In May of 1936 the hugely popular Henderson band – fresh off their national hit “Christopher Columbus” a few weeks earlier – began another contract at the Grand Terrace in Chicago with a new bass player – a 17-year-old named Israel Crosby. They had also added Jerome Pasquall on sax.
Metronome wrote: “His first Sunday night at the Terrace was the biggest they have had in a long time.” His performances were broadcast nationally on radio stations across the country.
Here we hear a lighter – but no less swingin’ – number with vocals by Teddy Lewis – a Chicago singer who joined the band that April. Teddy can be seen with the band in a famous photo taken at this time featuring Fletcher in a white suit sitting at a piano while the band is gathered round.
At this time, according to John Hammond, Grand Terrace Director Ed Fox apparently chose Fletcher’s tunes and vocalists. Later that year, poor Teddy Lewis would be fired by Ed Fox “in an abusive tirade before a large group of onlookers.” Consequently, this is the only Henderson record he appears on. You deserved better, Teddy.
Following Teddy’s vocals, Chu Berry and Roy Eldridge each take solos – with Eldridge’s the more daring of the two, giving this sweet tune a bit of a bite.
0:00 Intro
0:58 Vocals (Teddy Lewis)
1:48 Tenor sax solo (Chu Berry)
2:12 Trumpet solo (Roy Eldridge)
2:36 Outro
Recorded in Chicago, Illinois on May 23, 1936.
Released as Victor 25334
Credits
Teddy Lewis – vocals
Fletcher Henderson – piano, director
Roy Eldridge, Dick Vance, Joe Thomas – trumpet
Fernando Arbello, Ed Cuffee – trombone
Buster Bailey, Jerome Pasquall – clarinet, alto sax
Chu Berry, Elmer Williams – tenor sax
Horace Henderson – arrangement
Bob Lessey – guitar
Israel Crosby – string bass
Sidney Catlett – drums
Sources:
Hendersonia by Walter C. Allen, pp. 337-339, 363
Leave a Reply