Fred Elizalde

Connections between the Philippines and the jazz scene are slight -- but here is one for sure, half of a pair of brothers born into one of that island nation's wealthiest families. Both Fred Elizalde and Manuel Elizalde led dance bands in London, England, beginning in the second half of the '20s; they were sent there to attend posh Cambridge, naturally. The Elizalde brothers eventually dipped into the pool of brilliant New York City recording session players to bolster the staff of their band, certainly one reason that an ensuing Savoy Hotel stint was such a smash. Fred Eliza...