Red Norvo's Xylophone

[LizzieMaine]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Red-Norvos-Personal-Gold-Plated-Deagan-Xylophone-RARE-/140505100704?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b6c1b1a0

An extraordinary piece of swing-era history is up for bid. Any xylophonists on the lounge?

 

[Fletch]

Made in 1930...I don't know what Red was doing around that time, but he'd been leading a band which he sold to Isham Jones in '29, when the latter wanted to go back on the road. The next we hear of him is when he joins Paul Whiteman in '32 and records for the first time.

 

[Fletch]

Oh wait, here it says he was doing doubles on staff at NBC-Chicago and with Ben Bernie at the College Inn. Busy fella! PW heard him with Bernie, hired him, and he soon married Mildred Bailey.

 

[skyvue]

Hoo-boy, that'll make a sweet purchase for some lucky percussionist.

I love me some Red Norvo, especially ca. 1930s.

 

[dhermann1]

Then that xylophone would be on a lot of the recordings he and Mildred Bailey made during the 30's, right? Sheesh. That thing belongs in the Smithonian. Then again, maybe it should keep being played.
Fletch, is the xylophone another one of those musical instruments that really needs to be played frequently in order to stay healthy? You hear so much about pianoes and violins being ruined by rich owners just letting them sit in vaults, rather than being played.

 

[kools]

Wow!!!

 

[Blackjack]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Red-Norvos-Personal-Gold-Plated-Deagan-Xylophone-RARE-/140505100704?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b6c1b1a0

An extraordinary piece of swing-era history is up for bid. Any xylophonists on the lounge?

Why yes as a matter of fact. That would be really nice to have, although I would much rather have his vibes. I did run across a set of Lionel Hamptons vibes years ago owned by a guy named Rags Ragland who reportedly played with Bix in the late 20's.

 

[John in Covina]

In the Sinatra version of Oceans Eleven, I believe that Red Norvo heads the backing band for Dean Martin doing a cocktail lounge act at one of the Casinos. He can be seen playing when Dean is Singing "Ain't That a Kick in the Head" and Dean names Red with a "Red that's a kick in the head" line if i recall correctly.