“Kansas City Stomps” – Jelly Roll Morton’s Red Hot Peppers (1928)

Recorded in New York on June 11, 1928.
Released as Victor V-38010.
Later reissued as Bluebird BB B5109-A and B-7757-A.

The infectious optimism of this performance of “Kansas City Stomps” by Jelly Roll Morton’s Hot Peppers is a wonderful listen.

After a rondo-style introduction, we are introduced to the lively theme. Omer Simeon treats us to a clarinet solo, solidly backed by the rhythm section. Jelly Roll then takes a piano solo punctuated by sharp drum beats. Lee Blair gives us a frenetic banjo solo followed by a trumpet solo by Ward Pinkett frequently interrupted by tremulant rejoinders from Blair’s banjo.

Credits
Jelly Roll Morton – piano, director
Ward Pinkett – trumpet
Geechie Fields – trombone
Omer Simeon – clarinet
Lee Blair – banjo
Bill Benford – tuba
Tommy Benford – drums

For fun, also listen to Jelly Roll’s earlier 1923 solo piano recording of this same tune:
https://youtu.be/R_DLXeFu8l8