In 1980 when Benny Goodman appeared at the Aurex Jazz Festival in Tokyo, he called on Eddie Duran to solo on Duke Ellington’s “Prelude to a Kiss.” The video allows us an opportunity—far too rare—to see and hear the elegance of a guitarist whose vast experience includes playing with Charlie Parker, Cal Tjader, Stan Getz, Vince Guaraldi, Red Norvo and Earl Hines and George Shearing. Yet, Duran (born in 1925) spent most of his career in and around his native San Francisco and has never received recognition commensurate with his talent.
The Goodman musicians accompanying Duran were Al Obidenski, bass, and John Markham, drums.
The Goodman musicians accompanying Duran were Al Obidenski, bass, and John Markham, drums.
