Bellson, Louie. (1924–2009)
"London Suite"- Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
Highly uncommon AMQS by the American drummer, composer, arranger, and music director: 14 measures from London Suite, Part II, melody only, notated on one staff. Inscribed, "regards / Louie Bellson / 4/20/83." Sheet cut from 12-staff pad. 11 x 8 inches (28 x 20.5 cm). In fine condition.The second movement of London Suite, marked "slow + solemn" in this quotation, is a vocal episode in the style of a funeral march, performed by a chorus.
"Bellson [born Balassoni] performed with, among others, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Sammy Davis Jr., Tommy Dorsey, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Woody Herman, Harry James, Oscar Peterson, Mel Tormé, Sarah Vaughan, and Pearl Bailey, to whom he was married. He was a member of Duke Ellington’s orchestra several times (1951–3, 1956, and 1965–6), and Ellington incorporated a number of Bellson's compositions into the band’s repertoire, including the drum kit feature “Skin Deep.” Bellson also led his own band almost uninterrupted for 40 years, and wrote more than 1000 compositions in a range of classical and jazz styles." Gareth Dylan Smith in Grove Music Online. (22548)
AMQS Jazz