The Lucky Thompson Discography 1943-1950
by Noal Cohen

Back to my Lucky Thompson page at Noal Cohen's Jazz History Website

Note: For conventions and abbreviations used in this discography, please see: Discography Key.

Please note that some of the sessions in the Lucky Thompson discography are of enormous historical significance and have been reissued so many times that it is virtually impossible to include all issues.

I wish to acknowledge the following sources which were of great help in compiling this discography. You will find references to them throughout.

Eli "Lucky" Thompson 1943-1950: Roots of Modern Jazz - The Be Bop Era, Vol. 13 by Dieter Salemann, self-published, 2001

Lucky Thompson Discography, Part One, 1944-51 by Tony Williams, self-published, 1967

Lucky Thompson Discography by Bob Weir, Names & Numbers, 2010

All of Me: The Complete Discography of Louis Armstrong by Jos Willems, Rowman & Littlefield, 2006

Count Basie: A Biodiscography by Chris Sheridan, Greenwood Press, 1986

The Dial Recordings of Charlie Parker: A Discography by Edward M. Komara, Greenwood Press, 1998

Benny Carter: A Life in American Music, Second Edition, Volume II by Morroe Berger, Edward Berger and James Patrick, Studies In Jazz, No. 40, The Scarecrow Press and Institute of Jazz Studies Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, 2001

Hendersonia: The Music of Fletcher Henderson and His Musicians - A Biodiscography, by Walter C. Allen, self-published, 1973

History of Jazz Tenor Saxophone: Black Artists, Vols. 1-6, by Jan Evensmo, The Norwegian Jazz Archives, Oslo, Norway, 1996-

The AFRS Jubilee Transcription Series [online version]. This is a revision of the work of Rainer E. Lotz and Ulrich Neuert by Carl A. Hallstrom and Bo Scherman.

Lionel Hampton (ldr), Cat Anderson, Roy McCoy, Joe Morris, Joe Newman, Lamar Wright, Jr. (t), Fred Beckett, Al Hayse, Booty Wood (tb), Earl Bostic, Gus Evans (as), Arnett Cobb, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar, cl), Lionel Hampton (vib, p, d), Eric Miller (g), Milt Buckner (p), Vernon King (b), Fred Radcliffe (d), Rubel Blakey, Dinah Washington (v)

Rubel Blakey (v) on b; Dinah Washington (v) on c.

This appears to be the first example of Lucky Thompson on any recording. He does not solo on any of the titles from this concert. This band made some additional radio broadcasts in November 1943. I have not auditioned this session. The information shown comes from the Salemann discography.

The Hampton band appeared at the Famous Door in New York City in November and December of 1943. Several radio broadcasts took place from that venue on the Mutual network with known dates according to Salemann of November 6, 12, 13 and 28. Presumably Thompson was with the band at this time. Salemann claims a Thompson solo on a performance of She's Funny That Way from the November 12 broadcast. More details are needed.

Oran 'Hot Lips' Page (ldr), Oran 'Hot Lips' Page (t, v), Lem Johnson, Lucky Thompson (ts), Ace Harris (p), John Simmons (b), Sid Catlett (d)

Oran 'Hot Lips' Page (v) on a-b, e-h.

Lucky Thompson is the tenor saxophone soloist.

Lucky Millinder (ldr), Leroy Elton Hill, Ludwig 'Joe' Jordan, Curtis Murphy, Freddie Webster (t), Joe Britton, Alfred Cobbs, Gene Simon (tb), Preston Love, Bill Swindell (as), Eddie 'Lockjaw' Davis, Lucky Thompson, Elmer Williams (ts), Ernest Leavy (bar), Lawrence Lucie (g), Ellis Larkins (p), Al McKibbon (b), Panama Francis (d), Judy Carol, Wynonie Harris (v)

Lucky Thompson (ts) on c; Judy Carol (v) on b-c; Wynonie Harris (v) on a, d.

Lucky Thompson solos on track c.

Oran 'Hot Lips' Page (ldr), Oran 'Hot Lips' Page (t, v), Vic Dickenson (tb), Lucky Thompson (ts), Sam Allen (g), Hank Jones (p), Carl 'Flat Top' Wilson (b), Jesse Price (d)

Lucky Thompson solos or plays accompaniment on all tracks.

Kirk Bradford (as), Don Byas, Lucky Thompson (ts), Ted Brannon (p), Al Hall (b), unknown (d)

Kirk Bradford (as) on b; unknown (d) on b.

This jam session was privately recorded on acetates in the apartment of Timme Rosenkrantz. The discs are part of the Rosenkrantz collection stored at Syddansk Universitet (University of Southern Denmark). The information comes from Frank Buchmann-Moller via Hans Henning Jensen and from Bob Weir.

Benny Harris (t), Lucky Thompson (ts), Oscar Pettiford (b), Others Unknown (var)

This jam session was privately recorded on acetates in the apartment of Timme Rosenkrantz. The discs are part of the Rosenkrantz collection stored at Syddansk Universitet (University of Southern Denmark). The date and personnel are uncertain. The information comes from Frank Buchmann-Moller via Hans Henning Jensen.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Al Killian, Joe Newman, Al Stearns (t), Ted Donnelly, Eli Robinson, Louis Taylor, Dickie Wells (tb), Jimmy Powell, Earle Warren (as), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Thelma Carpenter, Jimmy Rushing (v)

Thelma Carpenter (v) on d; Jimmy Rushing (v) on b-c.

Lucky Thompson solos on track a. There is some confusion regarding which take of Red Bank Boogie is the "master" so some of the assignments shown are unconfirmed until I can examine all the issues.

In the live Count Basie sessions listed below, many of the issues have serious speed/pitch problems. The timings shown may not represent reality. Also, the titles "Andy's Blues," "Blue Room Jump" and "Back Door Romp" are all very similar arrangements. "B-flat Blues" is not a blues at all but rather based on the chord changes of "I Got Rhythm."

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Al Killian, Ed Lewis, Joe Newman (t), Ted Donnelly, Eli Robinson, Louis Taylor, Dickie Wells (tb), Jimmy Powell, Earle Warren (as), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Jimmy Rushing (v)

Jimmy Rushing (v) on d.

According to Salemann, the Basie Band played the Blue Room of Hotel Lincoln in New York City from December 18, 1944 to February 10, 1945. This was a WOR Mutual Radio broadcast. Track a is an introduction. Lucky Thompson does not solo on any tracks. According to Sheridan, track d is just a fragment.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Al Killian, Ed Lewis, Joe Newman (t), Ted Donnelly, Eli Robinson, Louis Taylor, Dickie Wells (tb), Jimmy Powell, Earle Warren (as), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar, cl), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d)

Rudy Rutherford (cl) on d-e.

This was a CBS Radio Broadcast with Ray Arlington the MC. Lucky Thompson solos on tracks c and e. Tracks a and e are the theme and include the introductory and closing remarks.

Bobby Pratt (tb), Gene Sedric, Lucky Thompson (ts), Stuff Smith (vn, v), Erroll Garner (p), George Wettling (d), Inez Cavanaugh (v)

Bobby Pratt (tb) on a, d-h; Gene Sedric (ts) on a; Lucky Thompson (ts) on b-h; Stuff Smith (vn) on a-g; (v) on b; Inez Cavanaugh (v) on b-d, h.

This was a jam session at the home of Timme Rosenkrantz. Most issued versions of Test Pilots are edited. The only unedited version is track g. Tracks e and f comprise one continuous track on some issues. Fragments of two other unidentified titles without Lucky Thompson are present on the original acetates. Information on this session comes from Frank Buchmann-Moller via Hans Henning Jensen and from Bob Weir. For further information see Desert Sands: The Recordings of Stuff Smith, by Anthony Barnett, Allardyce, East Sussex, UK, 1995.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Al Killian, Ed Lewis, Joe Newman (t), Ted Donnelly, Eli Robinson, Louis Taylor, Dickie Wells (tb), Jimmy Powell, Earle Warren (as), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d)

This was a WOR Mutual Radio Broadcast. Track b is announced but the performance not preserved. Sheridan's Basie biodiscography shows a timing of 2:02 for track c. Lucky Thompson solos on track d but his solo is interrupted by a news bulletin.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Al Killian, Ed Lewis, Joe Newman (t), Ted Donnelly, Eli Robinson, Louis Taylor, Dickie Wells (tb), Jimmy Powell, Earle Warren (as), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar, cl), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Jimmy Rushing (v)

Rudy Rutherford (cl) on a; Jimmy Rushing (v) on a.

These tracks are apparently U.S. Coast Guard transcriptions. Evensmo, in "History of Jazz Tenor Saxophone, Vol. 3," indicates that Lucky Thompson solos on tracks a and c. This is not verified.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Al Killian, Ed Lewis, Joe Newman (t), Ted Donnelly, Eli Robinson, Louis Taylor, Dickie Wells (tb), Jimmy Powell (as), Earle Warren (as, v), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar, cl), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d)

Rudy Rutherford (cl) on c; Earle Warren (v) on b.

Track c includes closing remarks. Lucky Thompson does not solo on any of these tracks.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Al Killian, Ed Lewis, Joe Newman (t), Ted Donnelly, Eli Robinson, Louis Taylor, Dickie Wells (tb), Jimmy Powell, Earle Warren (as), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar, cl), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Joe Marshall (d), Thelma Carpenter, Jimmy Rushing (v)

Rudy Rutherford (cl) on d; Thelma Carpenter (v) on h; Jimmy Rushing (v) on b-c.

Lucky Thompson solos on tracks a and f. Master numbers come from the Sheridan Basie discography.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Al Killian, Ed Lewis, Joe Newman (t), Ted Donnelly, Eli Robinson, Louis Taylor, Dickie Wells (tb), Jimmy Powell, Earle Warren (as), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d)

a, b performed as medley.

This was a WOR Mutual Radio broadcast. The announcer is Ed Pearson. Track b is just a fragment under the announcer's comments. Lucky Thompson solos on track a.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Al Killian, Ed Lewis, Joe Newman (t), Ted Donnelly, Eli Robinson, Louis Taylor, Dickie Wells (tb), Jimmy Powell (as), Earle Warren (as, v), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Jimmy Rushing (v)

Jimmy Rushing (v) on a; Earle Warren (v) on b.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Al Killian, Ed Lewis, Joe Newman (t), Ted Donnelly, Eli Robinson, Louis Taylor, Dickie Wells (tb), Jimmy Powell, Earle Warren (as), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Maxine Johnson, Jimmy Rushing (v)

Maxine Johnson (v) on c, f; Jimmy Rushing (v) on d.

Lucky Thompson solos on track e. Sheridan indicates that the version of track e on AFRS ONS 592 is edited.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Al Killian, Ed Lewis, Joe Newman (t), Ted Donnelly, Eli Robinson, Louis Taylor, Dickie Wells (tb), Jimmy Powell, Earle Warren (as), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar, cl), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Maxine Johnson (v)

Maxine Johnson (v) on b.

This was a CBS Radio broadcast with Bob Heift as announcer. All tracks are incomplete. Track e is given a timing of 4:48 by Sheridan but it may be the 2:02 version of Taps Miller listed by him for the December 27, 1944 session. I have not auditioned this track (unless this is really the longer version issued on Everybody's 3004 as taken from the December 27, 1944 broadcast). Lucky Thompson solos on tracks a and d-f.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Al Killian, Ed Lewis, Joe Newman (t), Ted Donnelly, Eli Robinson, Louis Taylor, Dickie Wells (tb), Jimmy Powell, Earle Warren (as), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar, cl), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d)

This fragment was part of the Second Annual Swing Session broadcast on WNEW. Martin Block is the announcer. The transcription includes an interview with Count Basie.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Al Killian, Ed Lewis, Joe Newman (t), Ted Donnelly, Eli Robinson, Louis Taylor, Dickie Wells (tb), Jimmy Powell, Earle Warren (as), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar, cl), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Maxine Johnson, Jimmy Rushing (v)

Rudy Rutherford (cl) on d; Maxine Johnson (v) on c; Jimmy Rushing (v) on d.

Lucky Thompson solos on tracks d and e.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Al Killian, Ed Lewis, Joe Newman (t), Ted Donnelly, Eli Robinson, Louis Taylor, Dickie Wells (tb), Jimmy Powell, Earle Warren (as), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar, cl), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Jimmy Rushing (v)

Rudy Rutherford (cl) on b, e; Jimmy Rushing (v) on c.

This was an NBC Radio Fitch Bandwagon broadcast. The announcers are Jack Irish and Dick Powell. Lucky Thompson solos on track b.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Al Killian, Ed Lewis, Joe Newman (t), Ted Donnelly, Eli Robinson, Louis Taylor, Dickie Wells (tb), Jimmy Powell (as), Earle Warren (as, v), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar, cl), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Maxine Johnson, Jimmy Rushing (v)

Rudy Rutherford (cl) on b, e; Maxine Johnson (v) on f; Jimmy Rushing (v) on g; Earle Warren (v) on c.

Lucky Thompson solos on tracks b and d.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Al Killian, Ed Lewis, Joe Newman (t), Ted Donnelly, Eli Robinson, Louis Taylor, Dickie Wells (tb), Jimmy Powell (as), Earle Warren (as, v), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar, cl), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Maxine Johnson, Jimmy Rushing (v)

Rudy Rutherford (cl) on a-b; Maxine Johnson (v) on d, g; Jimmy Rushing (v) on e; Earle Warren (v) on b, f.

Lucky Thompson solos on track h.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Al Killian, Ed Lewis, Joe Newman (t), Ted Donnelly, Eli Robinson, Louis Taylor, Dickie Wells (tb), Jimmy Powell (as), Earle Warren (as, v), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p, v), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Maxine Johnson (v)

Count Basie (v) on c; Maxine Johnson (v) on b; Earle Warren (v) on d.

This is part of a Coca Cola Spotlight Bands broadcast. Lucky Thompson does not solo on any of the tracks.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Al Killian, Joe Newman, Al Stearns (t), Ted Donnelly, Eli Robinson, Louis Taylor, Dickie Wells (tb), Jimmy Powell, Earle Warren (as), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar), unknown (str), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Lynne Sherman (v)

unknown (str) on e-g; Lynne Sherman (v) on e-g.

An unidentified string section is present on tracks e-g. Lucky Thompson solos on tracks a-d.

Freddie Green (ldr), Buck Clayton (t), Dickie Wells (tb), Lucky Thompson (ts), Freddie Green (g), Sammy Benskin (p), Al Hall (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Sylvia Syms (v)

Sylvia Syms (v) on a, d.

The ensemble was called Freddie Green and His Kansas City Seven. The Tony Williams Lucky Thompson discography places this session in September 1945. Duke 114 may never have been issued. Lucky Thompson solos on tracks a and b. Tracks c and d have not been auditioned

Count Basie (ldr), Buck Clayton, Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Karl George, Al Killian, Ed Lewis (t), Ted Donnelly, J. J. Johnson, Eli Robinson, Dickie Wells (tb), Jimmy Powell (as), Earle Warren (as, v), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar, cl), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Taps Miller, Jimmy Rushing (v)

Rudy Rutherford (cl) on a, c-d, f; Taps Miller (v) on a; Jimmy Rushing (v) on b-c; Earle Warren (v) on g.

Track c is called "Jimmy's Boogie Woogie." Track a includes an ensemble vocal. Lucky Thompson solos on tracks a, d and f.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Karl George, Al Killian, Ed Lewis (t), Ted Donnelly, J. J. Johnson, Eli Robinson, Dickie Wells (tb), Preston Love, Jimmy Powell, Earle Warren (as), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar, cl), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Pearl Bailey, Maxine Johnson (v)

Rudy Rutherford (cl) on b; Pearl Bailey (v) on d; Maxine Johnson (v) on c.

This was a WNEW Tribute To Glenn Miller broadcast with Martin Block the announcer. The program included performances by Cab Calloway with unknown accompaniment. Lucky Thompson solos on track b. Sheridan notes that this broadcast took place just before Earl Warren and Jimmy Powell left the Basie band so three alto saxophonists are, in fact, present with Preston Love the new addition.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Karl George, Ed Lewis, Snooky Young (t), Ted Donnelly, J. J. Johnson, Eli Robinson, Dickie Wells (tb), George Dorsey, Preston Love (as), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar, cl), Freddie Green (g), Timmie Rogers (u, v), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Lena Horne, Jimmy Rushing (v)

Rudy Rutherford (cl) on b; Timmie Rogers (u) on e; (v) on e; Lena Horne (v) on d; Jimmy Rushing (v) on c.

The recording dates of this and the following AFRS transcriptions are not known precisely. This broadcast also included a comedy routine by Timmie Rogers and vocals by the Gingersnaps. The announcers are Verne Smith and Ernie 'Bubbles' Whitman. The program closes with One O'Clock Jump but probably performed by the NBC Studio band. Lucky Thompson solos on tracks b and f.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Karl George, Ed Lewis, Snooky Young (t), Ted Donnelly, J. J. Johnson, Eli Robinson, Dickie Wells (tb), George Dorsey, Preston Love (as), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar, cl), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Ann Moore (v)

Rudy Rutherford (cl) on d-e; Ann Moore (v) on c.

The dubbing date is July 9, 1945. This program also included performances by the King Sisters and the Alvino Rey Orchestra as well as a comedy routine by Eddie Green and Hattie McDaniels. The announcers are Verne Smith and Ernie 'Bubbles' Whitman. The program signs off over Basie's theme, One O'Clock Jump. Lucky Thompson solos on track e.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Snooky Young (t), Ted Donnelly, Dickie Wells (tb), Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Jimmy Rushing (v)

Jimmy Rushing (v) on c.

This is a broadcast of one of Ted Yerxa's Lamplighter Sunday afternoon shows. Yerxa is one of the MCs. Track d fades out under his closing comments. Track a is called Count Down on the CD reissues. Lucky Thompson solos on tracks a, b and d.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Karl George, Ed Lewis, Snooky Young (t), Ted Donnelly, J. J. Johnson, Eli Robinson, Dickie Wells (tb), George Dorsey, Preston Love (as), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar, cl), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Martha Lewis, Jimmy Rushing (v)

Martha Lewis (v) on e; Jimmy Rushing (v) on c.

The dubbing date is July 16, 1945. This program also included performances by the Hoosier Hot Shots, Alvino Rey and piano solos by Art Tatum. The announcers are Verne Smith and Ernie 'Bubbles' Whitman. The program signs off over Basie's theme, One O'Clock Jump. Lucky Thompson solos on tracks b and f.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison (t, v), Karl George, Ed Lewis, Snooky Young (t), Ted Donnelly, J. J. Johnson, Eli Robinson, Dickie Wells (tb), George Dorsey, Preston Love (as), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar, cl), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Traverse Crawford, Lee Gaines, Carl Jones, Kelsey Pharr, June Richmond (v)

Rudy Rutherford (cl) on g; Traverse Crawford (v) on e-f; Harry 'Sweets' Edison (v) on g; Lee Gaines (v) on e-f; Carl Jones (v) on e-f; Kelsey Pharr (v) on e-f; June Richmond (v) on c-d.

The dubbing date is July 23, 1945. This program also included a comedy routine by Victor Borge. The Delta Rhythm Boys (vocalists Jones, Crawford, Pharr and Gaines) perform on tracks e and f. Track g features an ensemble vocal. The announcers are Verne Smith and Ernie 'Bubbles' Whitman. Track g includes an ensemble vocal. The program signs off over Basie's theme, One O'Clock Jump. Lucky Thompson solos on track g.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Karl George, Ed Lewis, Snooky Young (t), Ted Donnelly, J. J. Johnson, Eli Robinson, Dickie Wells (tb), George Dorsey, Preston Love (as), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar, cl), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Jimmy Rushing (v)

Jimmy Rushing (v) on c-d.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Karl George, Ed Lewis, Snooky Young (t), Ted Donnelly, J. J. Johnson, Eli Robinson, Dickie Wells (tb), George Dorsey, Preston Love (as), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar, cl), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Traverse Crawford, Bing Crosby, Lee Gaines, Carl Jones, Kelsey Pharr (v)

Traverse Crawford (v) on c; Bing Crosby (v) on d; Lee Gaines (v) on c; Carl Jones (v) on c; Kelsey Pharr (v) on c.

This was the 1945 Christmas Jubilee program distributed in December of that year. The dubbing date is August 8, 1945. This program also included a comedy routine by Eddie Green and two Lena Horne vocals on which she is backed by Basie and a small group. In addition to track c, the Delta Rhythm Boys (vocalists Jones, Crawford, Pharr and Gaines) perform a brief version of Jingle Bells to begin the program accompanied by Basie and the rhythm section only. The announcers are Verne Smith and Ernie 'Bubbles' Whitman. The program signs off over Basie's theme, One O'Clock Jump but performed by Alvino Rey and the AFRS Orchestra. Lucky Thompson solos on tracks b and e. Bing Crosby is featured on track d.

Timmie Rogers, Al 'Stomp' Russell (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), Joe Cowan (g, v), Al 'Stomp' Russell (p, v), Doc Bosso (b, v), Johnny Otis (d), Timmie Rogers (v)

This is comedian/vocalist Timmie Rogers with the Stomp Russell Trio and Lucky Thompson. Rogers also plays a guitar-like instrument called a tipple. Excelsior 137 may never have been issued. The guitarist and bassist are identified in the Lord and Bruyninckx discographies but listed as unknown in Salemann's Lucky Thompson discography. Weir's discography suggests the bassist could be Ike Isaacs. Lucky Thompson solos on tracks a, b, e and f.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Karl George, Ed Lewis, Snooky Young (t), Ted Donnelly, J. J. Johnson, Eli Robinson, Dickie Wells (tb), George Dorsey, Preston Love (as), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar, cl), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Ann Moore, Jimmy Rushing (v)

Rudy Rutherford (cl) on d-e; Ann Moore (v) on c; Jimmy Rushing (v) on d.

The dubbing date is September 10, 1945. This program also included performances by the Sam Donahue Orchestra and Bob Crosby. The announcers are Verne Smith and Ernie 'Bubbles' Whitman. Track e is announced as "Astructed" and listed on Joyce 5001 as "Boogie Woogie" on side 2 of the LP. The program signs off over Basie's theme, One O'Clock Jump. Lucky Thompson solos on tracks b, c and e.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Karl George, Ed Lewis, Snooky Young (t), Ted Donnelly, J. J. Johnson, Eli Robinson, Dickie Wells (tb), George Dorsey, Preston Love (as), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar, cl), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Ann Moore, Jimmy Rushing (v)

Rudy Rutherford (cl) on e-f; Ann Moore (v) on d; Jimmy Rushing (v) on c.

The dubbing date is September 17, 1945. This program also included performances by the Sam Donahue Orchestra, Mel Torme and the Mel-Tones and Bob Crosby. The announcers are Verne Smith and Ernie 'Bubbles' Whitman. Lucky Thompson solos on tracks b and e.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Karl George, Ed Lewis, Snooky Young (t), Ted Donnelly, J. J. Johnson, Eli Robinson, Dickie Wells (tb), George Dorsey, Preston Love (as), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar, cl), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Traverse Crawford, Lee Gaines, Carl Jones, Kelsey Pharr, Jimmy Rushing (v)

Rudy Rutherford (cl) on e; Traverse Crawford (v) on c; Lee Gaines (v) on c; Carl Jones (v) on c; Kelsey Pharr (v) on c; Jimmy Rushing (v) on e.

The dubbing date is September 24, 1945. This program also included performances by Dick Haymes, Jeri Southern and Alvino Rey. The Delta Rhythm Boys (vocalists Jones, Crawford, Pharr and Gaines) perform on track c. The announcers are Verne Smith and Ernie 'Bubbles' Whitman. The program signs off over Basie's theme, One O'Clock Jump, performed by Alvino Rey and the AFRS Orchestra. Lucky Thompson solos on tracks b, d and e.

Count Basie (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Karl George, Ed Lewis, Snooky Young (t), Ted Donnelly, J. J. Johnson, Eli Robinson, Dickie Wells (tb), George Dorsey, Preston Love (as), Buddy Tate, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar, cl), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Lena Horne (v)

Lena Horne (v) on c-d.

The dubbing date is October 1, 1945. This program also included performances by Harry 'The Hipster' Gibson, the Slim Gaillard Trio and Alvino Rey. The announcers are Verne Smith and Ernie 'Bubbles' Whitman. The program signs off over Basie's theme, One O'Clock Jump, performed by Alvino Rey and the AFRS Orchestra. Lucky Thompson solos on track e.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Karl George (t), J. J. Johnson (tb), Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (cl), Freddie Green (g), Bill Doggett (p), Rodney Richardson (b), Shadow Wilson (d), Thelma Love (Lowe, Thompson) (v)

Thelma Love (Lowe, Thompson) (v) on a, c.

The ensemble was called The Lucky Thompson All Stars. Thelma Love (Lowe) was Lucky Thompson's wife.

Russell Jacquet (ldr), Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Harry 'Parr' Jones, Gerald Wilson, Snooky Young (t), Russell Jacquet (t, v), Ted Donnelly, J. J. Johnson, Eli Robinson (tb), Preston Love, Willie Smith (as), Illinois Jacquet, Lucky Thompson (ts), Rudy Rutherford (bar), Freddie Green (g), Bill Doggett (p), Billy Hadnott (b), Albert Wichard (d)

Russell Jacquet (v) on a.

The personnel shown is that listed on the label of Modern Music 129. Salemann suggests that Ed Lewis, Emmett Berry, Rodney Richardson and Shadow Wilson are present in place of Gerald Wilson, Parr Jones, Billy Hadnott and Al Wichard, respectively and that Vic Dickenson is in the trombone section. The date range comes from Salemann although most other sources place this session in 1946. Lucky Thompson does not solo on either track.

Slim Gaillard (ldr), Karl George, Howard McGhee (t), Teddy Edwards, Wild Bill Moore, Lucky Thompson (ts), Fletcher Smith (p), Bam Brown (b), Leo Watson (d), Slim Gaillard (v)

Slim Gaillard (v) on c-e.

Most discographies place this session in September 1945 but Salemann indicates the recording was done between October 9 and 20. The date shown comes from the Weir discography. Lucky Thompson solos on all tracks except d. Track b is called Slim's Boogie on the EP releases.

Bob Mosley (ldr), Karl George (t), Marshal Royal (as, cl), Lucky Thompson (ts), Gene Phillips (g), Bob Mosley (p), Charles Mingus (b), Lee Young (d), Marion Abernathy (v)

Marion Abernathy (v) on b-c.

The ensemble was called Bob Mosely & All Stars. Bel-Tone J 751 titles track d as "Voot Rhythm" with the matrix number shown (based on examination of the issue stored at the Institute of Jazz Studies by this discographer). Salemann indicates the matrix number for this track as BT 34 (label) or BTJ-34-3 (wax) based on his examination of an original issue. I have not examined a copy of Bel-Tone J 752 and cannot confirm the matrix number for track a. Williams indicates the matrix number for track a is BTJ37-5 and that for track d, BTJ34-3. He also places this session in December 1945. The Weir discography indicates the following matrix numbers: a, BTJ 37-5, b, BTJ 35-1, c, BTJ 36-2 or 3, d, BTJ 34-3. Lucky Thompson solos on all tracks.

Estelle Edson, Oscar Pettiford (ldr), Karl George (t), Jewell Grant (as), Lucky Thompson (ts), Leon Beck (bar), Charlie Norris (g), Wilbert Baranco (p), Oscar Pettiford (b), Roy Porter (d), Estelle Edson (v)

The ensemble was called Estelle Edson with Oscar Pettiford and His All Stars. Williams dates this session as mid-1946. Salemann indicates ca. October/November 1945 and Weir c. November 1945. Lucky Thompson solos on tracks a, b and d.

Willie Smith (ldr), Howard McGhee (t), Willie Smith (as), Lucky Thompson (ts), Arnold Ross (p), Eddie Safranski (b), Lee Young (d)

This session is a discographical nightmare! The information shown is the best I have been able to cobble together based on analyzing all the materials that I've examined so far and differs from other sources.

There exist four takes of I've Found a New Baby recorded by Willie Smith for the Sunset label in November 1945. In my opinion, the only take of this title without Lucky Thompson was recorded on November 5, 1945 with an ensemble that had Vido Musso on tenor sax, Buddy Childers on trumpet and Andre Previn on piano. This take (matrix SRC-127-5) times at 2:35 and sounds to me like Musso rather than Thompson is present (issued on Black Lion BLP 30121, BLCD 760189, Intercord 28419-0 MB - Previn At Sunset). Some sources, however, claim that McGhee and not Childers is the trumpet player. It is troubling that all takes of this title use matrix numbers consistent with the November 5 date. On the other hand, there is a gap in the matrix numbers that suggests 127-5 may have been recorded at the November 5 session with Musso and 127-14,15,16 on November 12.

Three takes have Thompson and McGhee present and it should be noted that the version issued on 78 Sunset 7560 (which lists Thompson and NOT Musso on the label), and probably Swing (Fr.) 388, seems to have been reissued only on Monarch 10" LP 202 since by aural and waveform comparison, it is non-identical with any of the other 3 versions that appear on Black Lion LPs and CDs. (On the other hand, Salemann indicates that 127-15 was mislabeled 127-16 by the reissuers and other discographers. Alhough these takes are very similar, I detect subtle differences that convince me there are, in fact, three takes of I've Found a New Baby with Lucky Thompson.)

But the situation is even murkier. The copy of Sunset 7560 that I examined has the matrix numbers reversed on the disc labels! I've Found a New Baby shows SRC-126-6 while the flip side, All the Things You Are (recorded on November 5) shows SRC-127-15. But in the wax, I've Found a New Baby shows SRC-127-15 and the flip side, SRC-126-6 which are the expected assignments. As if this wasn't enough confusion, the cover of Black Lion BLP 30113 shows a reproduction of the label of Sunset 7560 correctly showing SRC-127-15 for I've Found a New Baby. Were there more than one pressings of this 78?

A version of I've Found a New Baby is present on Swing 388 (78), Vogue (Eng.) EPV 1090 (EP), LD 032 (10-inch LP) and Pearl/Topaz TPZ 1062 (CD) but not having gained access to these issues thus far, I have been unable determine which take occurs on each.

Lover Come Back To Me is called Experiment Perilous and was initially issued on two sides of Sunset SRC 7562 as parts 1 and 2. In order to fit on a 10-inch 78, track f has part of the studio chatter deleted but the musical performance is complete although split at the end of Thompson's solo.The complete nearly nine-minute version begins with 2:30 of studio chatter and false starts. The actual complete performance of Lover Come Back To Me has a duration of 6:22. Strangely, Arnold Ross's solo is only 56 bars long on all issues (64 bars is a full chorus).

Duke Henderson, Rabon Tarrant, Lucky Thompson (ldr), Karl George (t), Jewell Grant (as), Lucky Thompson (ts), Gene Porter (cl), unknown (g), Wilbert Baranco (p), Charles Mingus (b), Lee Young (d), Duke Henderson, Rabon Tarrant (v)

Duke Henderson (ldr) on a, c-e, g-h; (v) on a, c-e, g-h; Rabon Tarrant (ldr) on b, f; (v) on b, f.

This is Duke Henderson and Rabon Tarrant with Lucky Thompson's All Stars. Mingus is assumed to be the bassist but this is not certain. Lucky Thompson solos or plays accompaniment behind the vocalists on all tracks.

Marion Abernathy, Karl George (ldr), Karl George (t), unknown (as, g, p, b, d), Lucky Thompson (ts), Marion Abernathy (v)

Marion Abernathy (v) on a, c.

The ensemble was called George's Dukes and a Duchess. The complete personnel and exact date of recording are unknown. It also unknown why the matrix numbers are not consecutive. Weir dates this session as c. mid-December 1945. Lucky Thompson solos on all tracks.

Basin Street Boys, Judy Carol (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), Charlie Norris (g), Eddie Beal (p), Charlie Drayton (b), Stan Levey (d), Judy Carol, Gene Price, Reuben Saunders, Artie Waters, Ormande Wilson (v)

Lucky Thompson (ts) on a-c; Stan Levey (d) on c-d; Judy Carol (v) on a-b.

Williams places this session in August or September 1946. Salemann says late 1945 and Weir February 1946. Lucky Thompson solos on tracks a-c.

Boyd Raeburn (ldr), Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Linn, Dale Pierce, Nelson Shelladay, Zeke Zarchy (t), Ollie Wilson, Britt Woodman, Fred Zito (tb), Harry Klee (as, f), Wilbur Schwartz (as, cl), Ralph Lee, Lucky Thompson (ts), Hy Mandel (bar), Boyd Raeburn (bsx), Tony Rizzi (g), Dodo Marmarosa (p, cel), Harry Babasin (b), Jackie Mills (d), David Allyn, Ginny Powell (v)

Dizzy Gillespie (t) on c; Dodo Marmarosa (cel) on b; David Allyn (v) on b; Ginny Powell (v) on d.

The personnel is speculative. The bassist could be Joe Mondragon and the guitarist Dave Barbour. One O'Clock Jump is used as the theme at the beginning and end of this live radio show but it is uncertain whether the Raeburn band actually performs it or if it is a recording of the Basie Band. Dizzy Gillespie is guest soloist on track d. This was the last AFRS program of 1945. Ernie 'Bubbles' Whitman was the MC for this studio concert. Lucky Thompson solos on tracks b, d, f and g. This concert also included a performance by the Charlie Parker sextet (Dizzy Atmosphere) on which Lucky Thompson did not participate. The timings shown are those for the musical performances without dialogue.

Lucky Thompson, Dinah Washington (ldr), Karl George (t), Jewell Grant (as), Lucky Thompson (ts), Gene Porter (bar, cl), Milt Jackson (vib), Wilbert Baranco (p), Charles Mingus (b), Lee Young (d), Dinah Washington (v)

This is Dinah Washington with Lucky Thompson and his All Stars. Thompson solos on tracks c and d.

Lucky Thompson, Dinah Washington (ldr), Karl George (t), Jewell Grant (as), Lucky Thompson (ts), Gene Porter (bar, cl), Milt Jackson (vib), Wilbert Baranco (p), Charles Mingus (b), Lee Young (d), Dinah Washington (v)

This is Dinah Washington with Lucky Thompson and his All Stars. Thompson solos on tracks a, b and d.

Lucky Thompson, Dinah Washington (ldr), Karl George (t), Jewell Grant (as), Lucky Thompson (ts), Gene Porter (bar, cl), Milt Jackson (vib), Wilbert Baranco (p), Charles Mingus (b), Lee Young (d), Dinah Washington (v)

This is Dinah Washington with Lucky Thompson and his All Stars. Thompson solos on tracks a-c.

Boyd Raeburn (ldr), Ray Linn, Dale Pierce, Nelson Shelladay, Zeke Zarchy (t), Ollie Wilson, Britt Woodman, Fred Zito (tb), Harry Klee (as, f), Wilbur Schwartz (as, cl), Ralph Lee, Lucky Thompson (ts), Hy Mandel (bar), Boyd Raeburn (bsx), Tony Rizzi (g), Dodo Marmarosa (p), Harry Babasin (b), Jackie Mills (d), David Allyn, Ginny Powell (v)

David Allyn (v) on c-f, k, p-q, u-v; Ginny Powell (v) on b, d, m, p, s.

These transcription recordings were probably done at several sessions. The personnel is not confirmed. The bassist may be Joe Mondragon. Track o is a medley of Mood Indigo, C Jam Blues, Sophisticated Lady and It Don't Mean a Thing. Lucky Thompson solos on tracks a, g, h, i, j, l, m, n, o, r, t and u.

There are additional Standard transcriptions recorded around this time by the Raeburn band but the Salemann and Weir discographies as well as the liner notes to Hep CD 42 indicate that Lucky Thompson is not present, having been replaced by Guy McReynolds; however, the tenor saxophone soloist on certain titles like Two Spoos In An Igloo and Night In Tunisia sounds very much like Thompson.

Peter Losin's Charlie Parker Sessionography includes a radio broadcast from Billy Berg's Club in Hollywood, CA featuring the groups of Charlie Parker/Dizzy Gillespie and Slim Gaillard. Lucky Thompson is indicated as being present, presumably as part of the Parker/Gillespie ensemble which also included Milt Jackson (vib), Al Haig (p), Ray Brown (b) and Stan Levey (d). Three fragmentary titles, I Waited For You, How High the Moon and 52nd Street Theme have been issued on Philology CD W893 and RLR CD 88642. At this point, it is not possible to confirm that Thompson was, in fact, present on any of these performances.

Slim Gaillard (ldr), Howard McGhee (t), Lucky Thompson (ts), Marshal Royal (cl), Slim Gaillard (g, v), Dodo Marmarosa (p), Bam Brown (b, v), Zutty Singleton (d)

Bam Brown (v) on a, d; Slim Gaillard (v) on a, c-d.

Lucky Thompson solos on all tracks.

Wilbert Baranco, Johnny Criner (ldr), Karl George (t), Lucky Thompson (ts), Dave Barbour (g), Wilbert Baranco (p), Phil Stephens (b), Johnny Criner (v)

This is vocalist/comedian Johnny Criner with the Wilbert Baranco Quartet. Williams dates this session as mid-1946 while Salemann and Weir indicate January. Lucky Thompson solos on track a and plays accompaniment on track b.

Dodo Marmarosa (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), Dodo Marmarosa (p), Ray Brown (b), Jackie Mills (d)

Lucky Thompson (ts) on b, d.

Dizzy Gillespie (ldr), Dizzy Gillespie (t, v), Charlie Parker (as), Lucky Thompson (ts), Milt Jackson (vib), Al Haig (p), Ray Brown (b), Stan Levey (d)

This performance was broadcast on WEAF in New York City. Lucky Thompson does not solo on this track. The ensemble was called Dizzy Gillespie and His Rebop Six.

Charles Mingus (ldr), Karl George, John Plonsky (t), Henry Coker (tb), Willie Smith (as), Lucky Thompson (ts), Gene Porter (bar, cl), Buddy Harper (g), Wilbert Baranco (p), Charles Mingus (b), Lee Young (d), Claude Trenier (v)

Claude Trenier (v) on a-b, d.

Lucky Thompson solos on tracks c and d. The Tony Williams Lucky Thompson Discography places Lucky Thompson on several other Mingus-led sessions for the 4 Star, Fentone and Dolphin labels but this is not confirmed by other sources and those sessions are not included herein.

Marion Abernathy, Karl George (ldr), Karl George (t), Lucky Thompson (ts), Marion Abernathy (v), Others Unknown (var)

This was a big band called George's Dukes and a Duchess but most of the players remain unidentified. Salemann's discography suggests one of the trombonists is Vic Dickenson. Salemann reports that the matrix numbers on the 78 labels are those shown here in parentheses while the matrix numbers in the disc wax are those listed first. He also notes that these titles were issued on four 78 records, each of which had a Howard McGhee track on the reverse side. This session may have been recorded in December of 1945 or early February of 1946. Track c is called "You Can't Take That Away From Me" and no composer credits are shown on the 78 label. The label used the same catalog numbers more than once. Lucky Thompson solos on tracks b and d.

Wilbert Baranco (ldr), Karl George, Dizzy Gillespie, Howard McGhee, Snooky Young (t), Ralph Bledsoe, Henry Coker, Vic Dickenson, George Washington (tb), Marvin Johnson, Willie Smith (as), Fred Simon, Lucky Thompson (ts), Gene Porter (bar), Buddy Harper (g), Wilbert Baranco (p, v), Charles Mingus (b), Earl Watkins (d)

Wilbert Baranco (v) on c.

This ensemble was called Wilbert Baranco and His Rhythm Bombardiers. Dizzy Gillespie is listed on the Black & White 78s as "John Burk." Track d includes ensemble vocals. Lucky Thompson solos on track a.

The Tony Williams Lucky Thompson Discography suggests that Lucky Thompson is present on several sessions on the Pan-American label, under the leadership of Clifford Lang, recorded in 1946; however, no details are given and other sources confirming the existence of such sessions could not be found. After auditioning the 78s Pan-American 137 (Stardust, Begin the Beguine), 141 (Widow Jenkins Blues, Try Try Again) and 142 (Exactly Like You, These Foolish Things), I find no evidence for the presence of Thompson. Pan-American 142 lists the personnel on the labels and Thompson is not included.

Boyd Raeburn (ldr), Ray Linn, Dale Pierce, Nelson Shelladay, Zeke Zarchy (t), Ollie Wilson, Britt Woodman, Fred Zito (tb), Harry Klee (as, f), Wilbur Schwartz (as, cl), Ralph Lee, Lucky Thompson (ts), Hy Mandel (bar), Gail Laughton, Loretta Thompson (hrp), Al Hendrickson (g), Dodo Marmarosa (p), Harry Babasin (b), Jackie Mills (d), David Allyn, Ginny Powell (v)

David Allyn (v) on c-d; Ginny Powell (v) on b, d.

The personnel is speculative. One O'Clock Jump is used as the theme at the beginning and end of this live radio show but it is uncertain whether the Raeburn band actually performs it or if it is a recording of the Basie Band. Ernie 'Bubbles' Whitman was the MC. Lucky Thompson solos on tracks a and e. The timings of these tracks vary among issues depending on how much dialogue between Whitman and Raeburn is included. The timings shown are those of the musical performances. This show included two solo performances by Dodo Marmarosa, Deep Purple and Tea For Two which are not listed here. For another performance from this show, see the following session.

Ray Linn (ldr), Ray Linn (t), Lucky Thompson (ts), Wilbur Schwartz (cl), Harry Klee (f), Al Hendrickson (g), Dodo Marmarosa (p), Harry Babasin (b), Jackie Mills (d)

This performance was part of the previous session and the octet made up of Raeburn band members with Linn announced as leader. Klee is the featured soloist. The timing shown is that of the musical performance without any dialogue.

Dizzy Gillespie (ldr), Dizzy Gillespie (t), Charlie Parker (as), Lucky Thompson (ts), Arvin Garrison (g), George Handy (p), Ray Brown (b), Stan Levey (d)

The Komara Charlie Parker Dial discography indicates February 5 as the recording date. Lucky Thompson solos on this track.

Boyd Raeburn (ldr), Carl Groen, Ray Linn, Dale Pierce, Nelson Shelladay (t), Hal Smith, Ollie Wilson, Britt Woodman (tb), Harry Klee (as, f), Wilbur Schwartz (as, cl), Ralph Lee, Guy McReynolds, Lucky Thompson (ts), Hy Mandel (bar), Dodo Marmarosa (p), Harry Babasin (b), Jackie Mills (d), David Allyn, Ginny Powell (v)

Guy McReynolds (ts) on a-b, d; Lucky Thompson (ts) on c; David Allyn (v) on d; Ginny Powell (v) on a.

Salemann, in his Lucky Thompson discography, insists that based on aural evidence, Thompson is not present on track c and that the tenor sax solo is by Ralph Lee. The 1995 Savoy (Nippon Columbia) CD reissue SV 0273 indicates that Thompson is the "guest" tenor sax soloist on this track as does the excellent booklet accompanying the box set Smithsonian DMM 6-0610. The Williams discography places this session in May 1946. Weir's discography indicates an alternate take of Boyd Meets Stravinsky.

Dizzy Gillespie (ldr), Dizzy Gillespie (t, v), Lucky Thompson (ts, v), Milt Jackson (vib, v), Al Haig (p), Ray Brown (b), Stan Levey (d)

Dizzy Gillespie (v) on e; Milt Jackson (v) on e; Lucky Thompson (v) on e.

The fate of alternate takes D1001A-D, D1002A-D and D1004A-D listed in Komara's Charlie Parker Dial discography is unknown (presumed lost) and they are not included here. Weir's Lucky Thompson discography lists an unissued test pressing of an alternate take of Diggin' For Diz. Track c is called "Dynamo A" and track d is called "Dynamo B." This ensemble was called "Tempo Jazz Men." The vocal trio on track e was called "The Three Angels." It should be noted that Dial Records used the same 78 catalog number more than once, pairing tracks differently or using slightly altered titles on various pressings. I have tried to bring some order to this confusion by adding small roman numerals to differentiate the issues having the same catalog number. Lucky Thompson solos on all titles. All issues of the tracks from this famous session are not listed.

Wilbert Baranco (ldr), Hobart Dotson, Karl George, Howard McGhee, Snooky Young (t), Henry Coker, Melba Liston, George Washington, Britt Woodman (tb), Buddy Collette, Jackie Kelso (John Kelson, Jr., Jack Kelson) (as), Fred Simon, Lucky Thompson (ts), Gene Porter (bar), Buddy Harper (g), Wilbert Baranco (p, v), Charles Mingus (b), Earl Watkins (d)

Wilbert Baranco (v) on c.

The personnel is speculative in all sources of information on this AFRS concert. Ralph Bledsoe may be in the trombone section in place of Coker. Ernie 'Bubbles' Whitman was the MC. The show also included performances by vocalist Monette Moore and the Vivien Garry Trio. One O'Clock Jump was used as the introduction and signoff theme but it is not known if it was performed live or if a recording by the Basie band was used for the broadcast. Lucky Thompson solos on tracks a, b and d.

Ben Carter (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), unknown (g, p, b, d), Ben Carter (v)

This is NOT the famous saxophonist, trumpeter, composer, arranger Benny Carter. The few details shown come from the Salemann and Weir discographies wherein it is indicated that Lucky Thompson solos on all tracks.

David Allyn (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), Al Hendrickson (g), George Styles (p), Frank Davenport (Devenport) (cel), Bob Stone (b), David Allyn (v)

IAJRC CD 1001 indicates that drummer Alvin Stoller is present but the Salemann and Weir Lucky Thompson discographies list no drummer. I have auditioned tracks a-c and agree that no drummer is present. Lucky Thompson solos on tracks a-c.

The following AFRS transcriptions by the Jimmy Mundy Orchestra are problematical. I have listed them in the order shown in the AFRS archives which may or may not have any relation to reality. Certain titles listed more than once may be the same performance included in more than one broadcast. The actual recording dates of these sessions are not known and the range shown is suggested by Salemann's discography. As was usually the case, One O'Clock Jump was used as the introduction and sign-off them but these performances are not listed since it is not known if the theme was recorded at the time of the other titles or simply taken from existing recordings. Matrix numbers for the titles issued on V-Discs come from the Tony Williams discography. Ernie 'Bubbles' Whitman was usually the MC. It should be noted that the LP Golden Era 15060 has tracks that run too fast, in fact, in keys a whole step above where they should be. The liner notes also indicate that all tracks were performed by one band which is not true.

Jimmy Mundy (ldr), Clyde Hurley, Ray Linn, McClure 'Red Mack' Morris, Walter Williams (t), Vernon Brown, Henry Coker, Britt Woodman (tb), Juan Tizol (vtb), Les Robinson, Willie Smith (as), Babe Russin, Lucky Thompson (ts), Dick Clark (bar), Irving Ashby (g), Eddie Beal, Milt Raskin (p), Artie Shapiro (b), Ray Hagan (d)

Performances by Erroll Garner and the Delta Rhythm Boys are not included although part of this show. Lucky Thompson solos on all tracks.

Jimmy Mundy (ldr), Clyde Hurley, Ray Linn, McClure 'Red Mack' Morris, Walter Williams (t), Vernon Brown, Henry Coker, Britt Woodman (tb), Juan Tizol (vtb), Les Robinson, Willie Smith (as), Babe Russin, Lucky Thompson (ts), Dick Clark (bar), Irving Ashby (g), Eddie Beal, Milt Raskin (p), Artie Shapiro (b), Ray Hagan (d)

This performance may actually come from AFRS Jubilee 197 as indicated in the liner notes to Hep CD 48. According to Salemann, the performance of Everything But You on this show actually comes from AFRS Jubilee 172 on which Lucky Thompson is not present. Peformances by Herb Jeffries, the Tommy Todd Trio and the King Sisters which were part of this show also are not included here. Lucky Thompson solos on this track.

Jimmy Mundy (ldr), Clyde Hurley, Ray Linn, McClure 'Red Mack' Morris, Walter Williams (t), Vernon Brown, Henry Coker, Britt Woodman (tb), Juan Tizol (vtb), Les Robinson, Willie Smith (as), Babe Russin, Lucky Thompson (ts), Dick Clark (bar), Irving Ashby (g), Eddie Beal, Milt Raskin (p), Artie Shapiro (b), Ray Hagan (d)

I am not absolutely certain that the version of track c on Hindsight 504 is this one. Performances by Helen Humes and The Five Amitones that were part of this show are not included here. Lucky Thompson solos on tracks a and c.

Jimmy Mundy (ldr), Clyde Hurley, Ray Linn, McClure 'Red Mack' Morris, Walter Williams (t), Vernon Brown, Henry Coker, Britt Woodman (tb), Juan Tizol (vtb), Les Robinson, Willie Smith (as), Babe Russin, Lucky Thompson (ts), Dick Clark (bar), Irving Ashby (g), Eddie Beal, Milt Raskin (p), Artie Shapiro (b), Ray Hagan (d), Jimmy Mundy (v)

Jimmy Mundy (v) on c.

Salemann feels that performances of Banana Boat and Johnny Comes Marching Home from this program, featuring the Starlighters vocal group, were actually recorded with the AFRS Orchestra and not this ensemble. Track e may be the same performance as on AFRS Jubilee 181 or it may be the version found on Golden Era 15060.

Jimmy Mundy (ldr), Clyde Hurley, Ray Linn, McClure 'Red Mack' Morris, Walter Williams (t), Vernon Brown, Henry Coker, Britt Woodman (tb), Juan Tizol (vtb), Les Robinson, Willie Smith (as), Babe Russin, Lucky Thompson (ts), Dick Clark (bar), Irving Ashby (g), Eddie Beal, Milt Raskin (p), Artie Shapiro (b), Ray Hagan (d)

These are probably the same performances as on AFRS 182 and 187. Salemann feels that performances of I Left My Heart In Mississippi and I'm Just a Lucky So and So from this program, featuring vocalist Herb Jeffries, were recorded with the AFRS Orchestra and not this ensemble. This show also included three titles by the Page Cavanaugh Trio.

Jimmy Mundy (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), Call Cobbs (p), Others Unknown (var)

This unique version of Queer Street begins with someone, probably Mundy, announcing that the soloists will be Call Cobbs and Lucky Thompson. No discographies show sessions on which both of these musicians participate and Cobbs is not listed in the liner notes to Golden Era 15060. This may or may not be from an AFRS transcription. Mundy's orchestra performed this title on AFRS Jubilee Nos. 171 and 258 but the AFRS discography lists neither Cobbs nor Thompson among the personnel of either of those shows (actually no personnel are specified for 258). As noted above, this LP has speed problems and this performance is in G when it should be in F. The timing shown is after speed correction. On the LP, this tracks times at 2:52. Lucky Thompson solos briefly.

Charlie Parker (ldr), Miles Davis (t), Charlie Parker (as), Lucky Thompson (ts), Arvin Garrison (g), Dodo Marmarosa (p), Vic McMillan (b), Roy Porter (d)

The fate of alternate takes 1011-2, 1011-3, 1012-2, 1013-2 and 1013-3 listed in Komara's Charlie Parker Dial discography is unknown (presumed lost) and they are not included here.Track g has been issued as "Bird Lore." Track i has been issued as "The Famous Alto Break." Dial Records used the same catalog number more than once creating a very confusing situation. Lucky Thompson solos on all issued titles except track i. All issues of the tracks from this famous session are not listed.

Most sources, with the notable exception of Komara's discography, indicate that Garrison is out on Moose the Mooche. Although the guitarist does not solo on any of the three takes of this title, I hear him playing in the rhythm section on at least the master take.

Buddy Baker, Bob Hayward, Herb Jeffries (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), Bob Hayward, Herb Jeffries (v), Others Unknown (var)

Bob Hayward (ldr) on a-b; (v) on a-b; Herb Jeffries (ldr) on c-d; (v) on c-d.

Information on this obscure session is highly speculative and comes mostly from Salemann's Lucky Thompson Discography. The vocalists are backed by a large orchestra of unknown composition and personnel. Lucky Thompson's presence is suggested by the tenor saxophone solo on track c and Thompson's association with Baker and Jeffries around this time on other sessions. Lord and Bruyninckx place these titles in different sessions but the matrix numbers are consecutive and composer Leon Rene provides a common thread. Lucky Thompson solos on track c.

The Lord Discography, Sears V-Disc Discography and AFRS Jubilee Transcription Discography all indicate that Lucky Thompson was present on a Boyd Raeburn session recorded in mid-April 1946. This session produced George Handy's "Tone Poem, Part 1" (a.k.a "Suite For Jazz" and "Jazz Symphony"), made up of "Dalvatore Sally," Hey Look, I'm Dancing," "Grey Suede, Special Made" and "Keyf." These recordings were part of AFRS Jubilee No. 188 and V-Disc 677A; however, it is highly doubtful that Thompson was still with Raeburn at this point and the tenor saxophonists are more likely Ralph Lee and Guy McReynolds as indicated in the liner notes to Hep CD 1.

Bob Parrish (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), Irving Ashby (g), Lady Will Carr (p), Red Callender (b), Bob Parrish (v)

Lucky Thompson (ts) on b.

Lucky Thompson plays accompaniment on track b.

Jimmy Mundy (ldr), Harry 'Parr' Jones, Ray Linn (t), Lucky Thompson (ts), Irving Ashby (g), Eddie Beal (p), Jimmy Young (v), Others Unknown (var)

Jimmy Young (v) on c-d.

This was Jimmy Mundy's Orchestra but the complete personnel is unknown. The Lord Discography and liner notes to Classics 1200 place this session in 1947 but Salemann indicates the approximate date shown which is close to the AFRS transcriptions this band recorded. Williams's discography places this session in June or July of 1946 and Weir's, May-July 1946. Salemann indicates that Mundy himself is the vocalist on tracks c and d and not Jimmy Young based on a report in Down Beat magazine. Lucky Thompson solos on track b.

Basin Street Boys, Eddie Beal (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), Charlie Norris (g), Eddie Beal (p), Charlie Drayton (b), Stan Levey (d), Gene Price, Reuben Saunders, Artie Waters, Ormande Wilson (v)

Lucky Thompson (ts) on a-c.

The Lord Discography lists Stan Levey as the drummer but Dieter Salemann's Lucky Thompson discography lists the drummer as unknown. Weir also indicates Levey's presence. The Basin Street Boys are the four vocalists shown. The accompanying ensemble is called Eddie Beal's Fourtet. Lucky Thompson solos on tracks a-c.

Ted Buckner (t), Lucky Thompson (ts), Eddie Beal (p), Red Callender (b), Zutty Singleton (d), Joe Turner (v)

This is a KPAS radio broadcast of one of Ted Yerxa's Lamplighter Sunday afternoon shows. Lucky Thompson solos on this track.

Howard McGhee (t), Les Robinson (as), Jack McVea, Lucky Thompson (ts), Irving Ashby (g), Jimmy Bunn (p), Red Callender (b), Jackie Mills (d)

Howard McGhee (t) on a-j; Les Robinson (as) on k-m; Jack McVea (ts) on d-j; Lucky Thompson (ts) on a-j, l; Irving Ashby (g) on a-j; Jackie Mills (d) on g-m.

On the original issues, Ornithology is called "Oodie Coo Bop," Hot House is called "Boppin' Bop" and Wee is called "Big Noise." On Imperial 5075, Ornithology is called "Harlem Bop, Parts 1 & 2." These sessions were called Junior Jazz At the Auditorium on some issues and released under Howard McGhee as leader on others. Because these were extended jam session performances, the 78 versions were edited. Track l is divided into two parts on Imperial 5092. On Tops L 928, Hot House is called What Is This Thing Called Love (both melody lines are heard). The performance of Wee (track j) fades out during the drum solo. This performance begins with 1:36 of introductions by Ralph Bass which is not reflected in the timing above but is included as part of track g on Classics 1113 and possibly other issues. The timings for tracks g-i are taken from Classics 1113 but these are too long for the 78 issues which I have not auditioned. The applause appears to be dubbed in.

Miss Dana (Danna), Lyle Griffin (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), Miss Dana (Danna) (v), Others Unknown (var)

Little information is known about this session or the vocalist Miss Dana (Danna). The few details shown come from the Salemann discography which also indicates that Lucky Thompson solos on track a.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), Others Unknown (var)

Information on this big band session comes from discographer Bob Weir. I have not auditioned this acetate. Weir indicates that Down Beat Magazine, December 16, 1946 reports that Thompson was rehearsing an ensemble at the Elk's Club in Los Angeles with many notable musicians including Miles Davis, Britt Woodman, Marshal Royal, Herbie Steward, Buddy De Franco, Dodo Marmarosa, Charles Mingus, Jackie Mills and others. It is conceivable but unsubstantiated that this band is the one present on these two titles.

Earle Spencer (ldr), Frank Beach, Al Killian, Ray Linn, Paul Lopez (t), Ray Heath, Tommy Pederson, Hal Smith (tb), Les Robinson (as), Wilbur Schwartz (as, cl), Ralph Lee, Lucky Thompson (ts), Hy Mandel (bar), Jack Marshall (g), Tommy Todd (p), Red Callender (b), Jackie Mills (d)

This session and the following one are controversial. The Lord Discography has substantially different personnel not including Lucky Thompson whereas Salemann, Bruyninckx and the liner notes to IAJRC 41 show the above. Weir does not include the Earle Spencer recordings in his Lucky Thompson discography. Morty Corb may be the bassist and Spencer may play trombone on some tracks. Salemann feels that all tenor sax solos are by Ralph Lee. Salemann claims the version of Bolero In Boogie on Tops L 929 is an alternate take but it is, in fact, identical to that on IAJRC 41. His claim of an issued alternate take of Soft and Warm also appears unsubstantiated.

Earle Spencer (ldr), Frank Beach, Al Killian, Ray Linn, Paul Lopez (t), Ray Heath, Tommy Pederson, Hal Smith (tb), Les Robinson (as), Wilbur Schwartz (as, cl), Ralph Lee, Lucky Thompson (ts), Hy Mandel (bar), Jack Marshall (g), Tommy Todd (p), Red Callender (b), Jackie Mills (d), Bob Hayward, Annette Warren (v)

Bob Hayward (v) on e; Annette Warren (v) on c.

Some discographies indicate that Barbara Lee Nelson (as), Paul Polena (p), Arvin Garrison (g) and Harry Babasin (b) replace Les Robinson, Tommy Todd, Jack Marshall and Red Callender, respectively and Ollie Wilson may replace Ray Heath. One or two unidentified French horns are present. Salemann claims that Tops L 948 contains an alternate take of E.S. Boogie, part 2 but it is, in fact, identical to 384-1. However, both parts of this title are issued as one track on the Tops LP.

Louis Armstrong (ldr), Louis Armstrong, Mutt Carey (t), Edward 'Kid' Ory (tb), Lucky Thompson (ts), Barney Bigard (cl), Bud Scott (g, v), Charlie Beal (p), Red Callender (b), Zutty Singleton (d)

Bud Scott (v) on c-d.

These tracks were recorded for the soundtrack of the 1947 movie New Orleans (Majestic Productions). Lucky Thompson solos on tracks g and h and briefly on f. The date range comes from the Willems Louis Armstrong Discography. This session produced pre-recordings for the film soundtrack and these are issued on the LPs and CDs. The film itself and the video derived from it use only parts of tracks a-f. According to discographer Bob Weir, tracks g and h were not used in the film.

Lucky Thompson (ldr), Lucky Thompson (ts), Dodo Marmarosa (p), Red Callender (b), Jackie Mills (d)

From Weir's discography: "Dieter Salemann and Fabian Grob in their Dodo Marmarosa discography 'Flights Of the Vout Bug' (2009) propose a recording date of 16 July 1947 based on AFM Local 767 financial returns to Marmarosa and Mills."

Buddy Baker, Herb Jeffries (ldr), Hoyt Bohannon (tb), Les Robinson (as), Lucky Thompson (ts), Herb Jeffries (v), Others Unknown (var)

This is vocalist Herb Jeffries with Buddy Baker's Orchestra, most members of which remain unidentified. Lucky Thompson solos on tracks c and g. The identity of the missing matrix number 1049 is unknown. Some sources include Thompson in a later session for Exclusive arranged by Buddy Baker, at which I Don't Want To Cry Anymore (mtx. 1073), Flamingo (1074) and Basin Street Blues (1075) were recorded.

Vivien Garry, Rickey Jordan (ldr), Ted Buckner (t), Les Robinson (as), Lucky Thompson (ts), Arvin Garrison (g), Milt Raskin (p), Vivien Garry (b), Edward 'Sharky' Hall (d), Rickey Jordan (v)