Richard Francis Wyands (July 2, 1928 – September 25, 2019) was an American

jazz Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its roots in blues and ragtime. Since the 1920s Jazz Age, it has been recognized as a m ...

pianist, composer, and arranger, best known for his work as a side-man.

Early life

Wyands was born in

Oakland, California Oakland is the largest city and the county seat of Alameda County, California, United States. A major West Coast port, Oakland is the largest city in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, the third largest city overall in the ...

, on July 2, 1928 and grew up in Berkeley. He began playing the piano at age 7 or 8 and started playing professionally in 1944, while a teenager, in

San Francisco San Francisco (; Spanish language, Spanish for "Francis of Assisi, Saint Francis"), officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the commercial, financial, and cultural center of Northern California. The city proper is the List of Ca ...

. Wyands earned a degree in music from

San Francisco State College San Francisco State University (commonly referred to as San Francisco State, SF State and SFSU) is a public research university in San Francisco. As part of the 23-campus California State University system, the university offers 118 different b ...

in 1950. At school and college he played piano and drums. Wyands was influenced by

Count Basie William James "Count" Basie (; August 21, 1904 – April 26, 1984) was an American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer. In 1935, he formed the Count Basie Orchestra, and in 1936 took them to Chicago for a long engagement and the ...

Nat King Cole Nathaniel Adams Coles (March 17, 1919 – February 15, 1965), known professionally as Nat King Cole, was an American singer, jazz pianist, and actor. Cole's music career began after he dropped out of school at the age of 15, and continued f ...

Erroll Garner Erroll Louis Garner (June 15, 1921 – January 2, 1977) was an American jazz pianist and composer known for his swing playing and ballads. His instrumental ballad "Misty", his best-known composition, has become a jazz standard. It was first rec ...

Art Tatum Arthur Tatum Jr. (, October 13, 1909 – November 5, 1956) was an American jazz pianist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest in his field. From early in his career, Tatum's technical ability was regarded by fellow musicians as extraord ...

, and

Teddy Wilson Theodore Shaw Wilson (November 24, 1912 – July 31, 1986) was an American jazz pianist. Described by critic Scott Yanow as "the definitive swing pianist", Wilson had a sophisticated, elegant style. His work was featured on the records of ma ...

.Panken, Ted (December 2, 2012
"An interview with Richard Wyands for the Liner Notes for Half and Half (Criss-Cross) – Feb. 7, 2000"

Later life and career

In the early 1950s, Wyands was part of

Vernon Alley Vernon Alley (May 26, 1915 – October 3, 2004) was an American jazz bassist. Early life Alley was born in Winnemucca, Nevada, and played football in high school and college. His brother, Eddie Alley, was a drummer; they played together ...

's group that was the house band at the Black Hawk club in San Francisco, and thus part of the rhythm section that accompanied visiting soloists. The year after leaving the Black Hawk in 1954, Wyands was an intermission performer at another San Francisco club, before becoming music director for vocalist

Ella Fitzgerald Ella Jane Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917June 15, 1996) was an American jazz singer, sometimes referred to as the "First Lady of Song", "Queen of Jazz", and "Lady Ella". She was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, timing, in ...

during a 3-month period in 1956. For ten months around 1957, he was accompanist to pop singers in a club in Ottawa, Canada. Following this, he toured with vocalist

Carmen McRae Carmen Mercedes McRae (April 8, 1920 – November 10, 1994) was an American jazz singer. She is considered one of the most influential jazz vocalists of the 20th century and is remembered for her behind-the-beat phrasing and ironic interpre ...

for three months, and arrived in New York with her in 1958. In New York, he played with

Roy Haynes Roy Owen Haynes (born March 13, 1925) is an American jazz drummer. He is among the most recorded drummers in jazz. In a career lasting over 80 years, he has played swing, bebop, jazz fusion, avant-garde jazz and is considered a pioneer of jazz ...

Charles Mingus Charles Mingus Jr. (April 22, 1922 – January 5, 1979) was an American jazz upright bassist, pianist, composer, bandleader, and author. A major proponent of collective improvisation, he is considered to be one of the greatest jazz musicians and ...

(1959),

Jerome Richardson Jerome Richardson (November 15, 1920 – June 23, 2000) was an American jazz musician, tenor saxophonist, and flute player, who also played soprano sax, alto sax, baritone sax, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto flute and piccolo. He played with Ch ...

(1959), and

Gigi Gryce Gigi Gryce (born George General Grice Jr.; November 28, 1925 – March 14, 1983), later Basheer Qusim, was an American jazz saxophonist, flautist, clarinetist, composer, arranger, and educator. While his performing career was relatively short, ...

. In the 1960s Wyands was a member of

Illinois Jacquet Jean-Baptiste "Illinois" Jacquet (October 30, 1922 – July 22, 2004) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist, best remembered for his solo on "Flying Home", critically recognized as the first R&B saxophone solo. Although he was a pioneer of t ...

's band. Wyands worked with guitarist

Kenny Burrell Kenneth Earl Burrell (born July 31, 1931) is an American jazz guitarist known for his work on numerous top jazz labels: Prestige, Blue Note, Verve, CTI, Muse, and Concord. His collaborations with Jimmy Smith were notable, and produced the 1965 ...

from 1965 to 1974. Wyands died on September 25, 2019, in New York.

Discography

As leader

*'' Then, Here and Now'' (Storyville, 1978) *''The Arrival'' (DIW-611, 1992) *''Reunited'' (CrissCross 1105, 1995) *''

Get Out of Town "Get Out of Town" is a 1938 popular song written by Cole Porter, for his musical ''Leave It to Me!'', where it was introduced by Tamara Drasin. Notable recordings *Ginny Simms - recorded December 7, 1938 for Vocalion Records (catalog No. 4549). ...

'' (Steeplechase SCCD 31401, 1996) *''Half and Half'' (CrissCross 1185,1999) *''As Long as There's Music'' (Savant SCD 2031, 2000) *''

Lady of the Lavender Mist The word ''lady'' is a term for a girl or woman, with various connotations. Once used to describe only women of a high social class or status, the equivalent of lord, now it may refer to any adult woman, as gentleman can be used for men. Infor ...

'' (Venus TKCV 35038, 2002)

As sideman

With

Gene Ammons Eugene "Jug" Ammons (April 14, 1925 – August 6, 1974), also known as "The Boss", was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. The son of boogie-woogie pianist Albert Ammons, Gene Ammons is remembered for his accessible music, steeped in soul and ...

*''

Nice an' Cool ''Nice an' Cool'' is an album by saxophonist Gene Ammons recorded in 1961 and released on the Moodsville,Jug A jug is a type of container commonly used to hold liquids. It has an opening, sometimes narrow, from which to pour or drink, and has a handle, and often a pouring lip. Jugs throughout history have been made of metal, and ceramic, or glass, and ...

'' (Prestige, 1961) *'' Soul Summit Vol. 2'' (Prestige, 1961

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*''

Late Hour Special ''Late Hour Special'' is an album by saxophonist Gene Ammons compiling sessions recorded in 1961 and 1962 and released on the Prestige label in 1964.

'' (Prestige, 1961 964 *''

Velvet Soul ''Velvet Soul'' is an album by saxophonist Gene Ammons compiling sessions recorded between 1960 and 1962 and released on the Prestige label in 1964.

'' (Prestige, 1961 964 With

*''

The Tender Gender ''The Tender Gender'' is an album by guitarist Kenny Burrell recorded in 1966 and released on the Cadet label.A Generation Ago Today ''A Generation Ago Today'' is an album by guitarist Kenny Burrell featuring standards associated with the Benny Goodman Sextet and Charlie Christian recorded in 1966 and 1967 and released on the Verve label.Night Song'' (Verve, 1969) *'' God Bless the Child'' (CTI, 1971) *'' 'Round Midnight'' (Fantasy, 1972) *'' Up the Street, 'Round the Corner, Down the Block'' (Fantasy, 1974) *''

Stormy Monday "Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday Is Just as Bad)" (commonly referred to as "Stormy Monday") is a song written and recorded by American blues electric guitar pioneer T-Bone Walker. It is a slow twelve-bar blues performed in the West Coast blu ...

'' (Fantasy, 1974

978 Year 978 ( CMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Julian calendar. Events By place Byzantine Empire * Battle of Pankaleia: Rebel forces under General Bardas Skleros are defeated ...

*'' Prime: Live at the Downtown Room'' (HighNote, 1976

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With

Benny Carter Bennett Lester Carter (August 8, 1907 – July 12, 2003) was an American jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, trumpeter, composer, arranger, and bandleader. With Johnny Hodges, he was a pioneer on the alto saxophone. From the beginning of his career ...

*'' Over the Rainbow'' (MusicMasters, 1989) *'' Cookin' at Carlos I'' (MusicMasters 1988 990 With

Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis Edward F. Davis (March 2, 1922 – November 3, 1986), known professionally as Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. It is unclear how he acquired the moniker "Lockjaw" (later shortened in "Jaws"): it is either said that ...

*'' Trane Whistle'' (Prestige, 1960) With

Teddy Edwards Theodore Marcus Edwards (April 26, 1924 – April 20, 2003) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. Biography Edwards was born in Jackson, Mississippi, United States. He learned to play at a very early age, first on alto saxophone and then ...

*'' Horn to Horn'' (Muse, 1994

996 Year 996 ( CMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Julian calendar. Events By place Japan * February - Chotoku Incident: Fujiwara no Korechika and Takaie shoot an arrow at Retired Em ...

with

Houston Person Houston Person (born November 10, 1934) is an American jazz tenor saxophonist and record producer. Although he has performed in the hard bop and swing genres, he is most experienced in and best known for his work in soul jazz. He received the ...

*'' Midnight Creeper'' (HighNote, 1997) *'' Smooth Sailing'' (HighNote, 2001

003 003, O03, 0O3, OO3 may refer to: *003, fictional British 00 Agent *003, former emergency telephone number for the Norwegian ambulance service (until 1986) *1990 OO3, the asteroid 6131 Towen * OO3 gauge model railway *''O03 (O2)'' and other related ...

With Frank Foster *''

Manhattan Fever ''Manhattan Fever'' is an album by American jazz saxophonist Frank Foster recorded in 1968 and released on the Blue Note label.

'' (Blue Note, 1968) With

*''

Saying Somethin'! ''Saying Somethin'!'' is an album by American saxophonist Gigi Gryce recorded in 1960 for the New Jazz label.The Hap'nin's'' (New Jazz, 1960) *''

The Rat Race Blues ''The Rat Race Blues'' is an album by American saxophonist Gigi Gryce recorded in 1960 for the New Jazz label.Reminiscin' ''Reminiscin is an album by saxophonist Gigi Gryce recorded in 1960 for the Mercury label.Gigi Gryce cata ...

'' (Mercury, 1960) *''

Doin' the Gigi ''Doin' the Gigi'' is an album by American saxophonist Gigi Gryce compiling live and studio recordings from 1957 to 1961 which was released on the Uptown label in 2011.

'' (Uptown, 2011) With

*'' Just Us'' (New Jazz, 1960) With

Freddie Hubbard Frederick Dewayne Hubbard (April 7, 1938 – December 29, 2008) was an American jazz trumpeter. He played bebop, hard bop, and post-bop styles from the early 1960s onwards. His unmistakable and influential tone contributed to new perspectives fo ...

*'' First Light'' (CTI, 1971) With Willis Jackson *'' Really Groovin''' (Prestige, 1961) *'' In My Solitude'' (Moodsville, 1961) With

Etta Jones Etta Jones (November 25, 1928 – October 16, 2001) was an American jazz singer. Her best-known recordings are "Don't Go to Strangers" and "Save Your Love for Me". She worked with Buddy Johnson, Oliver Nelson, Earl Hines, Barney Bigard, Gene A ...

*''

Don't Go to Strangers ''Don't Go to Strangers'' is an album recorded in 1960 by jazz vocalist Etta Jones. It was inducted in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008. Overview This was Etta Jones' first album for the independent jazz label Prestige when it was released in 1 ...

'' (Prestige, 1960) *'' Something Nice'' (Prestige, 1961) *'' Easy Living'' (HighNote, 2000) *'' Etta Jones Sings Lady Day'' (HighNote, 2001) With

Roland Kirk Roland (; frk, *Hrōþiland; lat-med, Hruodlandus or ''Rotholandus''; it, Orlando or ''Rolando''; died 15 August 778) was a Franks, Frankish military leader under Charlemagne who became one of the principal figures in the literary cycle known ...

*''

We Free Kings ''We Free Kings'' is a studio album by the jazz multi-instrumentalist Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Roland Kirk, released on Mercury Records in January 1962. His group works through a set of bluesy post-bop numbers, including a highly regarded version of ...

'' (Mercury, 1961) With

*'' Jazz Portraits: Mingus in Wonderland'' (United Artists, 1959) With

Oliver Nelson Oliver Edward Nelson (June 4, 1932 – October 28, 1975) was an American jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, arranger, composer, and bandleader. His 1961 Impulse! album '' The Blues and the Abstract Truth'' (1961) is regarded as one of the most signifi ...

*'' Screamin' the Blues'' (New Jazz NJ8243, 1960) *'' Straight Ahead'' (Prestige, 1961) With

*'' Person-ified'' (HighNote, 1997) *'' My Romance'' (HighNote, 1998) *'' Soft Lights'' (HighNote, 1999) *'' Blue Velvet'' (HighNote, 2001) *'' Sentimental Journey'' (HighNote, 2002) With

*'' Roamin' with Richardson'' (New Jazz, 1959) With

James Spaulding James Ralph Spaulding Jr. (born July 30, 1937) is an American jazz saxophonist and flutist. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, United states, Spaulding attended the Chicago Cosmopolitan School of Music. Between 1957 and 1961, he was a member of Sun ...

*'' The Smile of the Snake'' (HighNote, 1997) With

Buddy Tate George Holmes "Buddy" Tate (February 22, 1913 – February 10, 2001) was an American jazz saxophonist and clarinetist. Biography Tate was born in Sherman, Texas, United States, and first played the alto saxophone. According to the website All Ab ...

and

Al Grey Al Grey (June 6, 1925 – March 24, 2000) was an American jazz trombonist who was a member of the Count Basie orchestra. He was known for his plunger mute technique and wrote an instructional book in 1987 called ''Plunger Techniques''. Care ...

*''

Just Jazz ''Just Jazz'', is an album by saxophonist Buddy Tate and trombonist Al Grey, which was recorded in 1984 and released by the Uptown label. The album was reissued on CD with two alternate takes by Reservoir in 1989.Cal Tjader Callen Radcliffe Tjader Jr. ( ; July 16, 1925 – May 5, 1982) was an American Latin Jazz musician, known as the most successful non-Latino Latin musician. He explored other jazz idioms, even as he continued to perform music of Afro-Jazz, ...

*''Cal Tjader: Vibist'' (Savoy, 1954) *''Ritmo Caliente'' (Fantasy, 1954) With Warren Vaché *'' Horn of Plenty'' (Muse, 1994) *'' Talk to Me Baby'' (Muse, 1996) With Richard Williams *''

New Horn in Town ''New Horn in Town'' is the sole album led by trumpeter Richard Williams featuring performances recorded in late 1960 and originally released on the Candid label.Edwards, D., & Callahan, M.Candid Records discographyaccessed October 19, 2015

'' (Candid, 1960) With

Lem Winchester Lem Winchester (March 19, 1928 – January 13, 1961) was an American jazz vibraphone player. Early life Lemuel Winchester was born in Wilmington, Delaware. His parents were politician William J. Winchester and Alverta Winchester. Career Formerl ...

*''

Lem Winchester with Feeling ''Lem Winchester with Feeling'' is an album by vibraphonist Lem Winchester which was recorded in 1960 and released on the Moodsville label the following year.Bobby Kapp, Gene Perla *'' Fine Wine Trio'' (Fine Wine Records, 2000)

References

External links

BBC Radio 2
*

AllMusic AllMusic (previously known as All Music Guide and AMG) is an American online music database. It catalogs more than three million album entries and 30 million tracks, as well as information on musicians and bands. Initiated in 1991, the databas ...

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wyands, Richard 1928 births 2019 deaths Hard bop pianists Post-bop pianists Musicians from Oakland, California American jazz pianists American male pianists 20th-century American pianists Jazz musicians from California 21st-century American pianists 20th-century American male musicians 21st-century American male musicians American male jazz musicians Criss Cross Jazz artists SteepleChase Records artists