Johnny Coles

A fine trumpeter with a distinctive cry, Johnny Coles long had the ability to say a lot with a few notes. He played with a few top R&B bands, including Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson (1948-1951), Bull Moose Jackson (1952), and Earl Bostic (1955-1956); was with James Moody's group (1956-1958); and appeared on several Gil Evans records between 1958-1964. Probably his most significant association was with the 1964 Charles Mingus Sextet that toured Europe. Also in the group were Eric Dolphy, Clifford Jordan, Jaki Byard, and Dannie Richmond. Coles can be seen holding his own against thos...