Howard McGhee Vinyl Records Lps For Sale
Check out these new and used Howard McGhee vinyl records LPs for sale. We recommend starting your Howard McGhee vinyl collection with the essential albums That Bop Thing, Life Is Just A Bowl Of Cherries and The Return Of Howard McGhee. Our inventory is always changing, so check back often, or browse our list of vinyl records for sale from jazz musicians.
Maggie's Back In Town!! (Contemporary Records Acoustic Sounds Series)[LP]
Together Again!!!! (Contemporary Records Acoustic Sounds Series)[LP]
15% OffHoward University 10ct Vinyl Large Deluxe Stickers Variety Pack - Laptop, Water Bottle, Scrapbooking, Tablet, Skateboard, Indoor/Outdoor - Set of 10
$9.99 ($1.00 / Count) (as of July 5, 2025 18:07 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Bop for the People
72% OffMusic From The Connection - Red Colored Vinyl
Howard McGhee With Shelly Manne Maggie's Back In Town Vinyl
$19.99 (as of July 5, 2025 18:07 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Howard University Primary Logo Premium 4" Die Cut Vinyl Sticker Decal for Cars Trucks Auto Windows
$9.99 (as of July 5, 2025 18:07 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Dusty Blue
$206.16 (as of July 5, 2025 18:07 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Howard McGhee And Illinois Jacquet - Here Comes Freddy - Sonet - SNTF 714
$49.99 (as of July 5, 2025 18:07 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Howard McGhee: That Bop Thing
$12.99 (as of July 5, 2025 18:07 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Howard McGhee: Bebop’s Bold Brass Pioneer
Howard McGhee was one of the first trumpeters to embrace bebop, playing a crucial role in shaping the sound of modern jazz in the 1940s and beyond. Known for his speed, clarity, and bright tone, McGhee helped bring the trumpet into a new era, bridging the gap between the swing style of the 1930s and the revolutionary bebop movement that followed.
Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1918, McGhee came up during the swing era, inspired by the likes of Louis Armstrong and Roy Eldridge. However, he was never content with tradition. By the early 1940s, he was already experimenting with new harmonies and rhythms, working alongside trailblazers like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. When bebop exploded in New York, McGhee was right in the middle of it.
Unlike some early bebop players who focused more on technical fireworks, McGhee’s style balanced speed with soul. His solos were fluid and melodic, full of energy but never chaotic. He had the ability to take complex harmonic structures and make them sing, which made him a favorite among fellow musicians and listeners alike.
McGhee’s playing is well-documented in recordings from the mid-1940s to the 1950s. His collaborations with Charlie Parker were particularly important—together they performed and recorded some of the foundational music of the bebop era. His 1946 recordings with Parker, including tracks like “Relaxin’ at Camarillo,” showcased his crisp, daring trumpet lines and his ability to match Parker’s intensity note for note.
As a bandleader, McGhee also made significant contributions. His 1950s albums, such as Maggie and Howard McGhee Volume 2, highlight his versatility and forward-thinking approach. He blended bebop with blues, ballads, and even touches of Afro-Cuban rhythms, paving the way for more open and experimental directions in jazz.
Like many jazz musicians of his era, McGhee faced personal challenges, including struggles with drug addiction. These battles sidelined his career during parts of the 1950s, but he made a notable comeback in the 1960s and continued to perform into the 1970s. Despite the ups and downs, his playing never lost its spark. Later albums like Together Again with Teddy Edwards show a matured, deeply expressive player with a lyrical edge.
McGhee also mentored younger musicians, sharing his experience and encouraging them to find their own voice. His influence can be heard in the work of later trumpeters such as Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard, and even early Miles Davis.
Howard McGhee passed away in 1987, but his legacy remains strong. As one of the first to take the trumpet into the fast, angular world of bebop, he helped redefine jazz and inspired generations of musicians to follow. Bold, inventive, and always musical, McGhee’s trumpet voice continues to echo through the evolution of jazz.
Notable Members of the Howard McGhee Band
- Howard McGhee – Trumpet: The driving force behind the band, McGhee’s virtuoso trumpet playing and inventive improvisations defined the group’s sound.
- Milt Jackson – Vibraphone: Jackson’s mastery of the vibraphone added a unique texture to the band’s compositions, creating a sound that was both sophisticated and accessible.
- Hank Mobley – Tenor Saxophone: Mobley’s smooth and lyrical tenor saxophone playing complemented McGhee’s trumpet, contributing to the band’s rich and dynamic sound.
- Kenny Drew – Piano: Drew’s nimble fingers on the piano added a layer of complexity to the band’s arrangements, showcasing the depth of McGhee’s musical vision.
- Curley Russell – Bass: Russell’s solid and inventive basslines provided a strong foundation for the ensemble, anchoring the band’s performances with precision.
- Max Roach – Drums: Roach’s innovative drumming style, characterized by intricate rhythms and impeccable timing, propelled the Howard McGhee Vinyl band to new creative heights.
Discography: Exploring Howard McGhee’s Sonic Landscape
The Howard McGhee band’s discography is a testament to the group’s versatility and willingness to explore new musical territories. Here, we delve into some of their most iconic albums:
1. Maggie’s Back in Town (1948)
Maggie’s Back in Town marked the band’s debut studio album, capturing the raw energy and innovation that defined the early years of bebop. The title track, featuring McGhee’s expressive trumpet and Roach’s dynamic drumming, set the tone for the band’s future explorations. Tracks like “Demon Chase” showcased the band’s ability to navigate complex harmonic structures while maintaining an infectious groove.
2. Dusty Blue (1953)
Released during a transitional period in jazz, Dusty Blue reflected McGhee’s willingness to embrace a more laid-back and melodic approach. The album featured compositions that blended elements of cool jazz with McGhee’s signature bebop style. Standout tracks like “Stupendous” showcased the band’s collective improvisational prowess, with each member contributing to the evolving musical narrative.
3. Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries (1956)
Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries marked a departure from the band’s earlier sound, incorporating elements of rhythm and blues into their repertoire. The title track, a reinterpretation of the popular song, featured McGhee’s soulful trumpet lines against a backdrop of bluesy piano and vibraphone. This album demonstrated the band’s ability to evolve with the changing musical landscape while maintaining their distinct voice.
4. Sharp Edge (1961)
Released in the early ’60s, Sharp Edge showcased a more experimental side of the Howard McGhee Vinyl band. The album’s title track, characterized by its angular melodies and unconventional harmonic progressions, hinted at the avant-garde influences that would become more prevalent in jazz during the decade. Sharp Edge remains a testament to McGhee’s willingness to push the boundaries of the genre.
Howard McGhee Volume 2 1953 Blue Note 10" Tal Farlow Horace Silver Gigi Gryce LP
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Teddy Edwards / Howard McGhee – Together Again! 1961 Contemporary Roy DuNann LP
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TEDDY EDWARDS WITH HOWARD MCGHEE TOGETHER AGAIN!!!! LP
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Howard McGhee And Korean All Stars Jazz Goes To The BattleFront Vol 1 1952 10"
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Howard McGhee 1952 Blue Note 5012 10" Fats Navarro Max Roach Kenny Drew Mono Ear
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78 rpm Howard McGhee/Charlie Parker Dial 1007 in V+E-/V
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Howard McGhee Sextet With Milt Jackson 1955 Savoy RVG Percy Health Jimmy Heath
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78 rpm Dizzy Gillespie/Howard McGhee Dial 1001 in V+/E-
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NORMAN GRANZ JATP VOL 10 Howard McGhee 1950 MERCURY TRUMPETER 10"LP Pre-Clef DSM
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Wardell Gray Way Out NM-! 1st DG Modern Records lp Howard McGhee
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Musical Influences and Legacy
The impact of Howard McGhee extends beyond their own discography, influencing generations of musicians and shaping the evolution of jazz. McGhee’s innovative approach to the trumpet, combined with the band’s collective creativity, laid the groundwork for future developments in the genre.
Musicians Influenced by Howard McGhee
- Clifford Brown: McGhee’s influence on the next generation of trumpeters is evident in the playing of Clifford Brown, who embraced the bebop tradition while adding his own expressive flair.
- Freddie Hubbard: Hubbard’s dynamic and virtuosic trumpet playing bears the imprint of McGhee’s pioneering work, showcasing a seamless fusion of technical prowess and emotional depth.
- Lee Morgan: As a leading figure in hard bop, Lee Morgan drew inspiration from McGhee’s ability to navigate intricate harmonic structures with ease, contributing to the evolution of the genre.
Contemporary Bands Carrying the Torch
While the Howard McGhee Vinyl band may no longer be active, their spirit lives on in contemporary jazz ensembles that continue to push the boundaries of the genre.
1. Ambrose Akinmusire Quintet
The Ambrose Akinmusire Quintet, led by the innovative trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, draws inspiration from the improvisational spirit of Howard McGhee Vinyl. Their ability to seamlessly blend tradition with avant-garde elements reflects the same fearless approach that defined McGhee’s work.
2. Kamasi Washington and The Next Step
Kamasi Washington and The Next Step, known for their expansive and genre-defying approach to jazz, share a kinship with Howard McGhee Vinyl in their willingness to explore diverse musical landscapes. Washington’s saxophone work echoes the adventurous spirit of Hank Mobley, contributing to a sound that transcends traditional jazz boundaries.
Final Notes: Howard McGhee’s Enduring Influence
The Howard McGhee band’s contribution to the jazz genre remains a crucial chapter in the music’s rich history. Their fearless exploration of musical boundaries, coupled with McGhee’s expressive trumpet playing, has left an indelible mark on the evolution of jazz. As we continue to explore the vast landscape of jazz, the legacy of Howard McGhee serves as a guiding light, inspiring new generations of musicians to push the boundaries of artistic expression.