“Caravan” – Barney Bigard and his Jazzopaters (1936)

The Variety label, owned by Irving Mills, had some great small combo jazz from members of the Ellington orchestra in various configurations.

Here we have the excellent original recording of trombonist Juan Tizol’s composition, “Caravan” recorded in California in late 1936.

For fun, learn how I made this video at:
https://youtu.be/Ffh4X2-96Wk

Recorded in Hollywood, Calilfornia on December 19, 1936.
Released as Variety VA 515.

Credits:
Cootie Williams – trumpet
Juan Tizol – valve trombone
Barney Bigard – clarinet
Harry Carney – baritone sax
Duke Ellington – piano
Billy Taylor – bass
Sonny Greer – drums

To hear the full Ellington orchestra record this tune a few months later, take a listen to:
https://youtu.be/mG2WkIfQipE