Trumpeter
Fats Navarro's reign in jazz was short lived. He died in 1950 at a young age due to living the
Charlie Parker lifestyle. In the short period that he made records as a leader in the late '40s, it was obvious had he not burned out, he was on his way to legendary status. Along with
Dizzy Gillespie,
Navarro was the premiere bebop trumpet innovator, influencing
Clifford Brown and everyone who followed him. These recordings captured on Classics #1108 from 1947-1949 highlight
Navarro (or Fat Girl as he was often referred) at his height.
Navarro leads combos on these sessions (some live) that include
Tadd Dameron,
Charlie Ventura,
Charlie Rouse,
Buddy Rich, and
Art Blakey.
Navarro is also heard on four cuts backing up vocalist
Earl Coleman and his all-stars with drummer
Max Roach.