John Bunch Audio Recordings
Collection
Identifier: JC.2015.04
Scope and Contents
The John Bunch Audio Recordings include audio recordings of Bunch’s performances and
sessions from 1937 to 2009 with musicians such as, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Urbie
Green, and many others. Also included are audio recordings of radio interviews, and an
appearance on NBC’s Today Show in 1961. The original numbering of cassettes, and spellings of
names and titles were retained from audio recording labels
Dates
- 1937 - 2009
Conditions Governing Use
Property rights reside with East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the Al Cohn Memorial Jazz Collection at Kemp Library, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania.
Biographical / Historical
John Bunch was born in Tipton, Indiana on December 1, 1921, and began studying piano when
he was eleven. By the age twelve he was already playing in local clubs, eager to be part of the
jazz scene. Early influences include Fats Waller, Bud Powell and Teddy Wilson. During World
War II he served in the United States Army Air Corps and wrote his first musical arrangement
while playing in a band as a prisoner-of-war. Upon returning home, he enrolled in the
University of Indiana, under the G. I. Bill, completing a degree in Speech in 1950. Music was a
strong avocation during this decade, occupying weekend gigs with local players.
His musical career truly began in the late 1950’s, as he played with the big bands of Georgie Auld, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, and Maynard Ferguson. As a member of these groups he remained an anonymous presence. These early associations would later lead to recognition, responsibility, and world travel.
A move to New York City in the late 1950’s, caused him to broaden his talents. He focused on the intimate club scene, playing in trios and quartets with Urbie Green, Buddy Rich, Al Cohn, and Zoot Sims, and Wild Bill Davidson. He also began recording with various performers and with the Buddy Rich Orchestra.
In 1962, Benny Goodman invited John to the USSR, as part of a diplomatic tour organized by the State Department. The famous clarinetist also asked Bunch to join his orchestra on tours of Mexico and Europe.
Tony Bennett needed a music director in 1966. In this position Bunch played and directed at such notable venues as Carnegie Hall and the White House. Performances in Japan, Australia, England, and other parts of Europe were also part of this period. In the 1990’s Bunch formed his own trio, New York Swing, which included Bucky Pizzarelli on guitar and Jay Leonhart on bass. They played at many New York Clubs and on the S. S. Norway Cruise Line.
He died on March 30, 2010 in New York City, survived by his wife, Cecily “Chips” Gemmell.
His musical career truly began in the late 1950’s, as he played with the big bands of Georgie Auld, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, and Maynard Ferguson. As a member of these groups he remained an anonymous presence. These early associations would later lead to recognition, responsibility, and world travel.
A move to New York City in the late 1950’s, caused him to broaden his talents. He focused on the intimate club scene, playing in trios and quartets with Urbie Green, Buddy Rich, Al Cohn, and Zoot Sims, and Wild Bill Davidson. He also began recording with various performers and with the Buddy Rich Orchestra.
In 1962, Benny Goodman invited John to the USSR, as part of a diplomatic tour organized by the State Department. The famous clarinetist also asked Bunch to join his orchestra on tours of Mexico and Europe.
Tony Bennett needed a music director in 1966. In this position Bunch played and directed at such notable venues as Carnegie Hall and the White House. Performances in Japan, Australia, England, and other parts of Europe were also part of this period. In the 1990’s Bunch formed his own trio, New York Swing, which included Bucky Pizzarelli on guitar and Jay Leonhart on bass. They played at many New York Clubs and on the S. S. Norway Cruise Line.
He died on March 30, 2010 in New York City, survived by his wife, Cecily “Chips” Gemmell.
Extent
3.25 Linear Feet (4 boxes of audiocassettes, 3 boxes of dubs of audiocassettes on compact discs, 12 LPs )
Language of Materials
English
Overview
The John Bunch Audio Recordings include audio recordings of Bunch’s performances and
sessions from 1937 to 2009 with musicians such as, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Urbie
Green, and many others. Also included are audio recordings of radio interviews, and an
appearance on NBC’s Today Show in 1961. The collection documents John Bunch’s musical
career.
Arrangement
The materials were separated into three series: audiocassettes, compact discs, and LPs. The
cassettes were numbered primarily in chronological order. The compact discs in box five were
arranged in chronological order, as well. It appears that John Bunch numbered all but two of
the LPs. Since most of the recordings had no formal titles, the title column contains either the
bandleader’s name, or some other identifying information. Song titles are included in the
finding aid only for the LPs.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gifts from John and Chips Bunch
Separated Materials
Commercial audio recordings to the Al Cohn Memorial Jazz Collection audio recordings
(separate list of recordings is available)
Music fake books and folios to the Al Cohn Memorial Jazz Collection songbook collection (separate list is available)
Papers, scores, negatives, photographs, and slides separated and identified as John Bunch Papers, JC.2015.03
Music fake books and folios to the Al Cohn Memorial Jazz Collection songbook collection (separate list is available)
Papers, scores, negatives, photographs, and slides separated and identified as John Bunch Papers, JC.2015.03
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Finding aid written by ESU faculty and staff
- Date
- April 2015
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Al Cohn Memorial Jazz Collection Repository
Contact:
East Stroudsburg University
200 Prospect Street
Kemp Library
East Stroudsburg PA 18301
570-422-3594
klibrary@esu.edu
East Stroudsburg University
200 Prospect Street
Kemp Library
East Stroudsburg PA 18301
570-422-3594
klibrary@esu.edu