Tag: Fess Williams and his Royal Flush Orchestra

From the very last Fess Williams session for Victor during the summer of 1930.

Recorded in Camden, New Jersey on July 31, 1930.
Released as Victor 23005.
8,926 copies sold.

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

Sources:
Jazz and Ragtime Records (1897-1942), 6th Ed. Brian Rust
DAHR: https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/index.php/objects/detail/21142/Victor_23005

Stanley “Fess” Williams was a clarinetist and bandleader whose style, showmanship, and raw energy won many fans while holding residence with his Royal Flush Orchestra at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem during the late 1920s.

This self-penned energetic dance number from late 1929 features two sides that showcase his wild style of playing. From the first few notes – his alto sax howls and squeals! Williams’ raw energy and acrobatic glissandos seem to push the music toward its dramatic conclusion.

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

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