Wilbert Kirk

• Genres: Jazz
• Instrument: Drums

Biography

Wilbert Kirk is a particularly interesting character, more than just one of the innovative early percussionists born in New Orleans close to the start of the 20th century, although that alone would have been plenty. He was also a harmonica player, allowing him the option to either pack much less musical gear than anyone else as well as much more. Kirk's works were split between these instruments throughout his career; during the late '40s he was the house drummer at New York City's infamous Club Zanzibar, adults only, but in the early days of television was also likely to be viewed on variety shows leading a novelty harmonica combo.

His relationship with New Orleans is actually somewhat fleeting, in terms of both the city and the jazz originating from there. Kirk was actually raised upriver in St. Louis, where his early professional background consisted of playing in theater orchestras. He joined the Dewey Jackson band in 1930 and was soon associated with Fate Marable as well as the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra. In the early '40s, Kirk spent time with well-known bandleaders whose recording sessions would provide mounds of discographical debris, including Don Redman, Claude Hopkins, and Noble Sissle. In the '60s, Kirk drummed regularly with Wilbur DeParis, including a 1960 tour of the African continent. Discographer Tom Lord pinpoints Kirk's final recording activity as taking place in 1973. A Jazz Classics video entitled Harlem Harmonies, Vol. 1 features footage of Kirk performing with Sissle. ~ Eugene Chadbourne, All Music Guide