Al Belletto
Al Belletto (b. January 3, 1928) is an American jazz saxophonist and clarinetist.
Belletto was raised in New Orleans, where he led his own bands as a college student; he eventually obtained a master's degree from Louisiana State University. He played with Sharkey Bonano, Louis Prima, Wingy Manone and the Dukes of Dixieland in the 1940s and 1950s, then led his own band for several albums on Capitol Records from 1952. He and his ensemble became part of Woody Herman's band for State Department tours of South America in 1958-59.
[edit] Discography
- The Al Belletto Sextette (Capitol Records, 1955)
- Half and Half (Capitol, 1956)
- Whisper Not (Capitol, 1957)
- Coach's Choice (ART Records, 1973)
- Jazznocracy (Louisiana Red Hot, 1998)
In the 1960s, Belletto wore two "hats" at the New Orleans Playboy Club; fronting the house band, as well as Musical/Entertainment Director. As Entertainment Director, one of his responsibilities was to book nationally-known acts into the venue. In 1974, Al Belletto's Jazz Band was the featured act at the Prime Quest Supper Club in New Orleans. Because of rave reviews by both critics and audiences, what began as a two week stint, became a four months' engagement.
[edit] References
- Ron Wynn, Al Belletto at Allmusic
