Russo, Santo J. “Sonny” (20th March 1929-23rd March 2013)

Trombonist known as Sonny who grew up in a family where his father and grandfather were both horn players and he was playing with his father’s band from the time he was 15 years old.

He was known for his association with jazz performers from around 1947 and from there supported Pearl Bailey on her 1957 releases A Broad and For Adults Only and became a fixture in Quincy Jones’ orchestra, appearing on Jazz ‘Round Midnight the following year, Quincy Jones Plays Hip Hits in 1963, and Pure Delight: The Essence of Quincy Jones and His Orchestra (1953-1964).

In the 1970s, he hooked up with sax man Grover Washington, Jr. on his Soul Box albums, subsequently making the cut on The Best of Grover Washington, Jr. He also appeared on Van McCoy’s The Disco Kid, Eddie Kendricks’ Vintage ’78, and Frank Sinatra’s Trilogy.

In 1993, he was the trombonist on the Broadway production The Red Shoes and went on to join Machito and His Orchestra for the Afro-Cuban jazz album Kenya. They also contributed “Congo Mulence” to the 2000 compilation, Latino Blue.

He was a resident of Portland, Oregon, when he passed away in 2013 aged 84.

Frank Sinatra recordings
That’s What God Looks Like To Me (Stan Irvin/Lan O’Kun)
Reprise RPS 49233 (XNY2101S) (US 45)

Theme from “New York, New York” (Fred Ebb/John Kander)
Reprise RPS49233 (XNY 2103 S) (US 45)

Sources:

Russo, Santo J. “Sonny” (20th March 1929-23rd March 2013)

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