Eric Dixon

Eric "Big Daddy" Dixon[1] (March 28, 1930 – October 19, 1989)[2] was an American jazz tenor saxophonist, flautist, composer, and arranger.

For the English cricketer, see Eric Dixon (cricketer).
Eric Dixon
BornMarch 28, 1930
New York City, New York, U.S.
DiedOctober 19, 1989 (aged 59)
New York City, New York, U.S.
GenresJazz
InstrumentsTenor saxophone, flute

Dixon's professional career extended from 1950 until his death in 1989, during which time he was credited on as many as 200 recordings.

Career

Having played bugle as a child, Dixon took up the tenor saxophone at the age of 12. Following a stint experience a musician in the US Army (1951–3) he played in groups that sometimes included Mal Waldron, with whom he would later record.[1]

In 1954, he played with Cootie Williams and the following year with Johnny Hodges.[1] In 1956, he performed and recorded with Bennie Green and also took up the flute.[1]

In the late 1950s he spent four years in the house band led by Reuben Phillips at the Apollo Theatre in New York.[1]

In 1959, he toured Europe and recorded with the Cooper Brothers.[1]

He also worked with Paul Gonsalves, Ahmed Abdul-Malik, Oliver Nelson, Quincy Jones, Jack McDuff, Joe Williams, Frank Foster, and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, but is probably best known for his tenure in Count Basie's band, which lasted almost two decades. Dixon continued to play in the "ghost band" after Basie's death.[3]

Discography

As sideman

With Ahmed Abdul-Malik

With Count Basie

With Kenny Burrell and Brother Jack McDuff

With Etta Jones

With Quincy Jones

With Mal Waldron

References
  1. Lambert, Eddie; Barry Kernfeld "Dixon, Eric". Grove Music Online. Oxford University Press. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
  2. Bacon, Tony; Gelly, Dave (2000). Masters of Jazz Saxophone. Balaphon. ISBN 978-0-87930-622-9.
  3. "Eric Dixon Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More". AllMusic. Retrieved 2022-06-25.
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