Product Code Database
John Bunch (December 1, 1921 – March 30, 2010) was an American jazz pianist.
After the war, he applied for university training as a music major, but was refused because he could not sight read classical music. He worked later in factories and insurance. In 1956, he moved to Los Angeles where he immediately was accepted by jazz musicians such as Georgie Auld and Jimmie Rowles, who later recommended him to Woody Herman. He settled in New York in 1958, where he joined Eddie Condon and Maynard Ferguson. He recorded with Ferguson and many smaller groups.
In 1966, Bunch joined Tony Bennett as pianist and musical director, and stayed with the singer until 1972. During that time he appeared on Bennett's 1972 series for Thames Television, Tony Bennett at the Talk of the Town. After that, he resumed his jazz work, performing and recording with Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Pearl Bailey, and Scott Hamilton. He led a trio, mostly in England, and made many recordings as a leader, such as with the New York Swing Trio with Bucky Pizzarelli and Jay Leonhart.
Bunch remained active in Europe and the United States during his final years. He died of melanoma in Roosevelt Hospital, Manhattan, New York City, on March 30, 2010. He was survived by his wife, Cecily "Chips" Gemmell, a former private secretary to Winston Churchill.
| 1975 | John's Bunch | Progressive | With Urbie Green (trombone), Al Cohn (tenor sax), Milt Hinton (bass), Mousey Alexander (drums) |
| 1975 | John Bunch Plays Kurt Weill | Chiaroscuro | Solo piano; reissue added solo piano tracks recorded in 1991 |
| 1977? | Jubilee | Audiophile | Trio, with Cal Collins (guitar), George Mraz (bass) |
| 1977 | John's Other Bunch | Progressive | With Warren Vaché (trumpet), Scott Hamilton (tenor sax), Michael Moore (bass), Connie Kay (drums) |
| 1977? | Slick Funk | Famous Door | |
| 1987? | The Best Thing for You | Concord Records | Trio, with Phil Flanigan (bass), Chuck Riggs (drums) |
| 1994? | Plays Rodgers & Hart | Groove Merchant | As New York Swing; quartet, with Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar) Jay Leonhart (bass), Joe Cocuzzo (drums) |
| 1994? | Tributes Cole Porter | Groove Merchant | As New York Swing; quartet, with Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar) Jay Leonhart (bass), Joe Cocuzzo (drums) |
| 1994? | Tributes Jerome Kern | Groove Merchant | As New York Swing; quartet, with Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar) Jay Leonhart (bass), Dennis Mackrel (drums) |
| 1995 | Struttin' | Arbors Records | Duo, with Phil Flanigan (bass) |
| 1996 | Solo | Arbors Records | Solo piano |
| 1996 | New York Swing | Chiaroscuro | Trio, with Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar) Jay Leonhart (bass); in concert |
| 1997 | World War II Love Songs | Groove Jams | Trio, with Michael Moore (bass), Butch Miles (drums) |
| 2001? | Love in the Spring | Koch Records | |
| 2001 | A Special Alliance | Arbors Records | Trio, with Dave Green (bass), Steve Brown (drums) |
| 2002? | Manhattan Swing: A Visit With Duke Ellington | Arbors Records | Trio, with Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar), Jay Leonhart (bass) |
| 2003 | An English Songbook | Chiaroscuro | Solo piano |
| 2003 | Tony's Tunes | Chiaroscuro | Trio, with Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar), Jay Leonhart (bass) |
| 2006 | At the Nola Penthouse: Salutes Jimmy Van Heusen | Arbors Records | Trio, with Dave Green (bass), Steve Brown (drums) |
| 2008 | Plays the Music of Irving Berlin (Except One) | Arbors Records | Some tracks trio, with Frank Vignola (guitar), John Webber (bass); some tracks quartet, with Frank Wess (flute) added |
| 2009 | Do Not Disturb | Arbors Records | Trio, with Frank Vignola (guitar), John Webber (bass) |
|
|
