Jazz Crazy Records

An Archive of Early Jazz on 78 RPM

Tag: Barney Bigard and his Jazzopaters

  • “Jazz A La Carte” – Barney Bigard and his Jazzopaters (1937)

    “Jazz A La Carte” – Barney Bigard and his Jazzopaters (1937)

    A fun blues in Eb by the Duke’s men in small combo form on the excellent Variety label. Clarinetist Barney Bigard leads this session.

    Recorded in New York City on April 29, 1937.
    Released as Variety VA 655.

    Credits:
    Rex Stewart – cornet
    Juan Tizol – valve trombone
    Barney Bigard – clarinet
    Harry Carney – baritone sax
    Duke Ellington – piano
    Billy Taylor – string bass
    Sonny Greer – drums

  • “Caravan” – Barney Bigard and his Jazzopaters (1936)

    “Caravan” – Barney Bigard and his Jazzopaters (1936)

    The Variety label, owned by Irving Mills, had some great small combo jazz from members of the Ellington orchestra in various configurations.

    Here we have the excellent original recording of trombonist Juan Tizol’s composition, “Caravan” recorded in California in late 1936.

    For fun, learn how I made this video at:
    https://youtu.be/Ffh4X2-96Wk

    Recorded in Hollywood, Calilfornia on December 19, 1936.
    Released as Variety VA 515.

    Credits:
    Cootie Williams – trumpet
    Juan Tizol – valve trombone
    Barney Bigard – clarinet
    Harry Carney – baritone sax
    Duke Ellington – piano
    Billy Taylor – bass
    Sonny Greer – drums

    To hear the full Ellington orchestra record this tune a few months later, take a listen to:
    https://youtu.be/mG2WkIfQipE