Introduction
Gail Brockman (October 23, 1916—September 29, 1970) was an American Jazz trumpeter who played with Billy Eckstine, Horace Henderson, and Eugene Wright among others.
Life and work
Gail Brockman was born in Cheraw, South Carolina, on October 23, 1916.
In 1940, Brockman played trumpet on 3 tracks (A5, A6, and A7) on pianist Horace Henderson's album Horace Henderson 1940 on Tax Records, a Swedish Jazz label by Carl A. Hällström. He was accompanied by Mosey Gant (tenor saxophone), Emmett Berry (trumpet), Willie Randall (alto saxophone), Jesse Simpkins (bass), Delbert Bright (clarinet, alto saxophone), Oliver Coleman (drums), Nat Atkin (trombone), and Hurley Ramey (guitar). He also played live with Horace Henderson's band in his hometown Chicago.
In the late 1940s, he played in Chicago with saxophonist Genes Ammons, tenor saxophonist Tom Archia, and bassist Eugene Wright.
In 1945, Brockman's trumpet could be heard on Billy Eckstine and His Orchestra's tracks "I Want To Talk About You" and "I'll Wait And Pray" alongside Bill Frazier, and John Jackson (alto saxophone); Leo Parker (baritone saxophone); Tommy Potter(bass); Art Blakey (drums); Connie Wainwright (guitar); John Malachi (piano); Dexter Gordon, and Gene Ammons (tenor saxophone); Alfred "Chippy" Outcalt, Jerry Valentine, and Taswell Baird (trombone); Dizzy Gillespie, and Shorty McConnell (trumpet).
In 1951, Brockman played on William Russo's album A Recital in New American Music (Dee Gee Records) with Clyde Bachand (bass tuba); Robert Mayer (oboe); Wilbur Simpson (bassoon); Don Carone (alto saxophone); Kenny Mann (tenor saxophone); Don Hanby (baritone saxophone); Lloyd Lifton (piano); Bob Lesher (guitar); Max Wayne (string bass); and Mickey Simonetta (percussion).
In October 1951, he played on Cry for singer Donna Hightower and Horace Henderson Orchestras' with Porter Kilbert (alto saxophone), Floyd Smith (guitar), George Reed (drums), Walter Leonard (tenor saxophone), and Arthur Edwards (string bass).
Brockman's trumpet can be heard on Blind Blake's album The Mercury Blues Story 1945-1955 featuring singers Julia Lee, Dinah Washington, Earl Coleman, Mildred Anderson, Myra Taylor, Big Bill Broonzy, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, and Sippie Wallace.
He also played trumpet on "Concerto To End All Concertos" on Jimmy Dale Orchestra's compilation album with Gene Ammons.
In his career, Brockman was involved in 21 recording sessions between 1940 and 1954.
Death
Brockman died on September 29, 1970, at age 60.