Harold Lomax Ousley (January 23, 1929 – August 13, 2015) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist and flautist.
Although Harold Ousley is not a big name in the jazz world and has only recorded sporadically as a leader, the hard bop/soul-jazz musician has backed some major jazz artists over the years.
After studying in high school, Ousley (who is primarily a tenor saxophonist but has played the flute as a second instrument) became a professional musician working with circus bands for a number of years from the late 40s. Concurrently, in the early 50s, he played with Gene Ammons, King Kolax and also, in vivid demonstration of his versatility and stylistic range, with Miles Davis.And here is a rare track from Ousley’s days in King Kolax’s band. “Vivian” which was probably arranged by Sonny Blount later known as the one and only Sun Ra, was recorded on December 22, 1954 by Kolax [William Little] (tp, ldr,); Harold Ousley (ts); Prentice McCarey (p); “Cowboy” Martin (b); Leon Hooper (d, Latin perc).
Through the 50s, mostly playing tenor saxophone, Ousley was often in company with artists of note, among them, Billie Holiday, Brother Jake McDuff, Howard McGhee, Joe Newman, Bud Powell, Clark Terry (the last two playing at the 1959 trip to Paris with a song revue),Dinah Washington (appearing with her at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival), and Joe Williams.
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It was during the '60s that Ousley started recording as a leader; Tenor Sax came out on Bethlehem in 1961,
In the 70s, Ousley recorded some albums for Muse and also had brief spells playing in the big bands of Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton. His eclectic versatility was also displayed during engagements with pop, blues and R&B performers, such as George Benson, Big Brave Maybelle, Charles Brown, Ruth Brown, Percy Mayfield, Sunnyland Slim and Jimmy Witherspoon.
Ousley's obvious love for many years has been jazz education. He has presented jazz programs to schools and also became involved in the use of music as therapy with the Groves Therapeutic Counselling Service owned and ran by his late wife Alice Groves Ousley. Owsley, who also played flute and digital horn, has made some film and television appearances, including appearing in Cotton Comes To Harlem (1970) and hosting his own early 90s cable television show, Harold Ousley Presents. Also in the early 90s, he was teamed up with Bill Doggett, A vigorous player with a rugged emotionalism. Ousley's work often shows the influence of blues, regardless of the setting.
When the CD era arrived in the late '80s, none of Ousley's albums were still in print. Ousley had just turned 71 when, in January 2000, he finally returned to the studio as a leader and recorded Grit-Gittin' Feelin' for Delmark.
Ousley died August 13, 2015 in Brooklyn NY.
(Mainly edited from broadwayworld.com. MP3 and notes from
crownpropeller.)
Heres a clip from Manhattan Cable TV show, New York City. 2002
Musicians: Harold Ousley, tenor sax and TV show producer.
Peter Hartmann, bass. Joey "G-Clef" Cavaseno, alto saxophone.
Mark McGowan, trumpet. Marlon Sobol, drums.
Richard Clements, piano.
Songs: Four, Blue Bossa, Freedom's Child.
Songs: Four, Blue Bossa, Freedom's Child.