A deep depression cut from Luis Russell and his Orchestra from the summer of 1931. This beautiful record had the misfortune to be released during a tough time for the music biz. The record industry was on the skids and sales had plummeted from 100 million records sold in 1929 to only 6 million in 1932. Radio was taking over as a free source of continuous music, news, and entertainment.
Luis Russell was a pianist born in Panama who spent time in both New Orleans and Chicago before coming to New York and forming his own band.
This record is full of great players – such as Henry “Red” Allen, Albert Nicholas, Pops Foster and Paul Barbarin. They showcase their abilities on this record through a mastery of control, restraint, and emotional resonance.
The tune begins with a languid and almost pastoral vibe. The rhythm section trots gently along as the soloists seem to float past us as though walking on air.
An alto sax (Albert Nicholas?) begins. Dicky Wells follows on trombone. Then a trumpet (Henry Allen?). Each interspersed with ensemble playing and ending with a call and response between a lone sax and the rest of the band. A trumpet starts plaintively growling toward the end, but the sun sets before it can make its full argument.
Evocative and beautiful – almost a kind of programme music in the classical sense. One senses something new being born.
Recorded in New York City on August 28, 1931.
Released as Victor 22815.
Only 2,460 copies of this record were sold.
Credits
Luis Russell – piano, director
Henry Allen, Robert Cheek, Gus Aiken – trumpet
Dicky Wells – trombone
Albert Nicholas- clarinet, alto sax
Henry Jones – alto sax
Greely Walton – tenor sax
Will Johnson – guitar
Pops Foster – bass
Paul Barbarin – drums, vibraphone
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