Happy Paul Quinichette Day! Centennial marked on KUVO

Tenor saxophonist Paul Quinichette (pronounced KWIN-ih-shay) was born in Denver, Colorado 100 years ago today.  Denver’s Jazz 89 KUVO Radio saluted Quinichette’s understated style and his significant place in the local and New York jazz scene, beginning on the morning show “First Take with Lando and Chavis.”

“There are a lot of musicians that came out of Denver, and there are a lot who played in Five Points,” notes Denver-based jazz vocalist Carl Dixon.  Dixon is early in his research, but is already finding Quinichette’s local connections and a strong discography.

Saxophonists “Quinichette, Andy Kirk (also a swing-era tubist), and Jimmie Lunceford (bandleader) all played in George Morrison’s band in the late 20s and early 30s when they were just teenagers,” Dixon told KUVO.  Beyond his discography (23 LPs and 10-inch records, and nearly 200 recording credits, according to www.discogs.com), relatively little is known about Quinichette, who reportedly came from a small family and lived in the 2800 block of Lafayette Street.  

Quinichette was handed the nickname “The Vice Prez” “for his emulation of the  style of Lester Young (“The Prez”), according to Jazz Improv Magazine.  Dixon points out that Quinichette was hired to replace Young in Count Basie’s band.

Two tracks from the recording Paul Quinichette Plays Quincy Jones (with the Count Basie Band) are on the audio segment posted below: “Paul’s Bunion,” and “I’ll Always Be In Love With You.”

Paul Quinichette died on May 25, 1983 in New York.

Dixon is looking for individuals willing to help him research his list of 18 significant jazz artists with Denver connections.  Please write kapdixon@msn.com or call Carl Dixon at 303-601-2159.

interview with Carl Dixon, music by Paul Quinichette