Pete Jolly (born Peter A. Ceragioli Jr., June 5, 1932[1] – November 6, 2004)[2] was a two-time Grammy-nominated American West Coast jazz pianist and accordionist. He is known for his performance of television themes and movie soundtracks.
Biography
Jolly began playing the accordion at age three[3] and appeared on the radio program Hobby Lobby at the age of seven. He was raised in Phoenix, Arizona, a hotbed of jazz at the time. One of his best friends and collaborators in Phoenix was guitarist Howard Roberts, whom he met at the age of 13. Following Roberts to Los Angeles in 1952, he immediately began working with the best players on the West Coast jazz scene, including Shorty Rogers.[1] He moved easily into studio and session work.[1] Besides his performances as a pianist, he also played the accordion.
Jolly's music can be heard on television programs such as Get Smart, The Love Boat, I Spy, Mannix, M*A*S*H and Dallas, as well as hundreds of movie soundtracks. He recreated some of Bud Powell's playing with Charlie Parker for Clint Eastwood's biographical movie about Parker, Bird. By day, Jolly worked in the studios; by night, with his trio. He continued to perform with his trio in Los Angeles jazz clubs until shortly before being hospitalized in August 2004. His final public performance with his trio was in Reno, Nevada. Jolly died at the age of 72 in November 2004 in Pasadena, California, from complications of multiple myeloma.[2] He is buried at San Gabriel Cemetery in San Gabriel, California.
Reception
The Pete Jolly Trio had only one bassist, Chuck Berghofer, and one drummer, Nick Martinis. Berghofer later said, "In all that time, Pete never once told me how to play or what to play."
Two tracks trio, with Chuck Berghofer (bass), Howard Roberts (guitar), and Nick Martinez (drums); all others with orchestra arranged and conducted by either Dick Hazard or Dick Grove.
1960–65?
Live in L.A.: Red Chimney and Sherry's Bar
VSOP
Most tracks with Chuck Berghofer and Ralph Peña (bass; separately), Nick Martinis (drums); in concert; released 1994[8]