The Secret Session

Description

Red Norvo had taste. 'Mr. Swing' also had a problem. As the drums of war sounded loud in Europe, he knew he needed to lay down his own beat. But how? In late 1942, Norvo knew that the United States' involvement in WWII would soon deplete his septet of key musicians. Plus there was the small matter of the American Federation of Musicians strike which had effectively, and without exception, shuttered all the recording studios. The risks were high - though as a renowned xylophonist one could say that he was used to being behind bars - and drastic action was required, or the moment would pass. Red Norvo was not a man, or indeed a musician, to follow the rules and he persuaded a studio engineer to let them in on the sly. In the dead of night, and with nobody awake to stop them, Red Norvo and the band 'gained access' to the equipment and began to play. 'Red Norvo: The Secret Session' is the result. More than 60 years after the clandestine operation, the previously unheard album is released on CD and digital formats as part of the 'Legends' series on Dot Time Records via RSK Entertainment on 30 January 2026. Norvo played and recorded with many of the greats, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Charles Mingus, Benny Goodman, and more. He appeared as himself in the 'Ocean's 11' movie of 1960 accompanying Dean Martin singing 'Ain't That A Kick In The Head?'. Red Norvo's band showcased tight attractive arrangments and presented soloists who blew like they were veterans. Red gave the band plenty of space to solo - It wasn't just a group to back him on the xylophone. The septet boasted musicians who would later become stars in their own right, most of all trombonist Eddie Bert, who provided the source of the music on this CD. Johanan 'Jo' Bickhardt of Dot Time Records 'Legends' series said; "We are honoured to release this previously unknown 'Secret Session' of Red Norvo, Mr. Swing, a musician who truly established the xylophone, marimba, and vibraphone as jazz instruments." Line up: Red Norvo (xyl), Shorty Rogers (tp) , Eddie Bert (tb), Aaron Sachs (cl, as), poss. Hank Kahout (p), Clyde Lombardi (b), Specs Powell (d). 'Bugle Call Rag' is a tour de force. Aaron Sachs is still in his early Benny Goodman stage. 'Speculatin'' is a riff tune with Sachs and Red taking the melody. The brass are scored in a Duke-ish flavor with plenty of "wah-wahs" as Sachs blows. In Irving Berlin's 'Russian Lullaby' the Ellington effect is heard once again, Red's imaginative solo is a highlight. 'Liza' is a brilliantly tight arrangement with Clyde Lombardi's bass propelling. His contribution to the Septet should not be overlooked: in fact, it's the first instance we have of this master on record. This album is a snapshot - literally a stolen moment in time! - and an important look into a band that was bridging a gap between swing and bebop. 'Red Norvo: The Secret Session' reveals the true brilliance and ingenuity of Red Norvo: a master musician, and a man who got things done.