“Corky Stomp” – Andy Kirk and his Twelve Clouds of Joy (1929)

One thing that is always interesting to me is to listen to different recordings of the same tune by different jazz bands – or in this case, different recordings of the same tune by the same band that were recorded several years apart.

Here we have a 1929 recorded version of “Corky Stomp”, a tune written by pianist Mary Lou Williams. The lead melody is played by Durham’s trombone. The rhythm section includes the banjo and tuba/bass sax that were more common in 20s jazz. In the middle of the tune, we get a brief hot trumpet solo followed by a delightful extended piano solo from Mary Lou Williams. The coda is marked by ensemble playing.

The 1936 version of “Corky” can be heard here:
https://youtu.be/Xna8W_dus7w

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

Recorded in Kansas City, Missouri on November 11, 1929.
Originally released in the U.S. as Brunswick 4893.
Released in the U.K. as Brunswick 01211 (master pressing).

Credits:
Andy Kirk – bass saxophone, tuba, director
Gene Prince, Harry Lawson – trumpet
Allen Durham – trombone
John Harrington – clarinet, alto sax
John Williams – alto sax, baritone sax
Lawrence Freeman – tenor sax
Claude Williams – violin
Mary Lou Williams – piano, arranger
William Dirvin – banjo, guitar
Edward McNeil – drums