Howard McGhee was one of the first trumpeters to play the new Jazz music of the 40s called Bebop. Howard came out of several big bands and played with Coleman Hawkins and even more importantly, Charlie Parker during Parker's time in California in 1946/47. McGhee was at the top of his game when he returned to New York and made some historic recordings with his friend Fats Navarro in the McGhee/Navarro Boptet. The 50s were up and down for McGhee and he made some good albums but was also dealing with a heavy drug problem which led to arrests and such. He emerged in the late 50s and began recording for various labels and was a member of James Moody's little band. McGhee was back! In 1961 he made the Jazz Feature recording we'll be hearing. It's called "Maggie's Back In Town". "Maggie" is Howard's nickname. Howard picked the genius of the piano, Phineas Newborn Jr. and bass great Leroy Vinnegar and on drums the creative Shelly Manne for this fine date made up of a few originals and standards all well chosen. It's one of McGhee's most personal dates and demonstrates his unique style which while modern has traces of "old school" trumpet playing. Maggie at his best. Tonight we celebrate his birthday...March 6, 1918. McGhee died in 1987 at age 69.

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