Even if you are a huge fan of the Big Bands, you may not recognize the name Wilbert Baranco. Baranco was a great pianist and bandleader who, in most cases, flew below the radar during the era.
He played along side some big names in Jazz during the 1930's and 1940's including Dizzy Gillespie, Curtis Mosby, Snooky Young and led a trio which included Charles Mingus. He also served as the accompanist for Dinah Washington when she sang with The Lucky Thompson All-Stars.
Baranco is best remembered for his post World War II band "Wilbert Baranco & His Rhythm Bombardiers" which was composed of former servicemen. That talented band "brought the house down" on a few episodes of "Jubilee", and we play those recordings right here on Swing City Radio.
Listen to: Wilbert Baranco on the old AFRS show "Jubilee"
By the time the 1950's had arrived, Baranco left the industry to be a music teacher.
