Clarence Williams recorded the Porter Steele composition “High Society” a few times during his long career – and today and tomorrow I’ll be sharing a few of my favorite versions of this tune.
First up we have a version recorded during the summer of 1929 for the OKeh label. Curiously, it is played in a higher key (C/F) than the one it is normally played in (Bb/Eb) – and also does not include the turnaround section after the first 32 bars.
The identity of the reed player has been hotly debated – with many educated guesses from Ben Whittet or Arville Harris to Cecil Scott.
While “High Society” was originally composed by Porter Steele in 1901, he let the copyright lapse in 1929, leading A.J. Piron + Clarence Williams’ music publishing company to file a copyright under A.J. Piron’s name on his arrangement of the composition in May of 1929 – a few months before this recording was made. Hence the credit to Piron on this record.
Also – is it me or does sound like Ed Allen flubbed a note at 1:04?
Two issued takes were recorded and released – this is take A.
Recorded in New York City on July 2, 1929.
Released as OKeh 8706 (take A).
Credits:
Ed Allen – cornet
Unknown Artist – clarinet, alto sax
Clarence Williams – piano
Floyd Casey – washboard
Take C from this same session can be heard at:
https://youtu.be/fP39_YQVlao
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