“Hot Water Blues” – Bennie Moten’s Kansas City Orchestra (1928)

While some jazz historians have pooh-poohed the Moten band of 1928 for its lack of flashy soloists, it is important to remember: this is the band (and this is the session) that also yielded “South” – a title so popular that stayed in print until the 1950s and even was released as a 45 rpm 7″ single! There is staying power in this band’s craft, execution, rhythm, and bouncy performances!

Here we hear an excellent blues number filled with disciplined solos and a swingin’ beat that seems to literally bounce with the help of Vernon Page’s pulsing lyrical tuba lines.

Recorded in Camden, New Jersey on September 7, 1928.
Released as Victor V-38012.

Credits:
Bennie Moten – piano, director
Ed Lewis, Booker Washington – cornet
Thamon Hayes- trombone
Harlan Leonard – clarinet, soprano sax, alto sax
Jack Washington – clarinet, alto sax, baritone sax
Woody Walder – clarinet, tenor sax
Leroy Berry – banjo
Vernon Page – tuba
Willie McWashington – drums