Edward Joseph Bertolatus (May 16, 1922 – September 27, 2012), also known as Eddie Bert, was an American jazz trombonist.

Music career

He was born in Yonkers, New York, United States. Bert received a degree and a teaching license from the Manhattan School of Music (1957). He taught at Essex College, University of Bridgeport, and Western Connecticut State University. Bert performed and recorded with many bands and orchestras. He spent the most time with Benny Goodman's Orchestra (1958–86), Charles Mingus (1955–74), The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra (1968–72), New York Jazz Repertory Company (1973–78), The American Jazz Orchestra (1986–92), Loren Schoenberg Orchestra (1986–2001), and Walt Levinsky's Great American Swing Orchestra (1987–95). Bert is featured on hundreds of recordings and recorded extensively as a leader on various labels including Savoy, Blue Note, Trans-World, Jazztone, and Discovery Records. Bert continued to play sold-out shows until his death, at the age of 90, on September 27, 2012, in Danbury, Connecticut. His photography can be seen on Jazz Giants, To Bird with Love (Chan Parker and F. Paudras), and The Band that Never Was (Spotlight Records, album cover and liner notes).

Honors

Discography

As leader

As sideman

With Chris Connor With Urbie Green With Thad Jones & Mel Lewis With Stan Kenton With Elliot Lawrence With Charles Mingus With Thelonious Monk With Red Norvo With Chico O'Farrill With Buddy Rich With Sal Salvador With Loren Schoenberg With Bobby Short With others

Broadway shows and movies

Sources