Joe Puma

• Born: August 13, 1927, New York, NY
• Died: May 31, 2000
• Active: '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s
• Genres: Jazz
• Instrument: Guitar
• Representative Albums: "Shining Hour," "It's a Blue World," "Like Tweet"

Biography

A superior guitarist for a half-century, Joe Puma has had a steady if low profile career, uplifting many sessions without getting famous himself. Puma came from a musical family (several relatives played guitar) and his first major job was with vibraphonist Joe Roland (1949-50). In the 1950's Puma appeared on many record sessions including with Roland, Louie Bellson, Artie Shaw's Gramercy Five (1954), Eddie Bert, Herbie Mann, Mat Mathews, Chris Connor and Paul Quinichette. Puma was seemingly everywhere during that era. He accompanied Morgana King for two years and in the 1960's recorded with Bobby Hackett, Gary Burton (1964) and Carmen McRae among many others. During 1972-77 he co-led a duo with fellow guitarist Chuck Wayne, later became a teacher and Puma has remained musically active on a part-time basis into the late 1990's. Joe Puma led record dates of his own for Bethlehem (1954), Dawn, Jubilee and Columbia (1961) plus a much later session for Reservoir (1984). ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

It's a Blue World Buy this CD

Jazz Guitar of Joe Puma Buy this CD

Shining Hour Buy this CD

Wild Kitten Buy this CD