Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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COLES, Johnny

(b 3 July '26, Trenton NJ; d 21 Dec. '97) Trumpet, flugelhorn; one of those who never achieved the fame he served except among his fellow musicians. He pestered his mother for a trumpet and began teaching himself aged 11 because there was no money for lessons. First important pro job with Eddie "Cleanhead' Vinson; played with Philly Joe Jones '51, James Moody '65-8, then Gil Evans; with George Coleman at Newport '66; Herbie Hancock sextet '68; Ray Charles band '69-70; with Duke Ellington; Charles again. LPs with Ellington, Hancock (The Prisoner, Blue Note), Kenny Burrell (big band Guitar Forms) and Astrid Gilberto (Look To The Rainbow), both on Verve; The Great Concert Of Charles Mingus (Prestige), with Evans's band on Miles Davis albums as well as Out Of The Cool (Impulse, incl. highly rated solo on "Sunken Treasure'), others. Own LPs incl. quartet The Warm Sound of Johnny Coles '61 on Epic (later on Koch CD), quintet Little Johnny C '63 on Blue Note, septet Katumbo '71 with Cedar Walton on Mainstream, quartet New Morning '82 on Criss Cross with Horace Parlan, excellent Two At The Top '83 on Uptown with Frank Wess. Played '80s with Count Basie band led by Thad Jones.