A middle-register, cool-toned flügelhornist who also contributes occasional vocals,
Jackie Coon's likable style has been an asset to many informal mainstream sessions.
Coon, who grew up in Southern California, was inspired to play trumpet after hearing
Louis Armstrong's "West End Blues." He spent a few months with
Jack Teagarden's band (some of the music from radio broadcasts has been released by Arbors) and had gigs with
Charlie Barnet,
Louis Prima, and
Earl Hines, making his recording debut with
Barney Bigard in 1957 and playing mellophone on
Red Nichols' greatest version of "Battle Hymn of the Republic." Due to his decision to stay in California, fame has eluded
Jackie Coon, but he worked for nine years at Disneyland, played regularly in local clubs, and appeared at jazz festivals. The popular flügelhornist led his first record session for Sea Breeze in 1986 and since 1991, he has recorded fairly often for Arbors. ~ Scott Yanow