“Clover Blossom Blues” – Synco Jazz Band (1922)

The Synco Jazz Band, led by Tennessee-born band leader Joseph Samuels, released a number of jazzy dance sides between 1919 and 1926.

Here we have an early release on the Perfect label’s 14000 series with the older style octagonal frame label. The Perfect label was a budget label owned by Pathé.

“Clover Blossom Blues” was a tune written by Ernie Erdman and Fred Meinken in 1922 that was recorded by a number of bands that year, including the Benson Orchestra of Chicago, Husk O’Hare’s Super Orchestra of Chicago, the Oriole Terrace Orchestra, and Paul Biese.

Samuels is heard on clarinet adeptly adding improvised breaks and flourishes throughout and switching to baritone saxophone for a bit in the middle.

0:00 Intro
0:34 Trombone (Eph Hannaford)
1:17 Baritone Sax (Joseph Samuels)
1:39 Clarinet (Joseph Samuels)
2:23 Outro

Recorded in New York City on August 10, 1922.
Released as Perfect 14043 and Pathé Actuelle 020812.

Credits
Joseph Samuels – clarinet, baritone clarinet, director
Jules Levy, Jr. – cornet
Ephraim Hannaford – trombone
Larry Briers – piano
John Cali – banjo
Herman Berkin – drums
Unknown performers – 2nd trumpet, tuba