Hayes Alvis

Who was Hayes Alvis?

Hayes Alvis was an American jazz bassist and tubist.

Born in Chicago on May 1, 1907, Alvis began on drums but switched to tuba and bass after playing with Jelly Roll Morton in 1927-28. He played tuba with Earl Hines from 1928 to 1930, and did arrangements for Hines as well.

He moved to New York City in 1931 and played with Jimmie Noone in the Mills Blue Rhythm Band from 1931–34 and 1936. A very early double-bass solo can be heard on the latter group's "Rhythm Spasm". Alvis also occasionally played baritone saxophone in this ensemble as well, and was the group's tour namager. From 1935 to 1938 Alvis played with Duke Ellington, working with fellow bassist/tubist Billy Taylor.

After his period with Ellington, Alvis played with Benny Carter, Joe Sullivan, and Louis Armstrong. From 1942 to 1945 he played in an Army band led by Sy Oliver. After the war, he played with Dave Martin until 1947, and then took a longstanding run as a house musician at the Cafe Society in New York City.

In the 1950s, he played in various swing and Dixieland revival groups, including Wilbur De Paris's. In the early 1970s, he played with Jay McShann and Tiny Grimes in a trio.