George Masso | |
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Background information | |
Born | Cranston, Rhode Island, U.S. | November 17, 1926
Died | October 22, 2019 | (aged 92)
Genres | Jazz |
Occupation | Musician |
Instrument(s) | Trombone, vibraphone |
Labels | Sackville, Arbors, Nagel-Heyer |
George Masso (November 17, 1926 – October 22, 2019)[1] was an American jazz trombonist, bandleader, vibraphonist, and composer specializing in swing and Dixieland. Masso is notable for his work from 1948 to 1950 as a member of the Jimmy Dorsey band.[2]
Masso was born in Cranston, Rhode Island, United States.[3] Masso began learning to play the trumpet, but expanded his diversity by becoming competent on other instruments.[3] He was further inspired by hearing Lou McGarity playing trombone on Benny Goodman's recording of "Yours". Masso secured a two-year spell in the late 1940s in Jimmy Dorsey's band, before finding the life of a professional jazz musician financially difficult, and Masso quit performing. He became a music teacher.[3]
He returned to music in 1973 and performed with Bobby Hackett and Goodman.[3] In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he recorded with Barbara Lea, Bob Haggart, and Yank Lawson.[1]