Hayes Alvis (May 1, 1907 – December 29, 1972) was an American jazz bassist and tuba player.[1]

Hayes Alvis
Birth nameHayes Julian Alvis
Born(1907-05-01)May 1, 1907
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
DiedDecember 29, 1972(1972-12-29) (aged 65)
New York City, New York, U.S.
GenresJazz

Career

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Alvis began on drums but switched to tuba and bass after playing with Jelly Roll Morton in 1927–1928.[2] He played tuba with Earl Hines from 1928 to 1930, and created arrangements for Hines as well.[2]

He moved to New York City in 1931 and played with Jimmie Noone in the Mills Blue Rhythm Band from 1931 to 1934 and 1936.[2] An early double-bass solo can be heard on the latter group's "Rhythm Spasm" (1932).[2] Alvis also occasionally played baritone saxophone in this ensemble as well, and was the group's tour manager.[2] From 1935 to 1938, he played with Duke Ellington, working with fellow bassist/tuba player Billy Taylor.[2]

After his period with Ellington, Alvis played with Benny Carter, Joe Sullivan, and Louis Armstrong (in whose ensemble he replaced Pops Foster).[2] From 1942 to 1945, Alvis played in an U.S. Army band led by Sy Oliver.[2] After the war, Alvis played with Dave Martin until 1947, and then took a longstanding run as a house musician at the Café Society nightclub in New York City.[2]

In the 1950s, he played in various swing and Dixieland revival groups, including Wilbur De Paris's.[2] In the early 1970s, he played with Jay McShann and Tiny Grimes in a trio.[2]

Death

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Hayes Alvis died at his home on December 29, 1972. He was 65 years old.[3]

References

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  1. ^ Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music (4 ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780195313734. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Chadbourne, Eugene. "Hayes Alvis". AllMusic. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
  3. ^ "Hayes Alvis, Jazz Bassist, Former Red Cross Aide". The New York Times. 1973-01-03. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-01-26.