“Corky” – Andy Kirk and his Twelve Clouds of Joy (1936)

The Great Depression caused many jazz acts to call it quits – but Andy Kirk and his Twelve Clouds of Joy were able to keep working throughout the early 1930s in the thriving dance halls of Kansas City.

Though they recorded a total of nine sessions in 1929-1930, they did not record at all from 1931 – 1935. When they finally got back into the studio in March of 1936, they recut two tunes from their very first 1929 session – “Froggy Bottom” and this one. It’s interesting to hear the differences (and similarities) that a little over six years could make.

Ross Russell, in his “Jazz Style in Kansas City and the Southwest” found the new Decca version of “Corky Stomp” to be a “fresh and superior version.” The Decca version does swing pretty hard – but I think which version you prefer depends greatly on whether your overall jazz preferences tend toward the hotter 20s style or refined 30s swing style.

In the new Decca recording, the tune’s title is cut to simply “Corky”. There’ll be no stomping in this version. Also cut is the ensemble introduction. Instead, we open affably with a immediately charming clarinet delivering the melodic head. Noticeably backed by the new combination of bass and guitar in the rhythm section. While there is some ensemble playing – it is more structured and syncopated, with fewer overlapping instruments. After a brief clarinet solo, Mary Lou still takes a piano solo, albeit a little shorter than the 1929 version. Next, a jaunty sax solo spills forward – and we end with a brief clarinet reprise and tightly arranged ending.

Listen to the 1929 version here:
https://youtu.be/L_8ibeX7DgQ

Take a listen to both versions – tell me what you think in the comments.

Recorded in New York City on March 7, 1936.
Released as Decca 772.

Andy Kirk – bass saxophone, director
Harry Lawson, Paul King, Earl Thomson – trumpet
Ted Donnelly, Henry Wells – trombone
John Harrington – clarinet, alto sax, baritone sax
John Williams – alto sax, baritone sax
Dick Wilson – tenor sax
Mary Lou Williams – piano, arranger
Ted Robinson – guitar
Booker Collins – string bass
Ben Thigpen – drums