1936 saw the Henderson band at the height of its popularity – with the massive hit “Christopher Columbus” and an active association with the Benny Goodman band. They spent much of the fall touring the midwest, playing to large crowds at college campuses and hotels in St. Paul, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Evanston, Lawrence, and Chicago.
Despite the popularity the band enjoyed, some were quite critical of the band. John Hammond wrote in Downbeat (March 1937) that “The rhythm section has gone to pot” and “the trumpets have thin forced tones”. He harshly concluded: “How is it that Fletcher can never imbue a band with proper discipline, for this band, which has some of the finest musicians in the city, is just as ragged as the lowliest dance relief band.”
Hammond called Henderson “the greatest arranger in the country” but questioned his ability as bandleader. He said of his group that they “possessed not an atom of swing, personality, or vitality.”
Hmmm. What do you think? My take on this recording of “Rhythm of the Tambourine” is that it’s snappy, swingin’ and has a good mix of interesting ensemble passages and soloists, such as Emmett Berry’s trumpet solo at 1:05, Chu Berry’s tenor solo at 1:34, and Jerry Blake’s short but fiery clarinet solo at 2:22.
Recorded in New York City on March 2, 1937.
Released as Vocalion 3487
Credits:
Fletcher Henderson – piano, director
Dick Vance, Russell Smith, Emmett Berry – trumpet
George Washington, Ed Cuffee, J. C. Higginbotham – trombone
Jerry Blake – clarinet, alto sax
Elmer Williams, Chu Berry – tenor sax
Lawrence Lucie – guitar
Israel Crosby – bass
Walter Johnson – drums
Benny Carter – arranger
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