Corky Corcoran, Saxophone, 1924, Tacoma, WA
Corky began his professional career in 1940 with Sonny Dunham's orchestra, and the following year he became one of the most popular soloists in the Harry James band. When he left James in the mid '40s Corky, worked for a short time with Tommy Dorsey, and then formed a band of his own. The band lasted until 1949 when he re-joined James. During the '50s and '60s Corky worked mainly as a freelance and intermittently with James. During this period he also led a group of his own on the West Coast with which he played in clubs and recorded. Having a close association with Harry James seemed to be the mainstay of his entire career. He again worked regularly with James in the 1970s. Corcoran's playing was characterized by a strong swinging drive and a beautiful, full tone. Corky Corcoran died in 1979.
Jim Hughart, Bass, 1936, Minneapolis, Mn
Jim was taught double bass by his father, a professional musician, and he later studied music theory at the University of Minneapolis in the late '50s. From 1960 to 1961 Jim performed in the 7th US Army symphony orchestra while stationed in Europe. After his discharge, he toured with Ella Fitzgerald for three years. Thereafter, Hughart was employed as a studio musician in California ,and recorded and performed with Joe Williams, Oscar Peterson, Zoot Sims, Cannonball Adderly, Joe Pass, Barney Kessel, and Dave Frishberg. Three times he has won the award given by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences for the most valuable player on his instrument, and in 1987 he also won the academy's MVP Emeritus Award. Jim plays the electric bass guitar as well as the double bass. Jim Hughart is one of the most flexible jazz musicians playing today.
