Albert James Madden

I am Albert James Madden and am a retired U S Army & Navy person. I 1st learned to play a Bugle when 4 years old. I was given an old cornet when five and was shown the fingering for the C scale. From thenon I could paly anything I heard. I WAS GIVEN MY 1ST LESSON WHEN I WAS 13 YEARS OLD. This to learn to read. I went through the Herbert L Clark studies that summer, A lesson every day from the town band master. Then to the Arbans studies.
I played in the Derry, NH, town band and was a featured soloist playing the popular tunes of the day in the jazz idium.
I served in the Navy during WW2, Here I played lead trumpet with the captains Jazz Band, The leader was a Chief Davies. we were the "Rythmn Bombers" and played battles against the , Jimmy Dorsey Band. Nick Lucus, Jack Teagarden, Sammy Kaye . This band played at several bases in Cuba, Grand CAymen and many Naval stations . Kes West Naval Air Station was home base.
I transferred to the Army in 1948 and my first army band was the 9th Inf, Div., then 17th abn Div, 32 Murphy Gen Hospital, transferred to U S Army Medical Center 323rd Army Band Army band, then to Ft. Benning GA. 72nd Army Band,At benning the 72nd became 2nd Inf Div Bd, Colors were changed with the 4th Inf now I'm asst soloist in that band. The 4th moved to Europe and I to Army and Navy General Hospital at Hot Springs , Arkansas, the 6th hospital Jazz band. the next move to Camp Chaffee to the 199th Army Bd, also the 5th Armd Div Bd. the to Ft Hood ,Texas and the 1st Armd Div Bd soloist and Jazz band leader. As the musical directer on the TV show featuring 1st AD members talents a variety 1 hour show every Saturday on Channel 6, Temple ,Texas.
Now another move to Fort Polk, La. and band leader of the 55th Army Band. Other bands were 395th Ft Lee. 384th, Ft Eustis, Army And Navy School an Instructor then to Orleans France with the 76th army Band.
I left the band field due to an acceident at the Paris Air Show in 1976.Broke out all my front teeth. With many hours in dental surgery and now wearing dentures I learned to play again but not as in the past.
To day I'm 90 years old and am still playing in A concert band and featured jazz soloist with the Cape Cod Conservatory Jazz Ensemble.

I've been wailing on the BRASS Pretzel 0ver 85 years, This I find keeps me YOUNG. If there are members out there that played in these bands . Call 508 790 4302 or Email me<aajmadden@verizon.net>

administrator

Welcome to the TM Albert! At 90 years young I think you might be our most senior member. It is great to have you here!

__________________

Post your Favorite Trumpet Link here

bnbtrpt

Great to have you here. Please feel free to share any stories you might have.

Richard Oliver

Albert, Welcome!!

confuoco

Wow what a story. And 90 years old. This is amazing. Tell us more about the Dorsey Band battles!

stchasking

You must have your life history recorded. Call the nearest college or university and tell them you have a living history to record. All you have to do is tell your story into a microphone with college history students interviewing you.
I'm serious, we don't want to lose your history.

Feel free to post your experiences in the "lounge forum". I'll read every word.

Thank You .

__________________
"I was performing professionally at age 17 and have never had a real job." Allen Vizzutti

http://cdbaby.com/cd/mcking

RG111

Also, thank you for your service!!

Roy

confuoco

I agree with stchasking. Or maybe you could write it all down here!

Vulgano Brother

90 years old and still playing? Heck, my cornet is 112 years old and still plays. Seriously, though, I too would love to hear some of your stories--welcome to TM!

__________________
www.letsbuildhope.org

Albert James Madden

The Dorsey Battle. Jimmy was a quest Of the Base at Key West, Fl.
Richard Denk our 2nd Trpt player copied His Theme from a record. Our band sat below the stage and when He kicked off the beat Our Lead Alto man played the very same as Dorsey. He was so suprised that He stoped playing and we finished his theme. Jimmy then told the sailors in the theater that this was the first time ever that another sax man replaced him from off stage. Al Madden