Jazz

[pvsgroup]

What can you tell me about jazz trumpeter Jack Purvis?

[andy hughes]

Jack Purvis was born on December 11 1906, and died on March 30 1962. He led a life from which legends are born, and his exploits as a musician seem to play a somewhat minor role!
Purvis trained originally on trombone, but switched to trumpet, plus playing a little piano and harp on the way. His various orchestra stints resulted in several albums, including 'Copyin'' Louis' and the evocatively titled 'Mental Strain At Dawn'.
Purvis' other careers included being a pilot, working for a time as an airborne smuggler between Mexicao and the U.S. He altenated as a chef, and a mercenary, eventually serving a prison sentence for armed robbery. During his time in prison he worked with a prison band, and his work was broadcast on radio.
During his later career, Purvis worked as a carpenter, a chef (again) and a radio repairman, but nothing musical of any worth seems to have occured from his release from prison until his death.