In the late 1940s, alto saxophonist Al Belletto had to leave his native New Orleans in order to pursue the siren song of bop. At the helm of the Al Belletto Sextet, the altoist found national success. Although previously rejected by the Crescent City’s traditional jazz establishment, Belletto returned home in the 1960s to eventually win over the hometown folks.
In 1992, while helming various small groups, Belletto took over the reins of Chuck Easterling’s Big Band. Now, thanks to Jazznocracy, the happy results of Belletto’s incarnation as big band “swing king” are available to all. Among the features are enlarged Belletto Sextet hits like “Relaxin’,” which during the 1950s themed Dick Martin’s popular radio show, Moonglow With Martin, and chestnuts by Ellington, plus standards such as “Pennies From Heaven.” Cookin’!
Al Belleto Big Jazz Band: Jazznocracy
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