Tricky Sam Nanton was one of the most vibrant trombonists ever. His mastery of the plunger mutes (emitting a wide variety of growls, tones and growls) was an integral part of Duke Ellington’s original sound. Quentin Jackson has sometimes come close. While he had some experience with Elmer Snowden and Cliff Jackson, and was recorded with Thomas Morris, Nanton was not heard in concert with Duke Ellington until mid-1926. He never performed on a recording date. Nanton and trumpeter Bubber Miley made a great team. In 1929, Miley was replaced in his role by Cootie Wilkins, and Nanton inspired the younger trumpeter, Miley, to continue Miley’s legacy. From allmusic
