Robert Coleman Shevak (October 15, 1918 – June 7, 1985), better known as Iggy Shevak, was an American jazz bassist who performed with several leading jazz figures in the 1940s and 1950s. Shevak is also credited on recordings with variations of his name, such as Robert Shevak, Bob Shevak, Roger Shevak, Iggy Shevack, and Richard Shevak.Jepsen, Jørgen Grunnet (1963) Jazz records: a discography, Volume 1. K. E. Knudsen At Google Books. Retrieved 10 June 2013.
After playing in bands in New York in the late 1930s and early 1940s, Shevak moved to Los Angeles in the late 1940s.
Shevak was married to the singer Betty Bennett, Library of Congress. Retrieved 10 June 2013. who later joined him in Claude Thornhill's band before they both moved on to join Alvino Rey's band.
New York In April 1939, he was recording with a band led by Jack Jenney, backing vocalist Louise Tobin, with Hugo Winterhalter, Peanuts Hucko, and Bunny Bardach, among others.Brian A. L. Rust, Malcolm Shaw (2002) Jazz and Ragtime Records (1897-1942): A-K. Mainspring Press At Google Books. Retrieved 10 June 2013. In September that same year, he was a member of a band comprising a slightly different lineup, but again with Jenney, Winterhalter, Hucko, and Bardach. In July 1941, he recorded with Sonny Dunham's band, featuring Uan Rasey, Pete Candoli, Paul Montgomery, and George Fay, among others, and again in March 1942, with a similar lineup but including Kai Winding.Sonny Dunham catalog Jazzdisco.org. Retrieved 10 June 2013.
In May 1945, he recorded with Georgie Auld's orchestra, comprising Al Porcino, Serge Chaloff, Joe Albany, Turk Van Lake, Stan Levey, among others, and with Tadd Dameron as arranger.Dameron discography University of Michigan. Retrieved 10 June 2013. In December 1945Stan Getz catalog Jazzdisco.org. Retrieved 10 June 2013. or January 1946,Jazz & Blues, Volume 2. Hanover Books (1972) At Google Books. Retrieved 10 June 2013. he recorded with Shorty Rogers, Kai Winding, Shorty Allen, Stan Getz, and Shelly Manne for Savoy Records.
In June 1946, he recorded with the Claude Thornhill band that included his wife, Betty Bennett, on vocals.Bruyninckx Walter. Swing, 1920-1985: Th-Wi. Copy Express At Google Books. Retrieved 10 June 2013.
Los Angeles In October 1948, he recorded as a member of the Teddy Edwards Quintet, with Herbie Harper (trombone), Hampton Hawes (piano), and Roy Porter (drums).Porter, Roy (1995) There And Back, p. 176. Continuum International Publishing Group In September 1949, he recorded again as a member of Sonny Criss's band, with Chuck Thompson on drums, and again with Hampton Hawes.Hampton Hawes catalog. Jazzdisco.org. Retrieved 10 June 2013.
In 1954, he was a member, with Barney Kessel,Reports of Cases Determined in the District Courts of Appeal of the State of California. Bancroft-Whitney Co., 1956 At Google Books. Retrieved 10 June 2013. of Geordie Hormel's trio.- Sep 28, 1954 Ellensburg Daily Record. Retrieved 10 June 2013.People v. Lamb134 Cal. App. 2d 582 Justia.com. Retrieved 10 June 2013.
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