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DATE OF BIRTH: June 12, 1931 PLACE OF BIRTH: Roselle, NJ INSTRUMENT: saxophone, clarinet, flute
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Mostly self-taught, Connie Lester began playing the clarinet and saxophone in grade school. He led his own group in the late '50s and early '60s, playing the club scene in Newark and along the Jersey Shore as well as weddings and dances. He believes being part of the jam sessions in the Newark clubs was his most valuable learning experience. Lester also played in the bands of Freddie Roach, Specks Williams, Jimmy McGriff, Vinnie Correo, Bill Doggett, Fred Thomas, David Braham and Dr. Aaron Bell, among other groups. NEWARK CLUBS: Continental Ballroom, Terrace Ballroom, Masonic Hall, Wideaway Ballroom, Sparky J's, Cadillac Club, Playbill Lounge, Vanity Club, Broadway Open House, Tropicana Lounge, Front Room, Blue Room, Pink Poodle, Six Steps Down, United 12 Club, Len & Len's, Torch Club |
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