It’s a little ironic that Benny Bailey is most well-known for his contributions to the Eddie Harris/Les McCann Swiss movement album. He later admitted that he didn’t like the funky music. Bailey was a highly expressive and outgoing player, who mainly played in boppish settings. His long-term residence in Europe led to him earning less fame (though probably more work) than if Bailey had spent more time there. He had some training in piano and flute, but switched to trumpet after he started his career. He played in groups that included Bull Moose Jackson, Scatman Crothers and others in the 1940s. Jay McShann was his first gig, then he joined Dizzy Gillespie’s big band, 1947-1948. He later became a major member of the Lionel Hampton Orchestra (1948-1953). After a European tour, the trumpeter moved to Hampton and settled overseas. He spent a lengthy time in Sweden working with Harry Arnold’s bigband (1957-1959), recording with Stan Getz, and touring with Quincy Jones (1959). After a brief trip to the USA in 1960, during which he recorded an album for Candid Big Brass that was almost a classic, he moved to Germany. Bailey continued to work hard, recording with Eric Dolphy, playing with the Kenny Clarke–Francy Boland Big Band in 1961, and touring with George Gruntz’s Concert Jazz band. In 1986, he was elected to the Paris Reunion Band. Bailey was also a session leader for several European labels including Sonet and Metronome. He also led sessions for Freedom, Enja, Ego and Hot House. Jazzcraft had a 1978 set. His explosive solos on “Cold Duck Time”, and “Compared to What” at the Harris/McCann concert (now also on video) made him famous. Bailey, who was a popular tribute to Louis Armstrong called The Satchmo Legacy, recorded it in 2000. He also maintained a busy touring schedule. The trumpeter and veteran musician died April 15, 2005 in Amsterdam. Allmusic
