Andy Bartha

Born in 1925, USA. Of Hungarian descent, Bartha played cornet and violin in urban centres such as Detroit and St. Louis and also during military service in the US Air Force. He first recorded with Frank Gillis’ Dixie Five, in 1949, an album reissued in 2002 as Dancin’ Fool on Jazzology Records. From the late 40s Bartha spent some time on the road, chiefly with Pee Wee Erwin’s band of which he was a member through the first half of the 50s. He made several records with Erwin. Bartha eventually moved south, settling in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he played long residencies at venues including the Top Gallant Room of Warren Foster’s Moonraker Restaurant, the Oceana Lounge and the Life Lounge club. He remained based in Florida for much of his working life, playing in and often leading various traditional jazz bands, including his Deep South Dixieland Jazz Band. He also depped with various leaders, especially when they were passing through Florida, and he also sometimes sat in with musicians staying at the Key Motel. In the early 70s Bartha worked with trumpeter Billy Butterfield, co-leading a session for Art Records. Others in this band included Ed Hubble (trombone), Larry Wilson (clarinet), John Dengler (bass saxophone) and Bob Warren (piano)