Representative Albums: "Cunningbird," "Tell Me...," "Jimmy Knepper in L.A."
Biography
A fine soloist with a distinctive sound not overly influenced by J.J. Johnson, Jimmy Knepper's improvisations are full of subtle surprises. He began on trombone when he was nine, started playing professionally when he was 15, and worked in the big bands of Freddie Slack (1947), Roy Porter (1948-1949), Charlie Spivak (1950-1951), Charlie Barnet (1951), Woody Herman, and Claude Thornhill. Knepper gained fame for his versatile and inventive playing with several of Charles Mingus' groups (1957-1962). He also worked with Stan Kenton (1959), Herbie Mann (a 1960 tour of Africa), Gil Evans, Benny Goodman (a 1962 tour of the Soviet Union), and the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra (1968-1974), in addition to playing in the 1970s with the Lee Konitz Nonet and Mingus Dynasty. Knepper's reputation in the jazz world has remained quite strong, although he has not recorded that often as a leader, cutting sessions for Debut, Bethlehem (both in 1957), SteepleChase (1976), Inner City, Blackhawk, Hep, Soul Note, and Criss Cross. During the '80s and '90s, Knepper could most often be found touring Europe, gigging frequently and occasionally recording, an ever vibrant gun for hire. He also remained an active member of the Mingus Dynasty, anchoring the trombone section with his distinctive tone and solos much as he had during his two brief tenures with Mingus in the early-'60s and mid-'70s. Diagnosed with Parkinson's in the '00s, Knepper's pace slowed considerably and on June 14, 2003 he passed away due to complications from the disease. ~ Scott Yanow & Wade Kergan, All Music Guide
He was a good friend and arranging/transcribing partner of bassist and composer Charles Mingus. Knepper was twice on the receiving end of Mingus' legendary temper. While onstage at a memorial concert in Philadelphia, Mingus reportedly attempted to crush his pianist's hands with the instrument's keyboard cover, then punched Knepper in the mouth. [1]
On October 12, 1962, Mingus reportedly punched Knepper while the two men were working together at Mingus's apartment on a score for his upcoming concert at New York Town Hall and Knepper refused to take on more work. The blow broke one of Knepper's teeth, ruined his embouchure and resulted in the permanent loss of the top octave of his range on the trombone. This attack ended their working relationship and Knepper was unable to perform at the concert. Charged with assault, Mingus appeared in court in January 1963 and was given a suspended sentence. [1]
