Jimmy Raney (20 August 1927–10 May 1995) was an American jazz guitarist born in Louisville, Kentucky most notable for his work from 1951–1952 and 1962–1963 with Stan Getz and for his work from 1953–1954 with the Red Norvo trio, replacing Tal Farlow. In 1954 and 1955 he won the Down Beat critics poll for guitar.[1] Raney has worked in a variety of jazz mediums, including cool jazz, bebop, post bop, hard bop and mainstream jazz.
In 1946 he worked for a time as guitarist with the Max Miller Quartet at Elmer's in Chicago, his first paying gig. Raney also worked in the Artie Shaw Orchestra and collaborated with Woody Herman for nine months in 1948. He also collaborated and recorded with Buddy DeFranco, Al Haig and later on with Bob Brookmeyer. In 1967 alcoholism and other professional difficulties led him to leave New York City and return to his native Louisville.[2] He resurfaced in the 1970s and also did work with his son Doug, who is also a guitarist.[3] Raney suffered for thirty years from Ménière's disease, a degenerative condition that eventually led to near complete deafness in both ears. Fortunately, his playing remained unaffected. Raney died of heart failure, in Louisville Ky. on May 10 of 1995, just short of his 68th birthday. An obituary in the New York Times referred to Jimmy Raney as 'one of the most gifted and influential postwar jazz guitarists in the world.' [4]Contents [hide] 1 Discography 1.1 As leader 1.2 As sideman 2 References 3 External links
[edit] Discography This section requires expansion.
[edit] As leader 1954 Together with Sonny Clark, Red Mitchell, Bobby White (Xanadu) 1954 Minor, Back and Blow 1954 Five 1954 Visits Paris (Fresh Sound, 1954-55) 1954 A (OJC, 1954-55) with Teddy Kotick, John Wilson, Hal Overton, Art Mardigan, Nick Stabulas 1956 Indian Summer 1956 "Featuring Bob Brookmeyer" (ABC Paramount) 1956 Passport To Pimlico 1957 "2 Guitars" [with Kenny Burrell] (Prestige OJC 216) 1964 Two Jims And Zoot with Zoot Sims, Jim Hall, Steve Swallow, Osie Johnson 1974 Raney Haig Special Brew with Al Haig 1974 Momentum with Richard Davis, Alan Dawson (Pausa Records) 1975 The Influence with Sam Jones, Billy Higgins 1976 ... And 1 with Attila Zoller 1976 Solo 1976 The Complete Jimmy Raney In Tokyo (Xanadu) with Charles McPherson, Barry Harris, Sam Jones 1979 Duets (Steeplechase) with Doug Raney 1979 Stolen Moments (Steeplechase) with Doug Raney, Michael Moore 1979 Nardis (dto.) 1980 Here's That Rainy Day (Black & Blue) with Hank Jones, Pierre Michelot, Jimmy Cobb 1981 Raney `81 (Criss Cross) 1983 The Master (Criss Cross) with Kirk Lightsey 1985 Wisteria (Criss Cross) with Tommy Flanagan, George Mraz 1990 But Beautiful (Criss Cross) with George Mraz, Lewis Nash [edit] As sideman 1949 Artie Shaw: The Artistry Of Artie Shaw (Fresh Sound) 1950 Stan Getz: The Complete Roost Recordings (Roost, 1950-54) 1951 Teddy Charles: New Directions (OJC, 1951-53) 1951 Stan Getz: At Storyville (Blue Note Records) 1954 Red Norvo: Trio (OJC) 1955 Bob Brookmeyer: The Dual Role Of Bob Brookmeyer (OJC) 1976 Barry Harris: Tokyo 1976 (Xanadu)