Rich Pulin
Rich analogizes life with baseball. It was exciting and also scary to be eighteen and starting out in the major leagues of the band business, with the Tommy Dorsey band under the direction of Warren Covington. That was the "Tea For Two Cha Cha" band and if it wasn't enough for a young kid to be traveling in fast company like that, add the allure of a hit record. And the whole experience was unbelievable! At that point, Rich's guardian angels decided to send him Mary Johnston. Mary, a singer in her own right, was traveling with her husband, Lloyd, the lead altoist and manager of the band. She sat down next to Rich on the bus one night and explained that her agent, John O'Connor, also represented Johnny Long's band, which needed a trombonist right away. Warren Covington gave Rich his blessings to split adding that he was welcome back on the band anytime. He took him up on that offer seven years later when he needed a trombone player for a weekend gig. Besides Warren's Dorsey band, Rich occupied bus seats with a variety of bands, including Tony Pastor, Les and Larry Elgart, The Lee Castle Jimmy Dorsey band, and Woody Herman. He became a charter member of Clark Terry's Big Bad Band, which was a co-venture that Clark led with altoist Phil Woods, and trombonist/arranger Melba Liston. Clark's band was a collection of all-stars including guys like Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Gene Quill, Randy Brecker, Jimmy Owens, Ron Carter, and Grady Tate. Later Rich split for Europe, winding up in the Netherlands, and wasn't seen or heard from again for seven years. He married a Dutch lady who just happened to be a recording producer for The Philips-Phonogram Company. Rich and Ada's first co-production was a son who they named Yasha. After that Rich ultimately became a part of the recording scene in Holland and all over Europe participating in hundreds of sessions as a Trombonist, composer/arranger, and producer. Since his return to the U.S.( L.A.), he's appeared with numerous bands and performers, including Art Pepper, Don Ellis, Ray Charles, and Tito Puente including his Monterey Jazz Festival appearance. For the last few years, Rich has been concentrating his efforts on his career and the careers of his gifted daughter Brooke, and his talented life-partner Kristin....they are currently on a songwriting 'roll' scoring lots of new music in multi-genres! Incidentally.......................................... In addition to being blessed with wonderful, encouraging, and supportive parents, Helen and Hy Pulin, Rich was also "adopted" by a musician that he believes was tops on his instrument, tenor saxophone, and an icon in the field of jazz.........the inimitable Billy Mitchell.. "B" took Rich under his wing, and over the next fourty years they became best of friends (Rich had the honor and pleasure to gig and record with Billy both stateside and abroad). Billy's input, whether it pertained to music or life was plentiful and was always welcomed. Rich considered Billy his mentor and was honored that Billy thought of him as his protege.(other Billy Mitchell protege's include Charles McPherson, and Bobby Hutcherson). The Mitchell residence on Yale avenue in Rockville Centre, NY, was always a happy gathering place for musicians and other nice folk. Being "licensed" to "drop" the name Billy Mitchell over the years opened a lot of doors for Rich, and he will always be greatly indebted to Billy and cherish the memory of both he and his wonderful wife Marge.
