There have been many tributes to cornetist Bix Beiderbecke (1903-31) during the past 92 years. Besides being second only to Louis Armstrong in importance among jazz brass players of the 1920s and a major influence through the decades (cool jazz largely originated with Bix), he was also one of jazz’s first martyrs due to his brief life.
One of the most rewarding Beiderbecke tribute albums is Celebrating Bix. Recorded in 2003 to celebrate the cornetist’s centennial, it was devised and organized by Doug LaPasta, David White, and Dan Levinson. Levinson (the project’s musical director) and Peter Ecklund wrote the consistently inventive arrangements. Bix’s original solos were scored by Ecklund and generally played by three cornetists (Randy Sandke, Jon-Erik Kellso, and Randy Reinhart). Quite an all-star cast was assembled including the cornetists, Dan Barrett on trombone and cornet, trombonist Harvey Tibbs, Dan Levinson on clarinet, alto and C-melody sax, Peter Martinez doubling on clarinet and C-melody, Scott Robinson playing clarinet, tenor and C-melody, Jack Stuckey switching between clarinet and alto, pianist Mark Shane, Howard Alden, and Matt Munisteri on guitars, bassist Greg Cohen, Vince Giordano on bass and bass sax, drummer Joe Ascione, and vocals by Barbara Rosene, James Langton, and the Manhattan Rhythm Kings. In addition, Dick Hyman recorded a solo piano version of “C
