Tubby Hayes

Born Edward Hayes in St. Pancras, London on January 30, 1935, the jazz multi-instrumentalist is better known by his stage name Tubby Hayes. While he was able to play a variety of instruments including piano, guitar, flute and vibraphone, his work on the saxophone is what he is most acknowledged for. Hayes remains one of the most influential and respected musicians in British jazz. His father was a violinist and taught him to play violin but by the age of 10, he had switched to piano. Within a year, he began to learn to play the tenor sax. At the age of 16, he joined Kenny Baker’s sextet, which led to work with other big bands. He formed his own octet in 1955, touring the UK for nearly two years. Hayes released a series of EPs including The Little Giant (Vols. 1 and 2) and The Swinging Giant (Vols. 1 and 2) before issuing his first album Little Giant of Jazz. In 1957, Hayes joined up with fellow saxophonist Ronnie Scott and led The Jazz Couriers for the next two years, recording four albums during their short time together. During this period of time, Hayes learned to play the vibraphone and flute, adding to his arsenal of instruments. After The Jazz Couriers split, he formed his own quartet, releasing the album Tubby’s Groove in 1960. His 1961 album Tubbs brought him commercial and critical success. While playing shows in the U.S., he recorded the album Tubbs in N.Y. in 1961. On his next U.S. trip, he recorded 1962’s Return Visit, which featured musical assistance from James Moody, Roland Kirk, Walter Bishop, Jr. and others. In the UK, he remained busy working in film, radio, and television including having his own short-lived TV show. His vast catalog or releases includes his own releases as well as guest appearances on many other albums. When rock ‘n’ roll music began to dominate the charts, his work rate slowed down and his life slowly spiraled out of control. Alcohol and narcotics began to affect his work. In 1970, he was hospitalized for a severe infection of his internal organs. In 1971, he underwent open heart surgery. Edward Tubby Hayes died on June 8, 1973 during his second heart operation.

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