Hot Lips Page

by Scott YanowOne of the great swing trumpeters in addition to being a talented blues vocalist, Hot Lips Pages premature passing left a large hole in the jazz world; virtually all musicians (no matter their style) loved him. Page gained early experience in the 1920s performing in Texas, playing in Ma Raineys backup band. He was with Walter Pages Blue Devils during 1928-1931, and then joined Bennie Motens band in Kansas City in time to take part in a brilliant 1932 recording session. Page freelanced in Kansas City and in 1936 was one of the stars in Count Basies orchestra but, shortly before Basie was discovered, Joe Glaser signed Hot Lips as a solo artist. Although Pages big band did alright in the late 30s (recording for Victor), if he had come east with Basie he would have become much more famous. Page was one of the top sidemen with Artie Shaws orchestra during 1941-1942 and then mainly freelanced throughout the remainder of his career, recording with many all-star groups and always being a welcome fixture at jam sessions.