During the winter of 1933, Fletcher Henderson was negotiating via John Hammond with British bandleader Jack Hylton to bring his orchestra to London for a series of engagements there and in Europe. Plans were made for Hylton to hear the band at the Roseland – but he didn’t show up. A new date was set and he arrived two hours late – but left promising to make arrangements to bring the whole outfit to Europe. Henderson’s band had been through some lean depression years, so this was a big morale booster.
Unfortunately, Hylton never made good on his promise. He did, however, negotiate a personal contract with Coleman Hawkins – and this Victor session was his last with the band – after eleven years with Henderson. Hawkins sailed for Europe right after this recording session, where he stayed for five years.
This European let-down – coupled with accusations of non-payment by band members – gradually led to the breakup of the band. By November of 1934, all but three had quit the Henderson band to play with Benny Carter’s orchestra. He didn’t record another session until March of 1936.
This Victor session included some of my favorite late-period Henderson works: This tune, Hocus Pocus, Harlem Madness, and Tidal Wave. “Phantom Fantasie” is a quasi-symphonic composition by Russ Morgan played with a chill groove by the Henderson band.
In it, we are serenaded by a piano solo from Mr. Henderson himself, as well as a tenor solo from the Hawk. Two takes were recorded – the first was unissued, though it is said to exist as a test pressing.
Recorded in New York City on March 6, 1934.
Released as Victor 24699.
Fletcher Henderson – piano, director
Russell Smith, Joe Thomas, Henry Allen – trumpet
Claude Jones, Keg Johnson – trombone
Buster Bailey – clarinet
Russell Procope, Hilton Jefferson – clarinet, alto sax
Coleman Hawkins – tenor sax
Bernard Addison – guitar
John Kirby – string bass
Vic Engle – drums
Russ Morgan – arranger
Sources:
Hendersonia, Walter C. Allen
Jazz and Ragtime Records, Brian Rust, 6th Ed.
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