Saturday, November 29, 2008

Yahoo LAUNCHCAST Song Of The Day-Alvin "Red" Tyler

Artist:Alvin "Red" Tyler
Song:Count 'Em
Album:Modern New Orleans Masters




Sax player Alvin "Red" Tyler was a legend in New Orleans because of all the R & B records he played on in the 50s. But his first love was jazz and that's what he recorded when he got the opportunity in the 80s. He was born Dec. 5, 1925 in New Orleans. He learned to play sax in the Navy and joined the band of legendary New Orleans producer Dave Bartholemew in 1950. He played sax breaks on tons of sessions for Fats Domino & Allen Toussaint among others. He did have a regional hit as a solo artist with Rockin' And Rollin' in 1961. Tyler started working as a liquor salesman in the 60s and still played gigs on the side. The Tan Canary Johnny Adams was one of his favourite singers to accompany. Tyler signed with Rounder Records in 1986 and produced the straight jazz album Graciously with the help of the New Orleans jazz group Astral Project. Count 'Em is from that album. Modern New Orleans Masters is a Rounder various artists comp and a perfect intro to some of the greats for beginners. Alvin "Red" Tyler recorded the album Heritage featuring vocalists Johnny Adams & Germaine Bazzle before his death on Apr. 3, 1998 at age 72. Here's a video for Rockin' And Rollin' by Alvin "Red" Tyler.

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