Bill Fulton on keys or piano at Four Points Sheraton

Bill Fulton Dave Pell Octet Legends of the West featured pianist and keyboardist Bill Fulton with saxophonist Dave Pell at the Four Points Sheraton near Los Angeles International Airport. The engagement adds another Los Angeles-area date to Fulton’s work with Pell. It also connects Fulton with Pell’s West Coast jazz circle. Meanwhile, the setting at 9750 Airport Blvd placed the performance in Los Angeles.

Dave Pell and the West Coast jazz tradition

Dave Pell became a recognizable West Coast jazz voice after moving to California in the 1940s. He played with Les Brown and began leading his own groups in the 1950s, most famously the Dave Pell Octet. According to AllMusic’s Dave Pell biography, his octets drew notable Los Angeles arrangers and players. In addition, Pell recorded for Atlantic, Kapp, Coral, Capitol and RCA Victor.

The octet gave Pell arranged detail while leaving room for soloists. Over the years, Marty Paich, Mel Lewis, Red Mitchell and Art Pepper appeared in Pell-led groups. Later, Pell revived the octet for recordings and live appearances. Therefore, the group remained part of his musical identity for decades. The program was billed as Jazz West Coast 3: Legends of the West — Concert 6, and the performance took place in the California Ballroom. Therefore, the date had a specific concert identity beyond a routine hotel engagement.

Four Points Sheraton and the Los Angeles music scene

The four points sheraton near los angeles international airport set the scene for this Fulton-Pell connection. Pell spent much of his career in Southern California. Therefore, Los Angeles-area rooms became a natural home for his later performances. At the same time, Fulton worked as a pianist and keyboardist in many of the same professional music circles. Readers can explore more of his performing history in Bill Fulton’s keyboardist and pianist credits.

For Fulton, the engagement represents another performance alongside Pell and the musicians around his octet. Moreover, the date reflects West Coast jazz across Los Angeles clubs, hotels, festivals and cultural venues. Bill Fulton Dave Pell Octet Legends of the West captures that specific connection between performer, bandleader and venue.

Artist: Bill Fulton on keys or piano
Date/Time: September 30, 2005 12:00 am
Venue: Four Points Sheraton
Address: 9750 Airport Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90045
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