Emilio Caceres Trio
The Emilio Caceres Trio was a prominent jazz ensemble led by violinist Emilio Caceres, born on September 24, 1897, in Corpus Christi, Texas. The trio gained national recognition in the 1930s for their innovative blend of jazz and swing music. Emilio was joined by his brother Ernesto Caceres, who played clarinet and baritone saxophone, and their cousin Johnny Gomez on guitar. The trio became well-known after their performance on the Benny Goodman Camel Caravan radio show in 1937, which catapulted them to fame. Critics praised the trio for their "astonishing" sound, particularly the unique combination of Emilio's jazz violin and Ernesto's clarinet.
The Emilio Caceres Trio recorded several tracks for the Victor label in 1937, including "Humoresque in Swing Time" and "I Got Rhythm," which showcased their dynamic and innovative style. Despite Emilio's preference for making music in Texas rather than pursuing fame in New York, the trio's recordings left a lasting impact on the jazz scene. Emilio continued to lead a swing orchestra in San Antonio and recorded music throughout the 1930s and 1940s.
Emilio Caceres passed away on February 10, 1980, in San Antonio, but his musical legacy continued through his grandsons, David and Anthony Caceres, who were active musicians in Houston in the 2010s. The Emilio Caceres Trio remains an important part of jazz history, celebrated for their contributions to the development of jazz violin and their influence on the genre.