Jazz Crazy Records

An Archive of Early Jazz on 78 RPM

“I’m Busy and You Can’t Come In” – Clarence Williams’ Orchestra (1928)

I’m busy and you can’t come in. No – really. It’s the end of the semester and I am going to be busy for the next week grading projects! But I promise to get some videos up in time for Christmas next week!

To tide you over, here’s a new arrival from Clarence Williams and friends.

Two days before this recording, Williams recorded a vocal version of this tune with his wife, Eva Taylor on vocals (as Irene Gibbons), King Oliver himself on cornet, and Eddie Lang on guitar. With that lineup, it’s no wonder this earlier recording is the better-known version of this song.

However – Williams also recorded an instrumental version with a larger ensemble – and it is an absolute delight!

Highlights in clude Ed Cuffee’s extened trombone solo at 1:23 and Cyrus St. Clair’s unmistakably suave tuba playing.

In October 1928 upon its release, the Chicago Defender said of this record: “looks like another big hit.” I hope it was – but based on the relative scarcity of this title, I’d guess not.

Recorded in New York City on September 20, 1928.
Released as Okeh 8617.

Credits:
Ed Allen, Ed “Andy” Anderson (?) – cornet
Ed Cuffee – trombone
Albert Socarras, Russell Procope (?) – clarinet, alto sax
Arville Harris – clarinet, tenor sax
Clarence Williams – piano
Leroy Harris – banjo
Cyrus St. Clair – tuba
Floyd Casey – drums

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