“Slide, Mr Jelly, Slide” – Fess Williams and his Royal Flush Orchestra (1929)

When I first say “Mr. Jelly”, I immediately thought of Doctor Jazz himself, Jelly Roll Morton – but here the reference is to trombonist David “Jelly” James, who opens this track with a sliding trombone line that repeats at intervals throughout the song – and takes a leading role throughout.

Williams takes many hot breaks and eventually takes a solo – as does the trumpet and piano.

Recorded in New York City on December 6, 1929.
Released as Victor V-38106.

Credits:
Fess Williams – clarinet, alto sax, director
George Temple, John Brown – trumpet
David “Jelly” James – trombone
Bobby Holmes, Ralph Brown or Felix Gregory – clarinet, alto sax
Perry Smith – clarinet, tenor sax
Henry Duncan – piano
Ollie Blackwell or Andy Pendleton – banjo
Emanuel Casamore – tuba
Ralph Bedell – drums