Most of you know Al Cohn’s brilliance as a jazz saxophonist. Not as well known is the scope of his other accomplishments.
His career in jazz spanned more than 45 years. He performed with the bands of Henry Jerome, Joe Marsala, Georgie Auld, Alvino Rey, Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Artie Shaw, Elliot Lawrence and others. Many of the arrangements used by these bands were written by Al, and he also arranged for Gerry Mulligan, Quincy Jones, Terry Gibbs and Jimmy Rushing. In Herman’s band, he replaced Herbie Steward as a member of the notable “Four Brothers” in Woody’s “Second Herd,” joining tenors Zoot Sims and Stan Getz and baritone saxophonist Serge Chaloff. It was during this time that Al and Zoot formed their lasting friendship and musical relationship.
