“Play It Red” – Original Indiana Five (1927)

Here’s an Original Indiana Five track you may not have heard – it was not included on the extensive four volume OI5 Jazz Oracle series released on CD in 2000 – though it does appear on the 1999 Frog CD release “Everybody Stomp: The Harmony Recordings 1925-1929”.

Here, we hear the Harry Barris tune (and you’ll recognize the name of one of Paul Whiteman’s Rhythm Boys) “Play It Red” delivered with a kind of exacting elegance. The clear precise tone of Tony Tortomas’ trumpet sounds almost baroque at times.

Other performers of note include Pete Pellizzi (who solos on trombone at 0:40), pianist Harry Ford (who solos on piano at 2:22), and the unknown bass saxophonist who keeps things moving along.

Recorded in New York City on May 26, 1927.
Released as Velvet Tone 1432-V.
Also released as Harmony 432-H and Diva 2432-G.

Credits
Tom Morton – drums, director
Tony Tortomas – trumpet
Pete Pellizzi – trombone
Nick Vitalo – clarinet, alto sax
Unknown Artist – bass sax
Harry Ford – piano
Tony Colucci – banjo