Last-Becker Ensemble
Encyclopedia
Last-Becker Ensemble was a German jazz group that was popular in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Formed in 1948 as an off-shoot of the Radio Bremen dance orchestra conducted by Hans-Gunther Oesterreich, the group is now known more for the later successes of its members after the group's break-up in 1953.
The personnel was: Hans Last
, bass; Werner Last
, trombone and accordion; Robert Last
, drums; Karl-Heinz Becker
, saxophone; Heinz Schultze, guitar; and Helmut Zacharias
, violin. Hans Last went on to become James Last, million-selling bandleader. Werner Last also found success as a bandleader under the name Kai Warner. Robert Last was the drummer for both of his brothers' bands and also formed his own studio band.
Heinz Schultze played guitar for the Last brothers in their respective orchestras. Helmut Zacharias became an internationally known pop-jazz violin soloist; his records were arranged by Hans Last. One example of the respect that fellow German musicians had for the Last-Becker Ensemble was the fact that from 1950 to 1953, Hans Last was selected annually by the German Jazz Poll as the best bassist.
The personnel was: Hans Last
James Last
James Last is a German composer and big band leader. His "happy music" made his numerous albums best-sellers in Germany and the United Kingdom. His composition, "Happy Heart", became an international success in interpretations by Andy Williams and Petula Clark...
, bass; Werner Last
Kai Warner
Kai Warner was the stage name of Werner Last , a German bandleader and musician. He is the brother of of James Last and Robert Last...
, trombone and accordion; Robert Last
Robert Last
Robert Last was a Germandrummer.The oldest brother of Werner Last and Hans Last played together with his...
, drums; Karl-Heinz Becker
Karl-Heinz Becker
Feldwebel Karl-Heinz Becker was a former Luftwaffe flying ace. He is credited with 7 aerial victories flying the Messerschmitt Me-262 jet fighter, making him one of only 28 jet aces of World War II. Becker and his radio operator downed six Mosquitos in two weeks, two within three minutes of each...
, saxophone; Heinz Schultze, guitar; and Helmut Zacharias
Helmut Zacharias
Helmut Zacharias was a German violinist and composer. At the time of his death, he had created over 400 works and sold 14 million records. He also appeared in number of films, usually playing musicians.-Early life:...
, violin. Hans Last went on to become James Last, million-selling bandleader. Werner Last also found success as a bandleader under the name Kai Warner. Robert Last was the drummer for both of his brothers' bands and also formed his own studio band.
Heinz Schultze played guitar for the Last brothers in their respective orchestras. Helmut Zacharias became an internationally known pop-jazz violin soloist; his records were arranged by Hans Last. One example of the respect that fellow German musicians had for the Last-Becker Ensemble was the fact that from 1950 to 1953, Hans Last was selected annually by the German Jazz Poll as the best bassist.