Donald “Duck”, Bailey has been instrumental in defining the jazz pulse for over five decades. Although you won’t find Bailey among other trap set pioneers, there’s no doubt that Bailey’s influence has been far-reaching. It all started with Jimmy Smith’s nine-year tenure as Hammond B3 legend from 1956 to 1964. Bailey helped establish the B3, guitar, and drums as the standard instrumentation for the organ combo. He also created a trap set vocabulary that allowed Smith to play fat pedal-generated bass lines and drive the explosive crescendos that made Smith such an engaging performer. Through his work with Jimmy Smith, Bailey has left a legacy of musical wisdom that has lasted through the generations. Bailey has selected a band that includes guitarist George Burton, Tyrone Brown, Odean Pope, tenor and alt saxophonists Odean Pope, as well as Charles Tolliver, special guest trumpeter. Even though jazz fans are familiar with Bailey’s music, they may not always be able to remember his name. He is one of many important players who have not been well-known for their sound. That’s Bailey, floating underneath Smith on Smith’s Blue Note classic albums:…Back At the Chicken Shack, and…The Sermon! Prayer Meetin’ and Bailey is seen here setting up behind Jimmy Rowles and Hampton Hawes, as well as on classic dates with the Three Sounds. Donald “Duck”, Bailey, Sr. was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He learned the drums from the tender age of 10. Donald’s brother Morris and Haasan Ibn Ali, a legendary jazz pianist, influenced the style and concept of the musical drum. After this extensive training, he joined JIMMY SMITH GROUP and played eight years alongside Smith. Donald is the one who established Jimmy Smith’s future drum accompaniment. Donald learned many things from other artists. Jimmy Smith, aside from Haasan IIbn Alli opened his eyes to new ideas and a wide range of music. He is now able, with just a few drums and cymbals, to incorporate many types of jazz. He can transport you to South America in a matter of minutes and take you back to tranquility and peace. It’s not too loud – it’s not too soft – just right! Donald moved to Los Angeles in 1965 where he began playing with Howard Rumsey’s Lighthouse All Stars. He recorded and performed with Sarah Vaughn Carmen McRae…Kenny Burrell…Hampton Hawes…Ester Philips…Monk Montgomery…Jimmy Rowles, Billie Holiday’s favorite pianist. Donald, a nomadic character, moved to Japan six years ago and fused his drum style with the music of his oriental musical companions. He recorded around 30-40 albums there with Japanese pop/jazz artists. His unique and natural approach to the trombone and harmonica was what made him famous. Donald was also well-known for his ability to play the harmonica, an uncommon art. In 1977, he led a group that focused on his Japanese harmonica skills. The album “SO in Love” was a huge success for harmonica players all over the globe, who are often overlooked. from http://www.drummerworld.com
