The Tiny Kahn Discography

Back to Tiny Kahn page at Noal Cohen's Jazz History Website

Note: For conventions and abbreviations used in this discography, please see: Discography Key.

Henry Jerome (ldr), Jack Eagle, Manny Fox (t), Johnny Mandel (btp), Al Cohn, Len Garment, Alan Greenspan, Bill Vitale (sax), Shorty Allen, Gene DiNovi (p), Tiny Kahn (d), Others Unknown (var)

These tracks are described as "live radio air checks." Yes, it is THE Leonard Garment and THE Alan Greenspan who, at this point, were musicians before moving on to bigger and better things. The personnel is incomplete and unverified. Most of the meager information provided seems to come from the book "Swing To Bop" by Ira Gitler (pp. 202-206 & 276-277). It is not known if all the tracks were broadcast from Childs but that is where this band seemed to perform the most. Other musicians that could be present are Ray Turner, Gerry Mulligan, Danny Bank, Gene Roland, Norman Faye, Paul Cohen, Marty Napoleon and Stan Levey. Arrangers were Al Cohn (who sounds like the main tenor saxophone soloist), Johnny Mandel and Bill Vitale who also played lead alto saxophone.

There are actually 11 tracks on this CD although only 10 are listed on the jewel case insert and disc label. Tea For Two is divided into 2 tracks, the second of which (track c) begins with an announcer interrupting the broadcast to inform listeners that Allied troops had landed on Phuket Island, off the coast of what is now Thailand. Based on historical records from World War II (New York Times - thanks to Michael Fitzgerald), this performance then probably took place on Wednesday, July 25, 1945. Track a comes from a New Year's Eve broadcast but the announcer does not give a year. Track k ends with a bit of a theme song under the announcer's closing comments.

Love Records is described as "a division of Henry Jerome Music, Inc." This CD has a copyright date of 1997 but does not seem to have been issued until 2007. With regard to the claim that the Jerome band was the "first big band ever to play bebop," it should be noted that the Billy Eckstine band, with Dizzy Gillespie, Wardell Gray and Oscar Pettiford among many others, was recording for De Luxe as early as April 1944.

Milt Britton (ldr), Norman Faye (t), Tiny Kahn (d), Suzan Carol (v), Others Unknown (var)

Suzan Carol (v) on a.

The information on these soundies was provided by Mark Cantor. The Milt Britton band was a comedy band along the lines of that of Spike Jones. The entire personnel is unidentified but the ensemble was composed of 3 trumpets, 2 trombones, 4 reeds, piano, guitar, bass and drums. Drummer Stan Levey has positively identified Tiny Kahn and trumpeter Norman Faye. A comedian named "Mousie" is featured in both soundies.

Billboard Reviews:
"Injun Gal is a novelty tune featuring Milt Britton and His Band with Suzan Carol handling the vocals. A dead-pan trio rigged out in Indian headdresses and blankets also chants a couple of choruses. Bandstand setting."

"Von Suppe's Poet and Peasant Overture takes an awful beating at the hands of Milt Britton and His Band. The boys start out seriously enough but end up literally tearing the place apart. Bandstand setting."

Aaron Sachs (ldr), Aaron Sachs (cl), Terry Gibbs (vib), Gene DiNovi (p), Clyde Lombardi (b), Tiny Kahn (d)

The ensemble was called Aaron Sachs' Manor Re-bops.

Herbie Fields (ldr), Al Aarons, Jack Eagle, Bernie Glow, Neal Hefti, Ron Snyder (t), Eddie Bert, Milt Gold, Bert Prager (tb), Herbie Fields (ss, as, ts, cl, v), Leonard Green, Bill Hitz (as), Buddy Arnold, Ed Caine (ts), Manny Albam (bar), John Irving (vib), Rudy Cafaro (g), Marty Napoleon (p), Martin Marino (b), Tiny Kahn (d)

Herbie Fields (v) on d.

Herbie Fields (ldr), Vince Badale, Jimmy Maxwell, Carl Poole, Ron Snyder (t), George Arus, Bert Prager, Sy Zelden (tb), Herbie Fields (ss, as, ts), Arthur Baker, Paul Ricci (as), Al Klink, Stan Webb (ts), Serge Chaloff (bar), Rudy Cafaro (g), Marty Napoleon (p), Martin Marino (b), Tiny Kahn (d)

Herbie Fields (ldr), Vince Badale, Jimmy Maxwell, Carl Poole, Ron Snyder (t), George Arus, Bert Prager, Sy Zelden (tb), Herbie Fields (ss, as, ts, v), Arthur Baker, Paul Ricci (as), Al Klink, Stan Webb (ts), Serge Chaloff (bar), Rudy Cafaro (g), Marty Napoleon (p), Martin Marino (b), Tiny Kahn (d)

Herbie Fields (v) on a.

Red Rodney (ldr), Red Rodney (t), Allen Eager (ts), Serge Chaloff (bar), Al Haig (p), Chubby Jackson (b), Tiny Kahn (d)

This ensemble was called Red Rodney's Be-Boppers. Tracks a, d and f are alternate takes.

Serge Chaloff (ldr), Red Rodney (t), Earl Swope (tb), Serge Chaloff (bar), George Wallington (p), Curly Russell (b), Tiny Kahn (d)

Tracks f-h are called Gabardine and Serge which is the same line as Tiny's Blues. Information on the unissued takes comes from Vladimir Simosko's Serge Chaloff discography via Lord.

Woody Herman (ldr), Woody Herman (cl, v), Chuck Wayne (g), Ralph Burns (p), Joe Shulman (b), Tiny Kahn (d)

This track features a Woody Herman vocal. The ensemble was called Woody Herman with the Four Chips.

Lester Young (ldr), Lester Young (ts), Chuck Wayne (g), Gene DiNovi (p), Curly Russell (b), Tiny Kahn (d)

Some issues list the recording date for this session as Dec. 29, 1948 but this is incorrect. The matrix numbers indicate 1947.

Wardell Gray (ldr), Wardell Gray (ts), Al Haig (p), Clyde Lombardi (b), Tiny Kahn (d)

On Jax 5003, Light Gray (thinly disguised Fine and Dandy) is called Dumpy and Stoned is called Finsterness. On Jax 5008, the alt. tk. of Stoned is called Baldy. Matter and Mind is for all intents and purposes, the standard Idaho.

Woody Herman (ldr), Stan Fishelson, Bernie Glow, Marky Markowitz, Shorty Rogers, Ernie Royal (t), Bob Swift, Earl Swope, Ollie Wilson (tb), Woody Herman (as, cl), Sam Marowitz (as), Al Cohn, Stan Getz, Zoot Sims (ts), Serge Chaloff (bar), Jimmy Raney (g), Fred Otis (p), Harry Babasin (b), Don Lamond (d)

The other titles from this performance were arranged by Ralph Burns, Jimmy Giuffre, Neal Hefti and John LaPorta. Tiny's Blues was also recorded from radio broadcasts and live performances by the Herman band on Oct. 30, 1948, Nov. 6, 1948, Nov. 8, 1948, Nov. 16, 1948, Nov. 20, 1948 and Dec. 1948. Some of these performances were issued on Alto AL-705, Cicala (It.) BLJ-8027, Queen Disc (It.) 005 and First Heard (Eng.) 29.

Boyd Raeburn (ldr), Paul Cohen, Dick Hoffman, Paul Lopez, Charles Pannely (t), Eddie Bert, Porky Cohen, Frank Webb (tb), Al Richman (frh), Jack Rothman (r), Harvey Estrin, Allan Fields (as), Marvin Roth, Frankie Socolow (ts), Sam Krupit (p), Clyde Lombardi (b), Tiny Kahn (d), Boyd Raeburn (con), George Martin, Ginny Powell (v)

e, f, g performed as medley.

George Martin (v) on c; Ginny Powell (v) on d.

Arrangements are by George Handy and Johnny Richards.

Boyd Raeburn (ldr), Paul Cohen, Dick Hoffman, Paul Lopez, Charles Pannely (t), Eddie Bert, Porky Cohen, Frank Webb (tb), Al Richman (frh), Jack Rothman (r), Harvey Estrin, Allan Fields (as), Marvin Roth, Frankie Socolow (ts), Sam Krupit (p), Clyde Lombardi (b), Tiny Kahn (d), Boyd Raeburn (con), Ginny Powell (v)

c, d, e;   i, j, k performed as medleys.

Ginny Powell (v) on b, m.

This broadcast was AFRS One Night Stand No. 1705. The Lord and Bruyninckx Discographies indicate Tiny Kahn as the drummer but the liner notes to Golden Era 15014 list Irv Kluger and not Kahn. According to Tiny Kahn discographer Malcolm Walker, Kahn is the drummer and track l is played only by the rhythm section. Arrangements are by George Handy and Johnny Richards.

Boyd Raeburn (ldr), Paul Cohen, Dick Hoffman, Paul Lopez, Charles Pannely (t), Eddie Bert, Porky Cohen, Frank Webb (tb), Al Richman (frh), Jack Rothman (r), Harvey Estrin, Allan Fields (as), Marvin Roth, Frankie Socolow (ts), Sam Krupit (p), Clyde Lombardi (b), Tiny Kahn (d), Boyd Raeburn (con)

Both titles were V-Disks but only Begin the Beguine was issued. Track a was probably arranged by Johnny Richards.

Buddy Rich (ldr), Tommy Allison, Jack Eagle, Lee Katzman, Dale Pierce (t), Bob Ascher, Jack Carmen, Mario Daone (tb), Ed Caine, Nick Sands (as), Allen Eager, Al George (ts), Harvey Levine (bar), Terry Gibbs (vib), Harvey Leonard (p), Charlie Leeds (b), Buddy Rich (d)

This track is called So Long Joe on Joyce 3002. The track begins with the ending of another performance which may be So Long Joe before Belvedere Bop commences. This is music from the soundtrack of a Universal-International short film featuring Rich's orchestra in a nightclub setting. This is the only title arranged by Tiny Kahn.

John Hardee (ldr), John Hardee (ts), Al Haig (p), Clyde Lombardi (b), Tiny Kahn (d)

Woody Herman (ldr), Stan Fishelson, Bernie Glow, Red Rodney, Shorty Rogers, Ernie Royal (t), Bob Swift, Earl Swope, Ollie Wilson (tb), Woody Herman (as, cl), Sam Marowitz (as), Al Cohn, Stan Getz, Zoot Sims (ts), Serge Chaloff (bar), Jimmy Raney (g), Fred Otis (p), Harry Babasin (b), Don Lamond (d)

Chubby Jackson (ldr), Norman Faye, Al Porcino, Charlie Walp (t), Mario Daone, Rob Swope (tb), Frankie Socolow (as), Ray Turner, Al Young [Epstein] (ts), Marty Flax [Flachsenhaar] (bar), Teddy Charles (vib, bo), Gene DiNovi (p), Curly Russell (b), Tiny Kahn (d, v), Joe Harris (cng), Paula Castle (v)

Teddy Charles (bo) on a, d; Joe Harris (cng) on a, d; Paula Castle (v) on c; Tiny Kahn (v) on d.

The shout chorus on Tiny's Blues has been credited to Al Cohn. Teddy Charles solos on vibraphone on tracks b and d.

Jonah Jones (t), Bobby Hackett (c), Cutty Cutshall (tb), Sidney Bechet (ss), Peanuts Hucko (cl), Joe Bushkin (p), Jack Lesberg (b), Tiny Kahn, Buddy Rich (d), Rosemary Clooney, Kingdom Choir (v)

e, f, g, h, i performed as medley.

Jonah Jones (t) on a-h, j-l; Bobby Hackett (c) on a-d, j-l; Cutty Cutshall (tb) on a-h, j-l; Sidney Bechet (ss) on a, e, i, k-l; Peanuts Hucko (cl) on a-h, j-l; Tiny Kahn (d) on a-d, j-l; Buddy Rich (d) on e-i; Rosemary Clooney (v) on j; Kingdom Choir (v) on b.

This session was part of the "Eddie Condon's Floor Show" TV series. Condon was the host and sometimes also performed. The Sidney Bechet Society Website indicates this broadcast took place on March 5, 1949 but does not specify the bassist and drummer. It appears that Tiny Kahn was performing with the Chubby Jackson band at the Royal Roost on that date. Many sources only give the date as "occurring between January 1 and September 24, 1949." Another source for some of the information shown is Jazz On the Screen by David Meeker. There is hardly unanimous agreement among sources as to who exactly performs on the titles of this show. What's shown is a best guess.

Chubby Jackson (ldr), Norman Faye, Al Porcino, Charlie Walp (t), Mario Daone, Rob Swope (tb), Frankie Socolow (as), Ray Turner, Al Young [Epstein] (ts), Marty Flax [Flachsenhaar] (bar), Teddy Charles (vib, bo), Gene DiNovi (p), Curly Russell (b), Tiny Kahn (d, v), Joe Harris (bo, cng), Chubby Jackson (con, v), Paula Castle (v)

Teddy Charles (bo) on b-c, f; Joe Harris (bo) on b-c, f; (cng) on b-c, f; Paula Castle (v) on d; Chubby Jackson (v) on e; Tiny Kahn (v) on e.

The personnel on this session is not known with certainty but probably resembles very closely that of the February 24, 1949 studio session. Jumpin' With Symphony Sid was the band's theme but is not listed. It is just a short version including Symphony Sid's spoken introduction leading into Tiny's Blues. Father Knickerbopper is listed as "Father Knickerbocker." Teddy Charles solos on vibraphone on tracks b, c, e and f. The scat vocalists on track e are presumed to be Chubby Jackson and Tiny Kahn.

Chubby Jackson (ldr), Norman Faye, Al Porcino, Charlie Walp (t), Rob Swope (tb), Frankie Socolow (as), Ray Turner, Al Young [Epstein] (ts), Marty Flax [Flachsenhaar] (bar), Teddy Charles (vib, bo), Gene DiNovi (p), Curly Russell (b), Tiny Kahn (d, v), Joe Harris (bo, cng), Chubby Jackson (con, v), Paula Castle (v)

Paula Castle (v) on d; Chubby Jackson (v) on e; Tiny Kahn (v) on e.

The personnel on this session is not known with certainty but probably resembles very closely that of the February 24, 1949 studio session. Track f is incomplete, fading out during a trombone solo, and is not listed. Track d is listed as "When You Love So Well." Track b is listed as "Father Knickerbocker." Teddy Charles solos on vibraphone on every track except d. The scat vocalists on track e are assumed to be Chubby Jackson and Tiny Kahn.

Gene Roland (ldr), Dan Baxter, Dan Blue, Jerry Lloyd, Dale Pierce (t), Gene Roland (t, vtb, p), Al Cohn, Stan Getz, Zoot Sims (ts), Gerry Mulligan (bar), Gene DiNovi (p), Red Kelly (b), Tiny Kahn (d)

This ensemble was called Gene Roland's Boppers.

Charlie Barnet (ldr), Rolf Ericson, Maynard Ferguson, John Howell, Doc Severinsen (t), Ray Wetzel (t, v), Bob Burgess, Dick Kenney, Obie Massingill (tb), Kenny Martlock (bt), Charlie Barnet (ss, as, ts, v), Vinnie Dean, Ruben Leon (as), Kurt Bloom, Dick Hafer (ts), Danny Bank (bar), Claude Williamson (p), Eddie Safranski (b), Tiny Kahn (d), Carlos Vidal (cng), Buddy Stewart (v)

Charlie Barnet (v) on d; Buddy Stewart (v) on d; Ray Wetzel (v) on d.

Charlie Barnet (ldr), Rolf Ericson, Maynard Ferguson, John Howell, Doc Severinsen (t), Ray Wetzel (t, v), Dick Kenney, Kent Larsen, Obie Massingill (tb), Kenny Martlock (bt), Charlie Barnet (ss, as, ts, v), Vinnie Dean, Ruben Leon (as), Kurt Bloom, Dick Hafer (ts), Manny Albam (bar), Claude Williamson (p), Eddie Safranski (b), Tiny Kahn (d), Carlos Vidal (cng), Trudy Richards, Buddy Stewart (v)

Charlie Barnet (v) on e; Trudy Richards (v) on f; Buddy Stewart (v) on e; Ray Wetzel (v) on e.

Some tracks may be incomplete.

Charlie Barnet (ldr), Rolf Ericson, Maynard Ferguson, Stan Fishelson, John Howell, Al Porcino, Shorty Rogers, Ernie Royal, Doc Severinsen, Charlie Walp (t), Ray Wetzel (t, v), Bill Harris, Dick Kenney, Kent Larsen, Obie Massingill, Earl Swope, Bart Varsalona, Ollie Wilson (tb), Kenny Martlock (bt), Charlie Barnet (ss, as, ts, v), Vinnie Dean, Ruben Leon, Sam Marowitz (as), Gene Ammons, Kurt Bloom, Jimmy Giuffre, Dick Hafer, Buddy Savitt (ts), Manny Albam, Serge Chaloff (bar), Woody Herman (cl), Terry Gibbs (vib), Stan Kenton, Lou Levy, Claude Williamson (p), Oscar Pettiford, Eddie Safranski (b), Tiny Kahn, Shelly Manne (d), Carlos Vidal (cng), Trudy Richards, Buddy Stewart (v)

Stan Fishelson (t) on e; Al Porcino (t) on e; Shorty Rogers (t) on e; Ernie Royal (t) on e; Charlie Walp (t) on e; Bill Harris (tb) on e; Earl Swope (tb) on e; Bart Varsalona (tb) on e; Ollie Wilson (tb) on e; Sam Marowitz (as) on e; Gene Ammons (ts) on e; Jimmy Giuffre (ts) on e; Buddy Savitt (ts) on e; Serge Chaloff (bar) on e; Woody Herman (cl) on e; Terry Gibbs (vib) on e; Stan Kenton (p) on e; Lou Levy (p) on e; Oscar Pettiford (b) on e; Shelly Manne (d) on e; Charlie Barnet (v) on c; Trudy Richards (v) on b; Buddy Stewart (v) on c; Ray Wetzel (v) on c.

These performances are taken from a live radio broadcast of "Excursions In Modern Music" on the Mutual Broadcasting System. The announcer is Tom Reddy. The bands of both Barnet and Woody Herman perform separately and then join together on track e. Stan Kenton sits in on piano on this track as well. Only the tracks with the Barnet band are included here. Track e is listed on all issues as "More Moon" but the line first played by the combined ensembles is "Ornithology." The announcer refers to the performance as "How High the Moon." Towards the end of the performance, behind the announcer's closing remarks, the bands play the shout chorus from Shorty Rogers arrangement of "More Moon" but the track then ends prematurely.

Charlie Barnet (ldr), Rolf Ericson, Maynard Ferguson, John Howell, Doc Severinsen, Ray Wetzel (t), Harry Betts, Herbie Harper, Dick Kenney (tb), Kenny Martlock (bt), Charlie Barnet (ss, as, ts), Vinnie Dean, Ruben Leon (as), Kurt Bloom, Dick Hafer (ts), Manny Albam (bar), Claude Williamson (p), Eddie Safranski (b), Tiny Kahn (d), Buddy Stewart (v)

Buddy Stewart (v) on c, e.

The information shown is probably the composite of several live broadcasts of the Barnet Band during August, 1949. Some sources claim that this version of track f is the one issued on Alamac QSR 2446 but the liner notes from that LP indicate that the title was recorded in New York in October, 1949. Raben reports that this version of track e is from AFRS "One Night Stand" transcription no. 1294. Tracks c, d and g come from the Lord Discography.

Charlie Barnet (ldr), Rolf Ericson, Maynard Ferguson, John Howell, Doc Severinsen, Ray Wetzel (t), Harry Betts, Herbie Harper, Dick Kenney (tb), Kenny Martlock (bt), Charlie Barnet (ss, as, ts), Vinnie Dean, Ruben Leon (as), Kurt Bloom, Dick Hafer (ts), Manny Albam (bar), Claude Williamson (p), Eddie Safranski (b), Tiny Kahn (d), Carlos Vidal (cng, v), Trudy Richards (v)

Trudy Richards (v) on d; Carlos Vidal (v) on c.

Track f is called "Really?".

Charlie Barnet (ldr), Rolf Ericson, Maynard Ferguson, John Howell, Doc Severinsen (t), Ray Wetzel (t, v), Harry Betts, Herbie Harper, Dick Kenney (tb), Kenny Martlock (bt), Charlie Barnet (ss, as, ts), Vinnie Dean, Ruben Leon (as), Kurt Bloom, Dick Hafer (ts), Manny Albam (bar), Claude Williamson (p), Eddie Safranski (b), Tiny Kahn (d), Carlos Vidal (cng), Buddy Stewart (v)

Buddy Stewart (v) on b; Ray Wetzel (v) on e.

Charlie Barnet (ldr), Rolf Ericson, Maynard Ferguson, John Howell, Doc Severinsen, Ray Wetzel (t), Charles Etter, Herbie Harper, Dick Kenney (tb), Kenny Martlock (bt), Charlie Barnet (ss, as, ts), Vinnie Dean, Ruben Leon (as), Kurt Bloom, Dick Hafer (ts), Manny Albam (bar), Gil Barrios (p), Eddie Safranski (b), Tiny Kahn (d), Carlos Vidal (cng)

The information on this performance comes from Tiny Kahn discographer Malcolm Walker. Other sources give considerably different information. Desne Ahlers, the daughter of Paul Villepigue, has compelling evidence that her father arranged track a.

Ted Heath (ldr), Ronnie Hughes, Bobby Pratt, Stan Reynolds, Stan Roderick (t), Jackie Armstrong, Jack Bentley, Jimmy Coombes, Maurice Pratt (tb), Les Gilbert, Reg Owen (as), Henry McKenzie, Tommy Whittle (ts), Dave Shand (bar), Frank Horrox (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Jack Parnell (d)

This information comes from Proper Box 76. The Bruyninckx discography gives the recording date as ca. late September 1949, the pianist as Dave Simpson and the bassist as Jack Seymour. Arranger/author/historian/teacher Jeff Sultanof reports that the arrangement of track a is a combination of Tiny Kahn's stock arrangement of his tune with modifications for a larger ensemble by a Heath arranger, probably Reg Owen.

Charlie Barnet (ldr), Rolf Ericson, Maynard Ferguson, John Howell, Doc Severinsen, Ray Wetzel (t), Charles Etter, Dick Kenney (tb), Kenny Martlock (bt), Charlie Barnet (sax, ts), Vinnie Dean, Ruben Leon (as), Kurt Bloom, Dick Hafer (ts), Manny Albam (bar), Gil Barrios (p), Red Kelly (b), Tiny Kahn (d)

According to the liner notes of Alamac QSR-2446, this is the issued version of track a and not the one from August, 1949. Track a is called "Balboa".

Herbie Fields (ldr), Doug Mettome (t), Frank Rosolino (tb, v), Herbie Fields (ts, v), Rudy Cafaro (g), Joe Gatto (p), Max Bennett (b), Tiny Kahn (d)

Herbie Fields (v) on h; Frank Rosolino (v) on h.

The "unknown title" is a feature for bassist Max Bennett.

Herbie Fields (ldr), Doug Mettome (t), Frank Rosolino (tb), Herbie Fields (sax), Joe Gatto (p), Max Bennett (b), Tiny Kahn (d)

The personnel on this live performance, especially the presence of Max Bennett, is not certain. The information comes from Tiny Kahn discographer Malcolm Walker.

Chubby Jackson (ldr), Don Ferrara, Howard McGhee, Al Porcino (t), J. J. Johnson, Kai Winding (tb), Charlie Kennedy (as), Georgie Auld, Zoot Sims (ts), Gerry Mulligan (bar), Tony Aless (p), Chubby Jackson (b), Don Lamond (d)

Don Ferrara (t) on a-g; Howard McGhee (t) on a-g; Al Porcino (t) on a-g.

Track a is called Flying the Coop.

Al Cohn (ldr), Al Cohn (ts), George Wallington (p), Tommy Potter (b), Tiny Kahn (d)

Georgie Auld (ldr), Frank Rosolino (tb), Georgie Auld (ts, v), Lou Levy (p), Max Bennett (b), Tiny Kahn (d, v)