Listen, Listen, LISTEN!

THE FLUTE IN JAZZ

Even within the history of jazz, the prescensce of the “modern” orchestral flute (Boehm system) can claim a proud place.

EARLY MASTERS

Alberto Socarras

Despite the challenges of recording the flute in an acoustic setting (before the development of modern recording methods), there are some excellent examples of jazz flute dating back to the 1920s, with the first recorded flute solo by Cuban-born Alberto Socarras, who gave the flute it’s recorded jazz debut with the Clarence Williams band in 1927. Have a listen to Shootin The Pistol (solo at 1:26)

Alberto was a true virtuoso, who had successes leading his own bands in the following decades. And the flute has a proud history with the Cuban charanga style
He is definitely worth checking out!

Wayman Carver

Another notable early jazz flute pioneer is Wayman Carver, recording with some big-name bandleaders in the 1930s including Benny Carter, Chick Webb and Spike Hughes. Check his solo out here on the New Orleans classic Loveless (Careless) Love, with Dave Nelson. (Solo at 00:50)
 


As the years went on and recording equipment became more sophisticated, the flute developed a more prominent voice in jazz. Here is a list of some notable players to check out (in approximated chronological order..)


Jerome Richardson

A Multi Instrumentalist who has appeared on thousands of recordings in both jazz and commercial music, and was also a founding member of the
Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra in NYC.
Listen to him here playing the Juan Tizol classic Caravan..  note his very pure classical tone..


WEST COAST STYLE


Out of the West Coast of the United States from the 1950s, the ‘cool’ style of playing became quite popular, in contrast to the firey intensity of NY and the East Coast. This relaxed, airy style of playing woodwinds translated well to the flute, from which emerged some great musicians including Bud Shank, and also...

Buddy Collette
Check out his beautiful airy tone playing the classic Autumn Leaves

Sam Most
was an amazing flautist to come out of the 1950s. His airy tone and straight ahead style consisted of incredible technique and a thorough knowledge of the bebop language. (He also had an amazing double tonguing technique!) Here he is on the ballad But Beautiful

Frank Wess
And we can’t talk jazz flute without including the great Frank Wess, known for his work with the Count Basie Orchestra from the 1950s. Frank was actually a student of Wayman Carver (See above), Frank was a master swing improviser on flute and also tenor sax.. you can hear him here on one of his first flute solos with the Basie band: Perdido (solo starts at (00:24)

James Moody
Another noteworthy name in the style of swing and bebop is James Moody. He is an important voice in straight ahead jazz, and his flute is really swinging! He’s done some great recordings with Dizzy Gillespie, but here is his take on Mancini’s classic The Pink Panther.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvrM5FQQIzU

Yusef Lateef
Yusef Lateef is another great flautist to emerge from the 1950s, and one who pioneered not only the orchestral flute, but also many world flutes, into his jazz arsenal. His music conveys a deeply spiritual aspect. Check him out here on the haunting album title track The Golden Flute

Herbie Mann
One of the most successful flautists in Jazz also came out of the 1950s, who not only had success in jazz, but also funk, and was one of the pioneers of bringing Bossa Nova to the USA. Herbie Mann enjoyed household-name status with his commercial success, but make no mistake, he could play the hell out of the flute.
He had a big hit in the 60s with Comin Home Baby

Rahsaan Roland Kirk
One of the most individual voices in jazz and jazz flute is Rahsaan Roland Kirk. I recommend watching his live performances to see his eccentricities and deep musicality, whilst being very entertaining! He was one of the important pioneers of extended techniques in jazz flute.
Here he is on the Bill Withers classic Ain’t No Sunshine

Hubert Laws
Hubert Laws is an incredible flautist, with a very classical approach, a pure sound, and excellent technique. His work spans from classical, to jazz, to contemporary music, to fusion. Here is his groovy version of Thaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet. Check out his tone!!

Joe Farrell
Joe Farrell is perhaps overlooked by some, but his musicianship and technical command of flute is truly exceptional. You may recognize him on Chick Corea’s classic Spain.

Jorge Pardo
And perhaps an obscure addition to this list, but a really unique and expressive voice on the flute (and one of my personal faves), is the Spanish flautist Jorge Pardo. He has some wonderful recordings fusing Flamenco music and jazz, and his flute sound is very expressive. Check him out on such a tune: A Mi Mare Rosa


And no list can be complete without Mr Jazz Flute himself, the great Ron Burgundy.


There are of course, many more amazing flautists to check out.. this is merely a highlight of some historically significant contributors, and a few personal favorites thrown in!


note: due to international restrictions, some of these links may not work in your home country, and you may have to do some googling.