(May 30, 1901 – June 11, 1956)
AKA
"Tram"
Orie Frank Trumbauer was a saxophonist and composer. He was known for playing the C melody saxophone, an unusual member of the saxophone family today, but at the time as popular an instrument as any other.
Tram grew up in St Louis, Missouri into a musical family. His mother directed musical theatre productions. Trumbauer is seen as one of the most important early jazz saxophonists, particularly influencing the sound of Johnny Hodges on alto saxophone and Lester Young on tenor saxophone.
Trumabuer's most important contribution to the history of jazz are his recordings with Bix Beiderbecke and Eddie Lang. His landmark recording of Singin' the Blues with Beiderbecke showcases his strength as a soloist. His playing on this recording in particular is seen as a key part of the transition away from the collective improvisation of New Orleans music, toward the strength of individual soloists supported by a rhythm section. This recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1977.
The C-melody saxophone played by Frankie Trumbauer falls in the range between the alto and tenor saxophones. For this reason, his work and playing was very influential on both alto and tenor saxophones. Trumbauer's recordings with Bix Beiderbecke were highly influential on the young Johnny Hodges, in particular his low register playing.
Iconic tenor saxophonist and innovator Lester Young was also heavily influnced by Frankie Trumbauer. Young would become one of the great extended soloists in the Swing era and beyond. His extensive, virtuosic and melodic solo improvisations are a clear development of the work and legacy of Frankie Trumbauer.
