An early session by the not-from-Indiana Original Indiana Five featuring trumpeter Johnny Sylvester.
When I first read this title, I thought: “Oh, a clever play on words – they’re talking about musical staves and how jazz harmonies often change keys mid-stave!” You know, sorta like “Changes” by Walter Donaldson and Byron Gay: e.g. “Beautiful changes in different keys – Beautiful changes and harmonies”.
The roots go deeper – as it is an Al Bernard-penned song about a street tough in New Orleans with the subtitle “The Meanest Man in New Orleans”. The lyrics referenced that Stavin’ was a rough “bad man” from New Orleans who “He had a knife long enough to row a boat [and] a big forty-four, underneath his coat”
While I first passed this off as some Yt mythologizing, interestingly, the name “Stavin’ Chain” also appears in a couple of songs in 30s blues records by Lil Johnson and Big Joe Williams.
Jelly Roll Morton, when asked about Stavin’ Chain by Alan Lomax said “Stavin’ Chain, well he was a pimp. Supposed to have more women in this district than any other pimp.”
Seems to me that Al, Jelly Roll, and these later blues artists were all referencing some older NOLA folklore. Al perhaps misheard or got the name wrong, as “Stavin’ Chain” makes sense as a nickname for a street tough, but “Stavin’ Change” is more of an apt metaphor for a traditionalist who resists change.
Lots of New Orleans-style ensemble playing with Nick Vitalo adding an extended alto solo at 1:15. Sylvester and Panelli get a few hot breaks in and Tony Colucci keeps things moving with a solid foundation of 4/4 banjo rhythm.
Recorded in New York City on September 7, 1923.
Released as Perfect 14173 and Pathé Actuelle 021070.
Credits:
Johnny Sylvester – trumpet, director
Charlie Panelli – trombone
Nick Vitalo – clarinet, alto sax
Harry Ford – piano
Tony Colucci (?) – banjo
Tom Morton – drums
Sources:
https://pages.stolaf.edu/americanmusic/2017/10/03/whats-a-stavin-chain/
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