Guido Basso: A Canadian Jazz Legend
Early Life
Guido Basso was born on September 27, 1937, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He grew up in the Little Italy neighborhood of Montreal, in an Italian-Canadian family. He began playing the trumpet at the tender age of nine and studied at the Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Montréal. His professional music career started in his teens, under the name “Stubby Basso”.
Career Beginnings
During his early 20s, Basso performed regularly at the El Morocco in Montreal, and played in bands led by Maury Kaye. Singer Vic Damone discovered Basso playing at the El Morocco, then included him on a tour from 1957 to 1958.
Professional Career
Basso had a professional career as a composer, conductor, arranger, trumpeter, flugelhornist, and harmonica player. The Canadian Encyclopedia wrote that Basso was “one of Canada’s pre-eminent jazz trumpeters”, and that “he was credited with the theory that one attacks the trumpet and makes love to a flugelhorn”. In 1958, he joined singer Pearl Bailey and her husband, drummer Louis Bellson, touring North America with them and their orchestra.
Settling in Toronto
Basso returned to Canada and settled in Toronto in 1961, instead of obtaining permanent residency in the United States and the likelihood of required enlistment in the United States Army. Basso then studied at The Royal Conservatory of Music during the early 1960s.
Work at CBC
In 1963, he became music director for CBLT’s Nightcap, a job he held until 1967. He subsequently held a number of music director positions with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), as well as being active as a performer. His work at CBC included Barris and Company (1968–69), Mallets and Brass (1969) with vibraphonist Peter Appleyard, music director of After Noon (1969–1971), and leading orchestras playing big band music on ’ In the Mood (1971–72) and Bandwagon (1972–73).
Personal Life and Death
Basso was married to Kristin, and had one daughter, Mia Basso Noble, who was a musician and songwriter. Mia died of cancer in September 2013. Basso himself passed away in Toronto, on February 13, 2023, at the age of 85.
- “For Once in My Life” by the Guido Basso Orchestra: This is a swinging arrangement featuring Rob McConnell, Moe Koffman, and Eugene Amaro. It showcases Basso’s ability to lead a big band with energy and precision.
- “The Good Life” by Guido Basso: This track was recorded at the time Basso did his CD ‘Changing Partners’, but was not included. It has never been released. The pianist is John Sherwood. This track showcases Basso’s softer, more introspective side.
- “It’s Not Unusual” by Guido Basso: From the famous ‘Nightcap’ TV series, Basso does this Tom Jones hit with the best band in the land, consisting of Guido, Moe Koffman, Teddy Roderman, Ed Bickert, Jimmie Dale, Jimmy Amaro, Howie Ray & Jimmy Dale.
- “Changing Partners” by Guido Basso: This is the title track from one of Basso’s most well-known albums. It showcases his ability to blend traditional jazz elements with more modern sounds.
- “In the Mood” by Guido Basso: This is a classic big band tune that Basso often performed during his time as a music director at CBC. His version is known for its energetic and lively arrangement.
- “Mallets and Brass” by Guido Basso and Peter Appleyard: This track showcases Basso’s versatility as he collaborates with vibraphonist Peter Appleyard.
- “After Noon” by Guido Basso: This is another track from Basso’s time at CBC. It showcases his ability to create relaxing and soothing music.
- “Bandwagon” by Guido Basso: This track is from one of Basso’s most successful periods at CBC. It showcases his ability to lead a big band and create energetic and engaging music.
- “Barris and Company” by Guido Basso: This track is a great example of Basso’s work as a music director. It showcases his ability to create complex and interesting arrangements.
- “Boss Brass” by Guido Basso and Rob McConnell: Basso was a charter member of Rob McConnell’s Boss Brass, playing with the band for over twenty years. This track showcases the synergy between Basso and McConnell and their ability to create exciting and innovative big band music.
