Firehouse Five Plus Two

Biography

Firehouse Five Plus Two was a pioneering American Dixieland jazz band formed in the late 1940s by a group of Disney animators and artists, led by trombonist Ward Kimball. The group began informally, with lunchtime jam sessions at Disney Studios, where Kimball and pianist Frank Thomas discovered a shared passion for jazz. Their musical camaraderie soon attracted other Disney colleagues, and the group evolved from casual gatherings to performing at studio parties and local events. The band’s name was inspired by Kimball’s restored 1916 American LaFrance fire engine and the fact that the ensemble consisted of seven members, hence 'Five Plus Two.'[1][2][5][7]

The Firehouse Five Plus Two quickly gained popularity in Southern California during the late 1940s and 1950s, performing at nightclubs, dances, and even Disneyland, all while maintaining their day jobs at Disney. Their energetic performances, playful stage presence, and authentic Dixieland sound made them a sensation. The band recorded extensively for the Good Time Jazz label, helping to revive interest in traditional jazz during an era dominated by other musical trends. Their lineup featured notable Disney figures such as Danny Alguire (cornet), Harper Goff (banjo), Clarke Mallery (clarinet), Monte Mountjoy (drums), Ed Penner (bass saxophone), and Frank Thomas (piano).[1][3][7]

The group’s legacy is significant both in jazz and animation history. They bridged the worlds of music and animation, influencing later generations of musicians and animators alike. Their recordings remain a testament to the enduring appeal of classic jazz, and their whimsical approach to performance helped popularize the genre for new audiences. The Firehouse Five Plus Two is remembered as much for their musical talent as for their unique origin story within the creative environment of Walt Disney Studios.[1][2][4]

Fun Facts

• The band members all worked for Disney, and Walt Disney himself supported their musical pursuits as long as they kept their day jobs at the studio.
• The group’s name comes from Ward Kimball’s restored antique fire engine and the fact that there were seven members ('Five Plus Two').
• They performed in full fireman regalia, including red shirts and fire helmets, often arriving at gigs in Kimball’s fire truck.
• The Firehouse Five Plus Two appeared in movies, on television, and played at Disneyland, becoming a staple of the park’s early entertainment.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Albert Nicholas - Jazz clarinetist who participated in early jam sessions at Ward Kimball’s house, influencing the band's style. (Informal jam sessions, no specific recordings) [Late 1940s]
• Minor Hall - Jazz drummer who joined early sessions with the group, contributing to their Dixieland sound. (Informal jam sessions, no specific recordings) [Late 1940s]

Key Collaborators

• Ward Kimball - Band leader, trombonist, and Disney animator; central figure in forming and guiding the group. (All Firehouse Five Plus Two recordings and performances) [1949–1972]
• Frank Thomas - Pianist and Disney animator; founding member and key contributor to the band's arrangements. (All Firehouse Five Plus Two recordings and performances) [1949–1972]
• Danny Alguire - Cornetist; joined the band after a professional jazz career, later worked at Disney. (All Firehouse Five Plus Two recordings and performances) [Late 1940s–1972]
• Harper Goff - Banjoist and Disney artist; contributed to both the band and Disney theme park design. (All Firehouse Five Plus Two recordings and performances) [Late 1940s–1972]
• Clarke Mallery - Clarinetist and Disney animator; original member. (All Firehouse Five Plus Two recordings and performances) [Late 1940s–1972]
• Monte Mountjoy - Drummer; original member. (All Firehouse Five Plus Two recordings and performances) [Late 1940s–1972]
• Ed Penner - Bass saxophonist and Disney story artist; original member. (All Firehouse Five Plus Two recordings and performances) [Late 1940s–1972]

Artists Influenced

• Disneyland Park Musicians - Inspired the tradition of live Dixieland and jazz performances at Disneyland and other Disney parks. (Disneyland live music programming) [1950s–present]
• Revivalist Jazz Bands - Helped spark renewed interest in Dixieland and traditional jazz among later musicians and bands. (General influence on the West Coast jazz revival) [1950s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Yes Sir! That's My Baby (Firehouse Five Plus Two Story)
2. Muksrat Ramble (At Disneyland)
3. Fidgety Feet (Dixieland Favorites)
4. Jazz Me Blues (Dixieland Favorites)
5. Fireman's Lament (Firehouse Five Plus Two Story)
6. Five Foot Two (Firehouse Five Plus Two Story)
7. Swanee River (Goes South!)
8. Storyville Blues (Dixieland Favorites)
9. That's a Plenty (Dixieland Favorites)
10. Coney Island Washboard (At Disneyland)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #dixieland-jazz, #jazz