CARL KRESS

Carl Kress, along with Eddie Lang, can be considered THE founding father of jazz guitar. While Lang pioneered the use of single-string horn inspired lines, Carl's method was that of chord soloing. Carl got his start as banjoist for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra in 1926, which also featured Bix Beiderbecke and Frankie Trumbauer. In 1927 Kress entered the studio accompanied by Bix and Trumbauer and recorded some sides as the Chicago Loopers. From 1927-1929 Kress could be found in the bands of Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Miff Mole and Red Nichols. In the 1930's Kress had switched over to the guitar and beginning in 1932 recorded some of the finest duets in jazz guitar history with Eddie Lang and again in 1934 with Dick McDonough. Soon Kress became known for his second contribution to jazz by being part owner of the famed ONYX club on 52nd Street. Throughout the 30's read more...