“Jersey Lightning” – Luis Russell and his Orchestra (1929) 🎺⚡

Here’s a toe tapper to get you through the week – a Luis Russell scorcher featuring an interesting carefully timed arrangement driven by the non-stop string bass of Pops Foster. We hear Russell himself soloing on piano at 0:26. Henry “Red” Allen adds an uplifting trumpet solo at 1:21 and the reeds come together for an ensemble moment before J. C. Higginbotham slides in at 2:13 with an extended trombone solo.

Recorded in New York City on September 6, 1929.
Originally released as Okeh 8734.
Released in the U.K. as Parophone R 740.

Credits:
Luis Russell – piano, director
Henry Allen, Bill Coleman – trumpet
J. C. Higginbotham – trombone
Albert Nicholas – clarinet, alto sax
Charlie Holmes – soprano sax, alto sax
Teddy Hill – tenor sax
Will Johnson – banjo, guitar
Pops Foster – string bass
Paul Barbarin – drums, vibes

Sources:
Jazz and Ragtime Records (1897-1942), 6th Ed., Brian Rust