A good, if derivative, alto and soprano saxophonist and brother of keyboardist and arranger Milt Buckner, Ted Buckner was a steady session player and soloist. He wasn't the most imaginative nor daring player, but his lines, tone and phrasing were proficient, as was his time and general technique. Buckner played with local bands in St. Louis and briefly with McKinney's Cotton Pickers. He was in Jimmie Lunceford's orchestra from 1937 to 1943, enjoying his greatest recognition. Buckner worked in combos in the Detroit area, touring Europe in the mid-'70s. He played on many Motown sessions, while also leading his own groups and co-heading a big band with Jimmy Wilkins. Buckner periodically worked with McKinney's Cotton Pickers until his death. There are a couple of his sessions available on Aircheck CDs, as well as some dates he played with Kid Ory on Vogue. ~ Ron Wynn and Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide
