Savoy Bearcats
Encyclopedia
The Savoy Bearcats were an eleven-piece jazz
band, led by Leon Abbey
, which was the house band at the Savoy Ballroom
in New York City
from its opening in 1926 to 1928. The band's name was changed from the Charleston Bearcats
while they were at the Savoy. After leaving the Savoy they became known as Leon Abbey's Band.
The band's drummer
was Tiny Bradshaw
and its bassist was Ralph Escudero
.
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
band, led by Leon Abbey
Leon Abbey
Leon Abbey was an American jazz violinist and bandleader.In the 1920s his eleven-piece band, known successively as the Charleston Bearcats, the Savoy Bearcats, and Leon Abbey's Band, was considered one of the best in jazz....
, which was the house band at the Savoy Ballroom
Savoy Ballroom
The Savoy Ballroom, located in Harlem, New York City, was a medium sized ballroom for music and public dancing that was in operation from March 12, 1926 to July 10, 1958. It was located between 140th and 141st Streets on Lenox Avenue....
in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
from its opening in 1926 to 1928. The band's name was changed from the Charleston Bearcats
Charleston Bearcats
The Charleston Bearcats were an American jazz band of the 1920s, led by Leon Abbey, which became the Savoy Bearcats....
while they were at the Savoy. After leaving the Savoy they became known as Leon Abbey's Band.
The band's drummer
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
was Tiny Bradshaw
Tiny Bradshaw
Myron C. Bradshaw was an American jazz and rhythm and blues bandleader, singer, composer, pianist, and drummer from Youngstown, Ohio.-Early years:...
and its bassist was Ralph Escudero
Ralph Escudero
Rafael "Ralph" Escudero was a bassist and tubist active on the early American jazz scene....
.