Norris Turney

Norris Turney(September 8, 1921,Wilmington, Ohio,United States– January 17, 2001,Kettering, Ohio)was an Americanjazzflautist and saxophonist.

Biography

Turney began his career in theMidwest,playing interritory bandssuch as theJeter-Pillars Orchestra.He played withTiny BradshawinChicagobefore moving toNew York City,where he performed with theBilly EckstineOrchestra in 1945–1946.Turney had little luck in New York, however, and returned to Ohio to play in local ensembles through the 1950s.He toured withRay Charlesin 1967 traveling to the Far East and Australia, then was hired byDuke Ellington,in whose orchestra he played from 1969 to 1973.He was hired to play alto saxophone as an "insurance policy" due to the declining health ofJohnny Hodges.He was the first flute soloist to ever play in Ellington's orchestra. He also played tenor saxophone in the band. Amongst his own compositions was "Chequered Hat", written in tribute to Hodges.

Following his tenure with Ellington, he played with theSavoy Sultansand the Newport All-Stars, as well as in several pit orchestras.In the 1980s, he toured and recorded as a member of the Oliver Jackson Quintet, withAli Jackson,Irvin Stokes,andClaude Black.

Turney recorded as a leader between 1975 and 1978, and released the CD,Big, Sweet 'n Bluein 1993. He died ofkidney failurein 2001, at the age of 79.

Discography

As leader

• 1978:I Let a SongwithBooty Wood,Aaron Bell,Sam Woodyard,Raymond Fol
• 1993:Big, Sweet 'n BluewithLarry Willis,Walter Booker,andJimmy Cobb(Mapleshade)

As sideman

WithJodie Christian

• Front Line(Delmark, 1996)

WithRoy Eldridge

• What It's All About(Pablo, 1976)

WithOliver Jackson

• Billy's Bounce(Black & Blue,1984)

WithRed Richards

• In a Mellow Tone(West 54,1979)

WithRandy Weston

• Tanjah(Polydor,1973)

References

Footnotes

General references

• Scott Yanow,Norris TurneyatAllMusic