Junior Mance

Biography

Junior Mance, born Julian Clifford Mance, Jr. on October 10, 1928 in Evanston, Illinois, was a celebrated American jazz pianist and composer whose career spanned nearly seven decades. He began playing piano at age five, learning stride and boogie-woogie from his father, and was performing professionally by age ten. After briefly studying music at Roosevelt College in Chicago, Mance left academia to join Gene Ammons' band in 1947, marking the start of a prolific career as both a leader and sideman.

Mance's early years saw collaborations with jazz luminaries such as Lester Young, Dinah Washington, and Cannonball Adderley, the latter helping him secure a position in the 36th Army Band during his military service. After his Army discharge, Mance became a fixture at Chicago’s Bee Hive Jazz Club, accompanying legends like Charlie Parker and Coleman Hawkins. His debut as a leader came in 1959 with the album 'Junior' on Verve, followed by a string of influential recordings for Jazzland/Riverside, Capitol, and Atlantic. Known for his soulful, blues-infused touch and swinging hard bop style, Mance was also a dedicated educator, mentoring young musicians at The New School in New York. He continued performing into his late 80s, often with groups featuring his students, and left a legacy as both a masterful pianist and a generous teacher.

Mance passed away in New York City on January 17, 2021, at the age of 92, remembered for his impeccable musicianship and his deep contributions to jazz and soul jazz.

Fun Facts

• Mance subbed for Bud Powell in Lester Young’s band in 1949, a rare honor for a young pianist.
• He narrowly avoided combat in the Korean War thanks to Cannonball Adderley, who helped transfer him to the Army band.
• Mance played on Aretha Franklin’s acclaimed album 'Soul '69' and Buddy Guy’s 'Hold That Plane', showing his versatility beyond jazz.
• He co-founded his own record label, JunGlo, with his wife Gloria, releasing his final albums independently.

Associated Acts

• Gene Ammons Quintet (1947-09-23–1947-09-23)
• Gene Ammons Sextet - additional (1947-10-23–1947-10-23)
• Gene Ammons and His Orchestra (1947-10-23–1949-02-05)
• Junior Mance Trio - eponymous, original
• The Eddie Davis-Johnny Griffin Quintet

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Julian Mance Sr. - Father, taught him stride and boogie-woogie piano (Early home instruction) [1930s–1940s]

Key Collaborators

• Gene Ammons - Joined Ammons' band, first major professional gig and recordings (Recordings and live performances) [1947, 1951]
• Lester Young - Pianist in Young's band, including subbing for Bud Powell (Live performances) [1949–1951]
• Dinah Washington - Touring and recording pianist (Dinah Jams, Jam Session) [1954–1956]
• Cannonball Adderley - Army bandmate and career supporter (36th Army Band at Fort Knox) [1951–1953]
• Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis & Johnny Griffin - Member of their quintet, multiple albums (Seven albums (1960–1961)) [1960–1961]
• Ray Brown - Bass on debut album as leader (Junior (1959)) [1959]
• Lex Humphries - Drummer on debut album as leader (Junior (1959)) [1959]
• Aretha Franklin - Session pianist (Soul '69) [1969]
• Buddy Guy - Session pianist (Hold That Plane) [1972]

Artists Influenced

• José James - Featured vocalist on Mance's later trio recordings; cited Mance as a mentor (Live At Café Loup) [2007–2016]
• Michi Fuji - Former student at The New School, later performed with Mance (Touring trio (2013)) [2013]
• Numerous New School students - Mentored and performed with many young jazz musicians during his tenure as educator (Café Loup residencies, JunGlo recordings) [1990s–2016]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Lilacs In The Rain (Junior)
2. Jubilation (Jubilation)
3. Whisper Not (Jubilation)
4. A Smooth One (Junior)
5. Junior's Tune (Junior)
6. Jubilation (Junior)
7. Miss Jackie's Delight (Junior)
8. Whisper Not (Junior)
9. Small Fry (Junior)
10. Jitterbug Waltz (Happy Time (Reissue))

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #hard-bop, #jazz, #soul-jazz