Artie Shapiro

This artist performed on more than 100 recording dates between the '20s and the late '60s, and that fact in itself is considered by some discographers to be some kind of jazz "style." Art Shapiro -- credited also as Artie Shapiro and the more formal Arthur Shapiro -- was indeed loyal to jazz throughout his career despite his concentration on studio assignments in his later years. He actually started out as a trumpet player at the age of 13, and throughout his teen years was known for pulling off a gig on the brass horn even after switching to bass at 18. The following year he began working with well-known classic jazz artists, beginning with the one-armed trumpeter Wingy Manone and continuing with players such as Joe Marsala, Eddie Condon, Chu Berry, and others. From 1938 through 1940 Shapiro worked with the Paul Whiteman ensemble, then was back with Marsala as well as trumpeter Bobby Hackett. Whiteman rehired him in 1940, apparently the last major gig for the bassist before relocating to Hollywood. On the West Coast, Shapiro fit right into a fine community of improvisers keeping the New Orleans jazz flame burning, recording with trombonist Jack Teagarden and pianist Joe Sullivan. An Army stretch interrupted this flow of music-making, then in 1947 Shapiro was back in action with about a half a year playing in Benny Goodman's rhythm section. Shapiro's sumptuous discography is highlighted by his many appearances on vocal music sides, backing many wonderful and diverse female singers including Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee, Anita O'Day, and Doris Day. ~ Eugene Chadbourne