trumpet ✦ 1933–1991 Tom Scott Tenor Vince Guaraldi Piano ✦ 1928–1976 Walter Norris Piano ✦ 1931–2011

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