The Harry Goldson Quintet will perform at the Old Art Building's WT Theater on September 12, 2013 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $20 and are available at
mynorthtickets.com or by calling the Old Art Building at 231-256-2131
Harry Goldson’s musical roots go back to Chicago’s West Side during the 1930’s . . . home to such Jazz legends as Benny Goodman, Bud Freeman, Jimmy McPartland, Gene Krupa and Dave Tough. Attending the famed Austin High, considered by many music scholars to be the birthplace of swing, Harry became so immersed in this music . . . that he made it his mission to hone his skills working with such luminaries as Jess Stacey, George Brunis, Art Hodes and Mike Riley. During the Big Band heydays, Harry moved on to tour with many of the country’s leading dance bands, culminating with his being featured with the Claude Thornhill Orchestra -- the band that influenced Miles Davis -- and played a major role in the creation of the ‘cool sound’ of modern jazz.
Returning to civilian life following service in the army during the Korean Conflict, Harry embarked upon a highly successful career in finance and banking . . . not touching his horns again for some 40 years . . . and not until encouraged by his wife Piper . . . did he even consider playing once again.
After moving to Northwest Michigan in the 1980’s, Harry picked up his horns to return to jazz, enjoying music now more than ever! Recording under his own name, Harry has produced nine CD’s ranging from small groups, ie, “What’s New” and “Never So Cool” to his Hollywood-based 32-piece orchestra’s “Big Band Sessions” and “Swing Swing Swing”. Jazz Times magazine describes Harry as “maintaining a high level of musicianship . . . emerging as a jazz clarinetist with an affinity for Artie
Shaw, Buddy DeFranco, and Benny Goodman”. He has made frequent local appearances, including performances with the Encore Wind Ensemble and the Traverse Symphony Orchestra as soloist. In recent years, returning to his Windy City origins, Harry has been featured on numerous recordings by The Royal Chicagoans.
Harry Goldson Quintet
DAVE HAY, piano, is a ‘first-call’ performer, recording artist, and educator based in Grand Rapids . . . and has been a very prominent part of the Michigan Jazz scene for many years. An exceptional multi-talented musician adept on all keyboard and percussion instruments, as well as bass, Dave is the pianist featured on several of Harry Goldson’s recordings that were made in Chicago - including ‘Let’s Dance’, ‘Never So Cool’ and ‘Flirtations’. Dave also leads his own group with several CDs to his name.
ELGIN VINES has been described as one of the most sought-after jazz bassists in Western Michigan, playing professionally since the late sixties. Most notably, Elgin maintained an eight-year stint as a member of the ‘New Direction’, appearing on The Tonight Show, The Mike Douglas Show, and the Ed Sullivan Show. During his years on the road he backed up such performers as Ruth Brown, Bobby Darin, Eddie Daniels, Bobby Shew, Steve Allen, and both Frank Sinatra Sr. and Jr. The West Michigan Jazz Society named him ‘2005 Jazz Musician of the Year’ with a cover story in their June-July publication, ‘Jazz Notes’. He also leads his own group, Elgin Vines & Company, composed of first quality West Michigan musicians and vocalists.
MIKE VAN LENTE, noted drummer , and percussionist . . . has performed with Clark Terry, Bill Carrothers, and the John Shea Trio, among others. He is a valued member of the Cooper, Hay, Van Lente Group which has several CDs to their name. Mike is also a dedicated music educator on the faculty of Hope College.
JIM COOPER, vibraphonist, pianist, and composer has been playing for more than 30 years . . . leading numerous groups and making appearances as soloist and sideman. A Delmark recording artist and long-time music educator, Jim has performed with Ira Sullivan, Barrett Deems, the Art Van Damme Quintet, and the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, among others . He has toured worldwide and has three CDs under his own name.