Jazz at the Olympics

A stride pianist in the tradition of Fats Waller and James P. Johnson, Missouri born Ralph Sutton relocated to San Francisco in the mid 1950’s where he recorded many albums with Bob Scobey's dixieland band. He formed his own band in the 1960’s and in 1968 was picked for the piano chair in the World's Greatest Jazz Band. In 1960, his quartet featuring Dave Brubeck alumni Joe Dodge on drums; Bay City musicians Ernie Figueroa on trumpet and Vernon Alley on bass, were the featured band at the Winter Olympics held in Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe. Presented here is the 1960 album this group of musicians recorded for the event. All selections have been newly remastered.