Tag: Clarence Williams’ Washboard Band

A fun rollicking number recorded in late 1929 is full of infectious optimism and excellent performances.

Two pianists are credited on the piece – Williams and James P. Johnson. Williams plays right up until the vocals – where Johnson takes over. Once you listen for it, you’ll hear the marked difference in playing styles.

While the trumpet has been credited to Roy Eldridge. Ed Allen, and even Henry “Red” Allen by different sources, Tom Lord names Charlie Gaines as the identity of the tune’s chief tooter – based on an interview with Gaines in 1973.

The clarinet/alto player’s identity is disputed – with contenders including Ben Whittet, Arville Harris, and Cecil Scott. I think we can cross Cecil Scott off the list, as he was recording a full session of four tunes for Victor that same day with his band.

In any case – the performances are fresh and lively, with the trumpet and clarinet interactions and solos as the real standouts. Of course, Floyd Casey’s washboard is the foundation of everything.

Enjoy this one!

Lyrics:
“I follow you all over town, most ev’ry place you go.
Oh baby! What makes me love you so?

I’m fond of you, you’re fond of me – soon we’ll be fond of three.
Oh mama! What makes me love you so?

You kiss me – and I kiss you
You play the uke – and I’ll roop-boop ba-doop-a-doop doop-a-doo-doo!

You giggle at me – I giggle at you – soon we’ll have a little giggle or two.
Oh mama! What makes me love you so?”

Recorded in New York City on November 19, 1929.
Released as OKeh 8752 (U.S.) and Parlophone R 2243 (U.K.).

Credits:
Clarence Williams – piano (until just before the vocals), vocals
Charlie Gaines – trumpet
Unknown Artist – clarinet, alto sax
James P. Johnson – piano (during and after vocals)
Floyd Casey – washboard

Two days after recording a solo piano version of “A Pane in the Glass”
( https://youtu.be/_m1A9J8Rbhg ), Clarence Williams brought his washboard quartet together in the studio to record two tracks for Okeh label.

This original Williams tune showcases Arville Harris and Ed Allen as they effortlessly dance around one another. Williams and Casey keep the rhythm going with bouncy chords and washboard skritches respectively.

This one was on my want list for a long while – and I nearly passed on this beat copy when it finally appeared due to the scratched surface. But those Okeh A stampers seem to be pretty resilient, and I got a decent transfer despite the condition. Unfortunately the other side has a stressed groove that causes a skip.

Nearly saved this a half step flat, as at 78 rpm the tune was in the key of D and ran to 3:15. In Tom Lord’s Clarence Williams book, it is listed as E flat coming in at 3:08. So this is spinning near 82 rpm for those playing along at home.

Recorded in New York City on February 14, 1929.
Released as Okeh 8672

Credits:
Ed Allen – cornet
Arville Harris – clarinet, alto sax
Clarence Williams – piano
Floyd Casey – washboard

Clarence Williams recorded the Porter Steele composition “High Society” a few times during his long career – and today and tomorrow I’ll be sharing a few of my favorite versions of this tune.

First up we have a version recorded during the summer of 1929 for the OKeh label. Curiously, it is played in a higher key (C/F) than the one it is normally played in (Bb/Eb) – and also does not include the turnaround section after the first 32 bars.

The identity of the reed player has been hotly debated – with many educated guesses from Ben Whittet or Arville Harris to Cecil Scott.

While “High Society” was originally composed by Porter Steele in 1901, he let the copyright lapse in 1929, leading A.J. Piron + Clarence Williams’ music publishing company to file a copyright under A.J. Piron’s name on his arrangement of the composition in May of 1929 – a few months before this recording was made. Hence the credit to Piron on this record.

Also – is it me or does sound like Ed Allen flubbed a note at 1:04?

Two issued takes were recorded and released – this is take A.

Recorded in New York City on July 2, 1929.
Released as OKeh 8706 (take A).

Credits:
Ed Allen – cornet
Unknown Artist – clarinet, alto sax
Clarence Williams – piano
Floyd Casey – washboard

Take C from this same session can be heard at:
https://youtu.be/fP39_YQVlao

For a “worn out” blues, this certainly has quite a bit of pep!

There is some contention as to the identity of the trumpet player on this 1930 recording by Clarence Williams’ Washboard Band. Contenders nominated by past discographers include Ed Allen, Louis Metcalf, Charlie Gaines, Henry “Red” Allen, Ed Anderson, and Roy Eldridge.

Recorded in New York on April 23, 1930.
Originally released in the U.S. as Okeh 8790.
Parlophone R 2203 is a U.K. master pressing. This copy is in very fine shape and sounds quite excellent.

Credits:
Charlie Gaines or Henry Allen – trumpet
Prince Robinson – clarinet, tenor sax
Clarence Williams – piano
Floyd Casey – washboard