While most 78 collectors know about the Iowa-based Claxtonola label, there was a lesser-known second Iowa label that also pressed records using licensed masters from Paramount.
The National label pressed records from 1922-23, including records by many jazz artists such as Jelly Roll Morton, Perry Bradford, Fletcher Henderson, Lucille Hegamin, and others. For me, finding a Claxtonola or a National record is always exciting – and has just as much (if not more) of a thrill as finding an original Paramount.
Here we have the legendary W. C. Handy leading his Memphis Blues Band performing “St. Louis Blues”, Handy’s most popular and successful composition. It is labeled as a medley, as it begins with a quick take on the “Ole Miss Blues” before segueing into the main attraction.
I’ve listened to a lot of Handy’s earlier Columbia output – and this recording seems to my ears to be of a higher caliber, despite the record itself not being in top shape.
Recorded in New York City in January, 1922.
Released as National 12098.
Original release: Paramount 20098.
Credits:
W.C. Handy – director, cornet (?)
Unknown artists – cornet, trombone, clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, violin, piano, banjo, tuba, drums
The flip side, “Yellow Dog Blues” can be heard at:
https://youtu.be/qm1BGIpwDPQ
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