History Paul Gonsalves Quartet

Paul Gonsalves (1920-1974) was a U.S. jazz tenor saxophonist, best known for his work with Duke Ellington.

Born on 12th July 1920 in Brockton, Massachusetts to Cape Verdean parents, Gonsalves' first instrument was the guitar. He grew up in New Bedford, Massachusetts and played as a member of the Sabby Lewis Orchestra. His first professional engagement in Boston was with the same group on tenor saxophone, with whom he played before and after his military service during World War II. Before joining Duke Ellington's orchestra in 1950, he had also played with the big bands of Count Basie (1947-1949) and Dizzy Gillespie (1949-1950). Gonsalves also made a large number of recordings as leader of various small groups.

At the 1956 Newport Jazz Festival, Gonsalves' solo in Ellington's song "Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue" contained twenty-seven choruses; the publicity from this is credited with reviving Ellington's career. This performance was reeased on the album Ellington at Newport.

He died in London on 15th May 1974, a few days before Duke Ellington's death. Mercer Ellington refused to tell Duke of his death, fearing the shock might further accelerate his father's decline.

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