b. Albert Casey, 15 September 1915, Louisville, Kentucky, USA, d. 11 September 2005, New York City, New York, USA. Casey's first professional job as a guitarist was with Fats Waller, with whom he recorded extensively from 1934 until Waller's death in 1943. Also in the 30s, Casey worked with Teddy Wilson in his small groups, sometimes accompanying Billie Holiday, and big band. After switching from acoustic to electric guitar, on which instrument he proved to be an able disciple of Charlie Christian, Casey extended his range into R&B, recording with King Curtis. In demand for recording sessions with artists such as Helen Humes, Casey was briefly confined to the studio, but in the 80s was back in full flow, touring extensively and delighting international audiences with his vigour and inventiveness. He also began a 20-year association with the Harlem Blues And Jazz Band. (NB: Not to be confused with the rockabilly/country guitarist of the same name who was born on 26 October 1936 in Long Beach, California.)

Listen to Al Casey at Finetune.

• Up, Up And Away
• Up-Up And Away
• Go Where You Wanna Go
• Another Day, Another Heartache
• Learn How To Fly

• The Ventures
• Bee Gees
• The Free Design
• Les Paul
• Rolling Stones
• Henry Mancini
• Dusty Springfield
• Larry Bunker
• The Zombies
• Bert Kaempfert
• The Singers Unlimited
• The Swingle Singers
• Salt Water Taffy
• The Association
• U2
• The Lovin' Spoonful
• Carole King
• Ringo Starr
• Olivia Newton-John
• Fratellis