Joe Morello
b. 17 July 1928, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA. After studying violin Morello turned to playing drums while still at school. He played locally, accompanying fellow high school student Phil Woods among others. In the early '50s he moved to New York, performing with many bands in a wide variety of musical settings, including the big band of Stan Kenton. He was, however, most often to be found playing in small groups, notably those led by guitarists Johnny Smith, Tal Farlow, Sal Salvador and Jimmy Raney, pianist Marian McPartland and singers Jackie Cain and Roy Kral. He first attracted wide attention when he joined the Dave Brubeck Quartet in 1956. He remained with Brubeck for 12 years and, Paul Desmond apart, was that band's most accomplished jazzman. Indeed, Morello's playing with Brubeck was exemplary in its unassertive precision which, allied to a remarkably delicate swing, provided object lessons during a period when jazz drumming was notable for its aggression. After leaving Brubeck in 1967 Morello, who was partially-sighted from childhood, was involved mostly in teaching. He occasionally led small groups in the '70s and also made a handful of records with Brubeck, McPartland and Salvador. An outstanding small group drummer, Morello's long stint with Brubeck, while giving him a highly visible presence, resulted in a considerable loss to the wider world of jazz.