Albert Nicholas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Albert Nicholas
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Albert Nicholas, Jimmy Ryan's (Club), New York, ca. March 1947. Image: William P. Gottlieb
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| Background information | |
| Born | May 27, 1900 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | September 3, 1973 (aged 73) Basel, Switzerland |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Clarinet |
| Years active | 1910s–1973 |
Albert Nicholas (born May 27, 1900 – died September 3, 1973) was an American jazz musician. He was famous for playing the clarinet. Nicholas was known for his smooth style and his important role in jazz music.
Playing the Clarinet
Albert Nicholas learned to play the clarinet in his hometown of New Orleans. He studied with a famous teacher named Lorenzo Tio. The clarinet was his main instrument.
In the late 1910s, Albert played with many great jazz musicians. These included Buddy Petit, King Oliver, and Manuel Perez.
Traveling and Music
Albert Nicholas took a break from music for three years. During this time, he worked in the Merchant Marines. This meant he traveled the world on ships.
After his travels, he joined King Oliver's band in Chicago. This was from 1925 to 1927. He then spent time playing music in East Asia and Egypt.
In 1928, Albert returned to New York City. He joined Luis Russell's band and played with them until 1933. While with Russell, he played alongside musicians like Red Allen, Charlie Holmes, and J. C. Higginbotham. Later, he also played with Chick Webb, Louis Armstrong, and Jelly Roll Morton.
Jazz Revival and Later Life
In the late 1940s, there was a new interest in Dixieland jazz. This style of jazz helped Albert Nicholas's career become popular again. He played with artists such as Art Hodes, Bunk Johnson, and Kid Ory. In 1948, he had a regular job playing with Ralph Sutton.
In 1953, Albert Nicholas moved to France. He lived there for the rest of his life. He did return to the U.S. for some recording sessions in 1959-1960.
Discography
- Albert Nicholas & Mezz Mezzrow (Jazztone, 1956)
- The Scobey Story Vol. 1 (Good Time Jazz, 1959)
- Albert Nicholas with Art Hodes' All-Star Stompers (Delmark, 1964)
- Albert's Blues (77 Records, 1966)
- Barney Bigard/Albert Nicholas (RCA, 1969)
- A Tribute to Jelly Roll Morton (Storyville, 1972)
- Albert Nicholas with Alan Elsdon's Band Vol. 1 (Jazzology, 1995)
- Albert Nicholas with Alan Elsdon's Band Vol. 2 (Jazzology, 1996)
- Story 1926–1947 (EPM, 1998)
- New Orleans Clarinet (Sanctuary, 2006)
- Albert Nicholas & Herb Hall (GHB, 2015)
