78 collectors and many jazz fans of all eras generally share an abhorrence for the organ. Jimmy Smith Blue Notes generally are among the most common wild finds for crate chasers, for example, despite his amazing virtuosity on the instrument (Let the record show: I am a fan). And among collectors of 78s, Ken Griffith and Jesse Crawford records rank among the most cringe-inducing during a dig.
All of that said – I think the organ’s tarnished reputation is not always deserved. In this FUN record featuring Fats Waller on the pipe organ (having a grand time from the sound of it), we hear an organ that connects early jazz to its many heterogenous musical roots.
I’ve read criticisms of Thomas Morris’ performance here – but I find this recording’s “over-all carelessness” to be quite endearing. I feel a kinship immediately and feel a genuine joy in this music. When Morris’s muted cornet kicks in at 1:13, things get dirty and real. At 1:31 he changes tone, going from a muted growl to a raspy baritone kazoo-like tone.
1:51 finds Fats Waller soloing on the pipe organ, reminding these old ears of the psychedelic “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite” and wondering how grand this would sound cut up and spliced together – played both backwards and forward.
All in all, I was delighted by this record and hope you enjoy it too!
Recorded in Camden, New Jersey on May 20, 1927.
Released in the U.S. as Victor 20776.
Released in the U.K. as His Master’s Voice B.5417
Credits:
Tom Morris – cornet
Charlie Irvis – trombone
Fats Waller – organ
Eddie King (?) – drums
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