Joe Comfort


Joe Comfort was an American jazz double bassist.

Biography

A native of Los Angeles who was raised in Watts, Joe Comfort was taught trombone by his father and began his musical career with the Woodman Brother's who like Joe were also from Watts. Joe and the Woodman's used to toss their instruments in the air catching each other's woods and reeds performing extensively all over Los Angeles. In the 1940s Joe played bass in the Lionel Hampton band up until Joe was drafted for war, training at Fort Rucker, Alabama and then serving in the US Army band that went to France. Upon return, Joe worked with Nat King Cole which included extensive travel across the US and in Europe and featured on many recordings including Nat's iconic hit, Nature Boy. Joe also worked separately with Cole's guitarist, Oscar Moore. Beginning in the 1950s, he was a studio musician who recorded soundtracks and pop music with Nelson Riddle, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald

Discography

As sideman

With Rosemary Clooney
  • 1961 Rosie Solves the Swingin' Riddle!
  • 1963 Love
With Buddy Collette
  • 1956 Man of Many Parts
  • 1958 Buddy Collette's Swinging Shepherds
With Ella Fitzgerald
With Gerald Wiggins
With Nancy Wilson
  • 1960 Something Wonderful
  • 1963 Broadway – My Way
With others