sonny greer

Sonny was one of the first drummers to use a big elaborate setup; his drumset at the Cotton Club in Harlem included vibes, chimes, tympani, the works. 

With the Duke Ellington orchestra, Sonny formed one of the most powerful rhythm sections of all time with bass player Jimmy Blanton. Every jazz drummer and bass player has at one time or another referenced their beats. From 1919 to 1927 Sonny was a part of the Duke Ellington Cotton Club band. He left Ellington in 1951 to join Johnny Hodges band.

album picks:
Vogue Recordings, Coleman Hawkins
Jungle Nights In Harlem, Duke Ellington


links:
allmusic.com: Sonny Greer

 

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