Alfred "Chico" Alvarez

Alfred "Chico" Alvarez (February 3, 1920 – August 1, 1992) was a Canadian jazz trumpeter with the Stan Kenton Orchestra and other bands.

Alfred "Chico" Alvarez
Chico Alvarez, c. 1947
Chico Alvarez, c. 1947
Background information
Born(1920-02-03)February 3, 1920
Montreal
DiedAugust 1, 1992(1992-08-01) (aged 72)
GenresOrchestral jazz, swing, big band
InstrumentsTrumpet
Years active1946–1990
Formerly ofStan Kenton Orchestra, Red Norvo, and Charlie Barnet

Life

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Alvarez was born in Montreal, grew up in Southern California. Upon graduation of high school, he attended the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music.

Alvarez was a soloist with the Kenton band from 1941 to 1943 and rejoined the band after Army service in World War II. He also played with the Red Norvo and Charlie Barnet bands, and worked in Las Vegas hotels in the 1960s and 1970s, accompanying singers like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan.[1]

He had been a business agent for the musicians' union, the president of the Allied Arts Council and a member of the Nevada State Council on the Arts.

Family

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Alvarez married Eileen Brennan in Los Angeles on December 31, 1949, and they moved to Las Vegas in 1958. They had one daughter, Faith Ann, born on February 8, 1958.

Alvarez had two sons from a previous marriage.

Alvarez' grandson is the American blues guitarist, Alastair Greene.

Discography

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With Stan Kenton

With others

References

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  1. ^ "Chico Alvarez; Jazz Trumpeter, 72". The New York Times. August 5, 1992.