Biography

b. James Elbert Raney, 20 August 1927, Louisville, Kentucky, USA, d. 10 May 1995, Louisville, Kentucky, USA. After working in the New York and Chicago areas, in bands led by Jerry Wald and Lou Levy, guitarist Raney joined Woody Herman in 1948. Thereafter he played and recorded with a number of leading swing era veterans and up-and-coming stars including Artie Shaw, Stan Getz, Terry Gibbs and Red Norvo. Throughout the 60s he worked in studios, making occasional jazz club appearances. This pattern continued into the 70s with the bias gradually swinging towards jazz work. A relaxed and highly proficient technician, Raney's solo work displayed a cool, lambent style which is much admired, although his attraction was often cerebral rather than emotional. His son, Doug, also plays guitar.

Discography:

Jimmy Raney Quartet Featuring Hall Overton 10-inch album (New Jazz 1953)***, Jimmy Raney Ensemble Introducing Phil Woods 10-inch album (New Jazz 1953)***, Jimmy Raney Plays 10-inch album (Prestige 1953)****, Jimmy Raney In Sweden 10-inch album (Prestige 1954)***, Jimmy Raney Quintet 10-inch album (Prestige 1954)****, Jimmy Raney Featuring Bob Brookmeyer (ABC-Paramount 1956)***, Jimmy Raney/A (Prestige 1957)****, Jimmy Raney In Three Attitudes (ABC-Paramount 1957)***, with Bob Brookmeyer, Jim Hall Street Swingers reissued as Brookmeyer And Guitars (World Pacific/Kimberly 1957)***, with Kenny Burrell Two Guitars (Prestige 1957)****, Jimmy Raney Visits Paris (Dawn 1958)***, with George Wallington Swingin' In Sweden (EmArcy 1958)***, with Jim Hall, Zoot Sims Two Jims And Zoot (Mainstream 1965)***, Momentum (1974)***, The Influence (1975)***, Live In Tokyo (Xanadu 1976)***, with Doug Raney Stolen Moments (Steeple Chase 1979)***, with Doug Raney Duets (Steeple Chase 1979)***, Here's That Raney Day (Black And Blue 1980)***, with Doug Raney Raney '81 (Criss Cross 1981)***, The Master (Criss Cross 1983)****, with Doug Raney Nardis (1983)***, Visits Paris (Fresh Sounds 1988)***, Wisteria (Criss Cross 1990)****, But Beautiful (Criss Cross 1993)***.

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