“Jelly Roll Blues” was composed by Jelly Roll Morton and was published by Will Rossiter in Chicago in 1915, making it his first – if not THE first – published jazz composition. Morton himself did not begin recording until 1923 – and it was not until 1924 that he himself recorded a version of “Jelly Roll Blues” (Gennett 5552).
It is unclear how Original Memphis Five (OM5) came to record this tune – perhaps learning of the successful collaboration between Jelly Roll Morton and the New Orleans Rhythm Kings for Gennett in June of 1923 prompted an interest in his compositions.
During this period, OM5 were playing live regularly in Brooklyn at the Rosemont Ballroom on Fulton and Flatbush with acts such as Colony Club Orchestra and Jules Berkin’s Orchestra. Their concerts were advertised as dances – often with flashy promotions such as “Clown Night” and “Waltz Night” to bring in the crowds.
I found when transferring this one, that the speed was a bit north of 82 rpm to get the key correct. Thankfully I was able to procure a fairly clean copy of this one, though there is some degree of surface noise. Let me know how it sounds to your ear.
Curiously, this recording is not currently available either on Spotify or Apple Music. Another example of why the relatively small band of collectors on YouTube and Instagram who share their transfers is so important when it comes to music discovery of early jazz.
Recorded in New York City on September 22, 1923.
Released as Edison 51246. This is take B.
Credits
Phil Napoleon – trumpet
Charlie Panelli – trombone
Jimmy Lytell – clarinet
Frank Signorelli – piano
Jack Roth – drums
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