Alix Combelle

Despite the continuing popularity of Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli, and Gypsy swing, Alix Combelle has yet to be recognized in the U.S. for his steadfast contributions to the development and establishment of that tradition. An accomplished saxophonist, clarinetist, arranger, and bandleader, Combelle was a vital figure in the development of European jazz during the 1930s who made dozens of recordings with Reinhardt and members of the Quintet of the Hot Club of France, and it is with Reinhardt that his reputation was established. Unlike Django, Combelle adhered stubbornly to straightforward swing and does not seem to have felt it necessary to modernize into the style and methodology of bop. Most of his best recordings date from the years 1935-1943 and were released on the appropriately named Swing label. Born in Paris on June 15, 1912, he was the son of François Combelle, a classical saxophonist and featured soloist with the Band of the Republican Guard. Alix began his performing career as a drummer during the late '20s and developed his woodwind chops in the orchestra pits of Parisian theaters and with Armenian bandleader Krikor "Gregor" Kelekian under the mantle of Gregor et Ses Gregoriens in 1932-1933. He also worked in bands led by trumpeter Arthur Briggs and violinist Michel Warlop, and with Patrick et Son Orchestre, a group led by trombonist Guy Paquinet. Beginning with a historic multinational session led by Coleman Hawkins in 1937, Combelle's unwavering devotion to jazz brought him into close contact with many visiting and emigrating U.S. swing masters, including multi-instrumentalist Benny Carter, clarinetist Danny Polo & His Swing Stars, pianist Freddy Johnson, vocalist Adelaide Hall, and trumpeter Bill Coleman, in whose orchestra he worked alongside...