Karl Kiffe, Drums, 1927, Los Angeles, Ca
Karl started to play the drums when very young, and while in high school led a band that appeared in the film "Junior Jazz Bombers", made during the second world war. Beginning in about 1948 he worked with Jimmy Dorsey and next with Georgie Auld. During the 1950s Karl lived in New York and freelanced, performing with musicians such as Stan Getz, Charlie Barnet, Tex Beneke, Sol Yeged, Jimmy McPartland, Zoot Sims, and Woody Herman. In the late '50s Kiffe relocated to the west coast where he continued to perform and record with groups led by Red Norvo, Lionel Hampton, and Harry James. In the early '60s Karl moved to Las Vegas where he once again played with Charlie Barne's band.. He also toured with the vocalists Ella Fitzgerald, and Nancy Wilson. Karl Kiffe was able to play any type of jazz, from swing to bop and loved being part of any swinging group. Once, while playing drums for the Les and Larry Elgart band, the brothers were trying to get Karl to adapt to the band's style. At one point, Larry told him "When the band starts to swing, I want you to play more on the ride cymbal". Karl replied, "When the band starts to swing, will you please raise your hand?" He also had a technique that seemed ideal for backing singers. His playing was always in demand.
Dick Kenney, Trombone, 1920, Albany, NY
While in his early teens, Dick studied the cello and while in the service during WW11 he played in military bands. It was during this time he befriended Toots Mondello, who urged him to take up the trombone. He was very successful with the trombone, and soon discovered jazz. Later, in the mid' 40s, he began playing with Johnny Bothwell, Charlie Barnet, and Stan Kenton. By the 1950s he was performing and recording with bands led by Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman, and Dizzy Gillespie. After touring with Woody Herman in the mid '50s, Kenny settled in New England where he freelanced and worked with local groups.
