- Jack Sels
Jack Sels was a Belgian jazz saxophonist active after World War II. Although he left only a few records, he was definitely an influential figure for the Belgian scene.
Born on
January 29 ,1922 , Jack Sels grew up inAntwerp . He first studied piano before playing the saxophone.After World War II he joined the band of
Mickey Bunner . He played for theRed Cross and for theG.I. s. He appeared in various clubs, casinos, hotels... In May 1946, the Mickey Bunner Band recorded "the 13th port" on a 78 rpm record.Jack Sels heard the English band of Ted Heath, and starts playing with musicians of the "new generation" like saxophonists
Bobby Jaspar andJacques Pelzer , guitaristRené Thomas , bassistsBenoît Quersin ,Jean Warland andRené Goldstein , trombonistChristian Kellens , pianistFrancis Coppieters ,Fats Sadi ,Toots Thielemans . He appears at the Knokke Jazz Festival in '48.Inspired by the Dizzy Gillespie Big Band, Jack Sels decided to form his own, for which he wrote music and arrangements. The band made an impressive debut with some of the best musicians around in 1949; a.o:
Herman Sandy ,Jay Cameron ,Bobby Jaspar andJean Warland , but financially it proved hard to keep such a large band together.After hearing the
Miles Davis "Birth of the Cool " sessions in 1951, he assembles a 15 piece band and tours Europe.Back in Belgium, he played again the club and concert scene, a.o. supporting
Nat King Cole orMezz Mezzrow ('55). In '54 and '55, he recorded six sides forRonnex Records, in a rather commercial "boogie" style.In '55, Jack Sels wrote the soundtrack for the movie "Meeuwen sterven in de haven", directed by
Roland Verhavert .In '58, he plays at the Brussels
World Fair and records for Decca withWilly Rockin' . He appears on the Decca LP "Jazz in Little Belgium" for two numbers. He records "Bongo Jazz" withLucky Thompson and participates in the radio series of "Levende Jazz" ("Living Jazz").In '59, Jack Sels had the opportunity to jam in Brussels with
Lester Young andMax Roach .In September '61, he recorded "Sax Appeal" for the Relax label (Relax30004) with organ player
Lou Bennet , the youngPhilip Catherine on guitar andOliver Jackson on drums.In '63, financial difficulties force him to work at the Antwerp harbour to unload boats.
The Belgian BRT radio started a series of concerts, for which producer Elias Gistelinck called Jack to write and play. A very successful series of "Saxorama" followed, in which a sax section was featured, an ensemble that became the core of the future BRT Jazz Orchestra.
His music has been played and recorded by a.o.
Johnny Griffin and theKenny Clarke -Francy Boland Big Band.The last three years of his life, his health unfortunately declined, making it very difficult for him to play.
He died on
March 21 ,1970 , from a heart attack, in his Antwerp home.Jack Sels didn't record much. Most of the 78rpm and LPs are impossible to find.
The Belgian movie "Just Friends" (by Marc-Henri Wajnberg, 1993) was inspired by the unique figure of Jack Sels.
In 2003 a play was staged in Belgium by Theater Antigone; "het Jack Sels Project".
External links
* [http://antiek.telenet.be/jackselsdiscography.htm Jack Sels discography]
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