A fairly decent history of jazz can be had simply by buying records featuring either Grachan Moncur II or Grachan Moncur III. Bebop would get slighted somewhat in this highly unusual approach to assembling a jazz collection, yet several key developments would be well documented, including aesthetic tinkering with the swing rhythm section sound as well as the revolutionary progression from funky hard bop to militant free jazz. Whatever friendly competition the Moncur father and son may have had over their respective discographies -- a set of twin towers on either vinyl or CD -- has been scuttled, however, by discographers who refuse to use Roman numerals or, even worse, credit a session to both men out of sheer confusion.

The slim number of trombonists involved with avant-garde jazz has always helped put Grachan Moncur III somewhat out front -- if that didn't work, he could always ram his slide out to full length. In contrast, the overwhelming cast of rhythm section players from classic jazz has not helped the historical status of Grachan Moncur II, particularly known for his superb interplay with pianist Teddy Wilson. A multi-instrumentalist, the credits of Moncur II include not only bass but other low-sounding instruments, including tuba, baritone saxophone, tenor saxophone, and even a bit of trombone. He may have even reached up for the alto saxophone on one session, but this could also be another discographical fudge-up.

Moncur II was already busy performing on at least three different instruments as a teenager in Miami, FL. Following a family move to Newark, NJ, Moncur II began concentrating more extensively on bass, his jobs including accompaniment for various pop vocalists on local radio. These broadcasts turned into something of a lucky break for the bassist. Producer John Hammond had his radio tuned into the Newark station one night, thought he heard something special in the rhythm section, and immediately began getting Moncur II gigs in which the company on-stage included big-name jazzmen. In 1937, Moncur II helped start up a combo called the Savoy Sultans with his half-brother, Al Cooper.

Moncur II worked regularly as a bassist with the latter group until it broke up in 1945, then began leading bands in association with Ace Harris, a pianist, and Joe Thomas, a tenor saxophonist. Miami beckoned in the '50s: returning to his hometown, Moncur II gigged regularly through the '60s as a member of the Myrtle Jones Trio. He died in the mid '90s. ~ Eugene Chadbourne, Rovi