The Lighthouse All-Stars

Bassist Howard Rumsey launched a jazz policy at the Lighthouse Café in Hermosa Beach, CA, during 1949. Nightly performances by his Lighthouse All-Stars became the norm, while Sundays traditionally hosted extended 12-hour jam sessions. Between 1952 and 1957 the Contemporary label documented Rumsey’s ensembles at regular intervals, drawing on such prominent figures as Shorty Rogers, Maynard Ferguson, Rolf Ericson, Stu Williamson, Conte Candoli, Milt Bernhart, Bob Enevoldsen, Frank Rosolino, Jimmy Giuffre, Bob Cooper, Bud Shank, Hampton Hawes, Marty Paich, Claude Williamson, Sonny Clark, Shelly Manne, Max Roach, Stan Levey, plus guests Miles Davis and Chet Baker. The prevailing approach remained rooted in bebop, though cooler textures surfaced at times, especially in features spotlighting Cooper on oboe or English horn and Shank on flute. After 1957 the Lighthouse All-Stars issued only a single additional album—an effort for Philips spanning 1961-1962—before fading from view. During the 1980s the ensemble reassembled for select live dates and further Contemporary sessions; its final incarnation included Shorty Rogers, Cooper (later replaced by Jack Nimitz following Coop’s death), Shank, Bill Perkins, Pete Jolly, Monty Budwig, and Larance Marable.