Frank Melrose, Piano, 1907, Sumner, IL
Frank, who was also a bandleader, was active mainly in the Chicago area where he first recorded with Junie and Jimmy Cobb in the late '20s. Around this time he also recorded with his own group, using the pseudonyms Kansas City Frank, and Broadway Rastus. He also recorded with Johnny and Baby Dodds and the Kansas City Tin Roof Stompers. Occasionally he played the violin, but more often played piano in a vigorous barrelhouse style. In the early '30s he recorded with Wingy Manone, Frank Teschemacher, and Bud Freeman. He finished his career in the mid '30s in the Chicago area. Frank Melrose died in 1941.
Bernie McKinney, Trombone, 1932, Detroit, MI
Bernie played the euphonium as well as the trombone. In the early '50s he worked with Sonny Stitt and Barry Harris playing trombone. In the mid '50s he joined Art Blakey's group in Philadelphia but by 1955 had returned to Detroit to work with Donald Byrd and Yusef Lateef. During this period he also worked with Pepper Adams, Curtis Fuller, and James Moody. He worked with Freddy Hubbard in 1965, using the name Kiane Zawadi. He recorded in styles ranging from bop to free jazz in big-bands led by Archie Shepp and McCoy Tyner. Zawadi is best known for his crisp bop solos on the euphonium.
