In addition to his well-known work with King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band and Louis Armstrong and his Hot Five, clarinetist Johnny Dodds recorded with a number of small combos in Chicago during the late 1920s.
Two sides were recorded by a casual studio group calling themselves the Beale Street Washboard Band in the summer of 1929. The band was comprised of three black New Orleanian musicians joined by white pianist “Kansas City” Frank – who is also credited as the composer of this number.
Dodds on clarinet is masterful – his melodic lines flow effortlessly and effusively.
Apparently this was cornetist Herb Morand’s first recording session – and first time playing with a group outside of New Orleans. He later went on to play with the Harlem Hamfats.
Friends of the channel know I love the loose and laid-back feel of washboard bands from the late 1920s and early 30s. The performances still feel fresh today, nearly 100 years later.
Recorded in Chicago, Illinois on July 24, 1929.
Originally released as Vocalion 1403.
Reissued in the U.K. on Vocalion’s “Origins of Jazz” series V.1016.
Credits:
Herb Morand – cornet
Johnny Dodds – clarinet
Frank Melrose – piano
Baby Dodds – washboard, drums
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