Ore, John (Thomas) (Philadelphia, 17 Dec 1933)

Double bass player

After studying cello at the New School of Music, Philadelphia (1943-6), then double bass at the Juilliard School (1952), he played with Tiny Grimes (1953), George Wallington and Lester Young (both 1954), Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkins, and Elmo Hope (all 1955), and Bud Powell (1955, 1957). In 1958 he led his own group, and for the next two years worked as a freelance in and around New York. Ore joined Thelonious Monk's quartet in 1960, and remained with the group until 1963, making two tours of Europe. After performing in Canada with the Double Six (1964) he worked in the trios led by Bud Powell and Teddy Wilson (1964-5). He recorded with Earl Hines in 1977. Ore is noted for his rhythmic precision and the fullness of his tone.

 Dianna Rhyan

The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz, © Macmillan Reference Ltd 1988