Dodo Marmarosa

about

Michael "Dodo" Marmarosa (December 12, 1925 – September 17, 2002) was an American bebop pianist. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a child prodigy, Marmarosa was a trained classical pianist, but familiarised himself with jazz in parallel and practised with school mate Erroll Garner, another pianist from Pittsburgh. He received the uncomplimentary nickname, "Dodo", as a child because of his large head and short body. He began his professional career in 1941, joining the Johnny "Scat" Davis Orchestra at the age of 15, which led him to joining Gene Krupa's band shortly after. The early 1940s brought a stint in Charlie Barnet's big band, where he first met Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker, the luminaries of bebop. In 1944, he joined Tommy Dorsey, playing alongside Buddy Rich. In November 1944, Marmarosa joined Artie Shaw's combo, known as the Gramercy Five, that also featured guitarist Barney Kessel and fellow Pittsburgher, trumpet player Roy Eldridge. He recorded as a sideman in the late 1940s, notably with Lester Young, Charlie Parker and Howard McGhee. He also featured in Gene Norman's Just Jazz concerts, and in 1947 won Esquire magazine's New Star (piano) award. His recordings with Charlie Parker in 1946 in Hollywood are regarded as some the finest Jazz records ever made. Marmarosa recorded a 78-rpm single for Savoy Records on July 21, 1950. The recording featured Marmarosa's trio, with Thomas Mandrus on bass and Joe "Jazz" Wallace on drums. The four tunes recorded for

top songs

albums

Complete Studio Recordings

Dodo Marmarosa On Dial - The Complete Sessions (1946-47)

Pittsburgh, 1958

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BeBop Jazz Essentials

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The Chronological Classics: Dodo Marmarosa 1946-1950

Dodo’s Bounce

Dodo's Back!

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Dodo Marmarosa On Dial: The Complete Sessions, 1946-1947

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Jug & Dodo

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Up in Dodo's Room

Complete Jazz Series 1945 - 1950

Best Cuts from Dodo's Trio

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