Bob Florence

Bob Florence (20 May 1932; Los Angeles – 15 May 2008; Los Angeles) was an American jazz arranger and pianist. He began taking piano lessons at five and initially intended to be a concert pianist. However, on taking classes with Bob McDonald he changed direction toward jazz.

At the beginning of his career Florence worked as a pianist and arranger with Dave Pell. He founded his first band in the late 1950s, working with, amongst others, Herb Geller, Bud Shank, Frank Capp and Bob Enevoldsen. Since that time, Florence worked in various big band projects across the Los Angeles area, working mainly with session musicians and as an accompanist to various singers. Throughout his career Florence worked as an arranger for Harry James, Louie Bellson, Stan Kenton, Buddy Rich, Count Basie and Doc Severinsen.

In 2000, Florence won the Grammy for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance

elected discography

* "Name Band- 1959" (Fresh Sound, 1958) with Herb Geller and Bob Enevoldsen
* "Here and Now" (Liberty Records/Fresh Sound, 1964) with Bud Shank and Frank Capp
* "The Norwegian Radio Big Band meets Bob Florence" (Odin, 1986)
* "Funupmanship" (Mama, 1992)
* "Earth" (Mama, 1996)
* "Serendipity" (Mama, 1998)

References

* Richard Cook & Brian Morton: "The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD", 6th Edition, London, Penguin, 2002 ISBN 0-14-017949-6.
* Bielefelder Katalog 1988 & 2002

External links

* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/cgi-perl/music/muze/index.pl?site=radio2&action=biography&artist_id=10737&rand= BBC Radio 2]
* [http://www.bigbandjazz.net/new-design/performers.asp Musician Profile]
* [http://www.axey76.dsl.pipex.com/florence.htm Bob Florence Story]