‘Madman’ Baitch, one of Baltimore’s premier saxophonists heard referred to as “Baltimore’s sax symbol,” started playing the tenor saxophone in the Silver Dollar Club in 1941 when he was only 16 years old. With his group the Bell Boys in the early ‘50s, they were seen at venues such as the Surf Club, and the Club Ambassador. Al and his trio played at many local clubs including the Avenue Musical Bar in the ‘50s – naturally when you say the Avenue in Baltimore you mean Pennsylvania Avenue, once a bustling corridor of happening jazz and R&B clubs. The ‘50s trio consisted of Baitch, along with Claude Grant (organ), and Joey Preston (drums). Preston eventually went on to play for Vic Damone in Las Vegas and was replaced with drummer Harold ‘Spoons’ White. In the early ‘60s Al’s groups played various local clubs including the Surf Club, and the Seagull Inn. The band also took part in the Surf Club’s Sunday Jams on Sunday afternoons.
Al Madman Baitch & the JZ Houserockers were the house band on the Buddy Deane Show, and often provided backing music for guest vocalists.
Throughout the ‘60s Al and his band could be heard at Sweeney’s, Surf Club, Wishing Well, Hilander, Village Inn, Leonardos, Tail of the Fox…and into the ‘70s at Cy Bloom’s Place in the Alley, Wishing Well, Vantyne’s, Spa Club, Green Dolphin, Mimmie’s, the Four C’s, Gambrinus, and daily happy hours at Perry’s Ordinary. Al competed vs many top sax players including Reds Feehley, Bill Swindell, and Mickey Fields. on October 10, 1977 Al competed in a memorable “Battle of the Sexy Saxes” vs. Teddy Bell, Tony Dee, and Al Rossi at the Wishing Well.
In the ‘70s his trio included John Baxter (keyboards ex-Caravelles), and Artie Kay (drums ex-Ralph Emmel’s Counts). They played at the Wishing Well, Four Seas Lounge, many roasts and private parties.
Al continued performing into the ‘00s including special shows at the Parkville American Legion.
Courtesy of Bobby Anderson
