“Red River Blues” is a downtempo blues by Williams’ Washboard Five – a lineup that includes the legendary King Oliver on cornet.
The tune was penned by Williams himself – and features a lengthy clarinet solo by Arville Harris starting at 1:06 followed by a cornet solo by the King starting at 1:41.
Recorded in New York City on May 23, 1928. Issued as Okeh 8584 on July 5, 1928.
Credits Ed Allen, King Oliver – cornet Arville Harris – clarinet Clarence Williams – piano Floyd Casey – washboard
The first of many collaborations in 1928 between Clarence Williams and Joe Oliver, who had been playing out east in the summer of 1927. In July Oliver headed for NYC, after his group broke up. He had turned down a long-term contract at the Cotton Club (which instead went to Duke Ellington) earlier in the year and now found himself without a band. Instead, he collaborated with others as a featured sideman.
On “Shake it Down”, Oliver doesn’t get a full solo – but contributes several two-bar hot breaks. He went on to play on many other Clarence Williams sessions that year. Williams even directed a session released under Oliver’s name to fulfill part of his contract with Brunswick (released as Vocalion 1189 and 1190). In late 1928, Oliver signed a contract with Victor and began the last phase of his recording career.
This happens to be the first Clarence Williams record I ever heard – and from the first skritch of Floyd Casey’s washboard I was hooked. Since then I’ve really become a huge fan of his music – and learned a lot about his role in promoting and publishing jazz in the 20s. I posted an Instagram video of this record playing years ago – but never made a proper transfer.
Williams’ washboard band repertoire is always full of joy and is loads of fun – this track is no different. While other bands at this time aimed for a more ‘sophisticated’ modernistic sound, Williams’ use of the washboard showed a more informal and warmly rustic approach. It always sounds immediately accessible to my ears – and never disappoints.
Recorded in New York City on May 23, 1928. Issued as Okeh 8584 on July 5, 1928.
Credits Ed Allen, King Oliver – cornet Arville Harris – clarinet Clarence Williams – piano Floyd Casey – washboard
