Ralph Burns, Arranger, 1922, Newton, Ma
Ralph was originally a pianist, studying at the New England Conservatory during the late '30s. Around this time he was also working in Charlie Barnet's band. In the mid '40s Ralph joined the Woody Herman band as part of the dynamic rhythm section. He left the band in order to work as a freelance, but continued to write for Woody's band (this continued for many years) and also record with his own group. Burns, at this point, began concentrating on composing and arranging for the broadway stage and doing a considerable amount of film work. Ralph's early work (arranging) for Herman, however, is his most important contribution. His original pieces, "Apple Honey". and "Bijou" were just ideal for the band's power and it's soloists. More ambitious works like "Summer Sequence" became classic. The last part of "Summer Sequence", "Early Autumn", has beautiful lyrics by Johnny Mercer and a short tenor sax solo by Stan Getz that many feel launched Getz's career. Burns did a considerable amount of film work, including scores for Woody Allen's "Bananas", Bob Foss's "Sweet Charity",and "Cabaret", and Martin Scorsese's "New York, New York. While doing much work in films and on Broadway, Ralph, through the years, always found time to write and arrange for Woody Herman. Ralph Burns died in 2003.
Mousey Alexander, Drums, 1922, Gary, In
The versatile Alexander first came to prominence as a dixieland drummer in the late '40s with Jimmy McPartland. In the early '50s Mousey moved to New York and played bop in Marion McPartland's trio. Marion was Jimmy's wife. He next spent three years with the Sauter-Finigan orchestra and then a short stint with Johnny Smith. In 1956 Mousey joined Benny Goodman for four years and during this time also managed to record with Bud Freeman, and Buck Clayton. After the mid '60s he worked on and off with Al Cohn and Zoot Sims, and made a few tours with the singer, Paul Anka. During the late '60s he led a group of his own and also worked with Sonny Stitt and James Moody. In the early '70s he worked with Lee Konitz. A truly amazing career; dixieland to Lee Konitz, and everything in between.
