Tag: Fletcher Henderson and his Orchestra

In January of 1924, Fletcher Henderson’s band began its tenure at the newly opened Club Alabam on W. 44th St in New York City. Within several months they became known as one of the best jazz orchestras in the city.

In May of 1924, Henderson began making records for the Plaza Music Company, which owned the Banner, Regal, Domino, and Oriole labels. On the Plaza labels, Henderson’s orchestra went by a variety of pseudonyms so that the different labels could each advertise recordings seemingly by different bands. The recordings were also then leased to other labels, where new pseudonyms followed.

The recording of “I Can’t Get The One I Want” in June of 1924 set a record of sorts when it comes to this type of pseudonymic shenanigans: its three recorded takes were pressed and issued on at least twenty different labels, including Banner, Domino, Regal, Broadway, Lyratone, Triangle, Emerson, Federal, Globe, Nadsco, Radiex, Oriole, Paramount, Puritan, Silvertone, Apex, Usiba, and this one, the rather obscure National Music Lovers label, where they go by the rather unimaginative name of “Manhattan Musicians”.

While more of a sweeter style dance number, there are many interesting instrumental interactions in the arrangement and opportunities for hot breaks – we even hear the vivacious Coleman Hawkins leap in with a bouncy bass sax solo at 2:40 and again at 2:58.

Recorded in New York City on June 19, 1924.
Released as National Music Lovers 1099.

Credits:
Fletcher Henderson – piano, director, arranger
Elmer Chambers, Howard Scott – cornet
Teddy Nixon – trombone
Don Redman – clarinet, alto sax
Lonnie Brown (?) – alto sax
Coleman Hawkins – tenor sax, bass sax
Charlie Dixon – banjo
Ralph Escudero – tuba
Kaiser Marshall – drums

This gorgeous “Vocalion Red” record features a great early side by Fletcher Henderson and his Orchestra: “Chicago Blues”. The tune begins with an ensemble theme led by violinist Allie Ross.

After an insistent train whistle reminds us the ride is about to begin, we hear Elmer Chambers take the first solo at the 0:40 mark supported by Henderson’s strideful playing as accompaniment.

While Howard Scott was known as the band’s “primary hot soloist” in this incarnation of the band, Chambers does take a number of solos on record that Hendersonia author Walter C. Allen characterizes as recognizable due to his buzz tone. Scott’s tone was more often muted with growling vocal effects.

Chambers is followed by a fine Don Redman alto sax solo. Percussionist Kaiser Marshall even gets a moment to shine with a brief breakdown featuring a “sandpaper effect” that is perhaps the first “scratch DJ” sound in recorded history. Howard Scott takes us out with a solo, which is recognizable by his characteristic muted tone and use of growling and talking effects. Train whistles and chimes indicate the ride is over and our stop has arrived.

Recorded in New York City on March 25, 1924.
Released in the U.S. as Vocalion 14788 and in the U.K. as Homochord H-670.
Later reissued as Silvertone 3023.

Credits:
Fletcher Henderson – piano, director, arranger
Elmer Chambers – cornet
Howard Scott – cornet
Coleman Hawkins – clarinet, tenor sax
Teddy Nixon – trombone
Don Redman – clarinet, alto sax, chimes
Lonnie Brown – alto sax
Allie Ross – violin
Charlie Dixon – banjo
Ralph Escudero – baritone brass (tuba)
Kaiser Marshall – drums

Recorded in New York on October 16, 1931.
Released as Columbia 2559-D

Credits
Fletcher Henderson – piano, arrangement, director
Russell Smith, Rex Stewart, Bobby Stark – trumpet
J. C. Higginbotham – trombone
Russell Procope – clarinet, alto sax
Edgar Sampson – alto sax, violin
Coleman Hawkins – tenor sax
Clarence Holiday – guitar
John Kirby – tuba, string bass
Walter Johnson – drums
Les Reis – vocals
Archie Bleyer – arrangement

An original Henderson composition (though some say he may have bought the tune – then “The Thundermug Stomp” – from Fats Waller) here wonderfully arranged by Don Redman.

Joe Smith’s trumpet leads us into the tune, followed by a bit of Coleman Hawkins’ Tenor Sax. An exhilarating clarinet trio leads a call-and-response with June Cole’s strikingly recorded tuba. Fine trumpet work by Tommy Ladnier leads eventually to a beautiful piano solo by Smack himself – followed by the Hawk restating the lead before the coda.

Recorded in New York on Wednesday, December 8, 1926.
Released as Vocalion 15497 and Vocalion 1065.

Credits
Fletcher Henderson – piano
Russell Smith, Joe Smith, Tommy Ladnier – trumpet
Benny Morton – trombone
Buster Bailey – clarinet, soprano sax, alto sax
Don Redman – clarinet, alto sax
Coleman Hawkins – clarinet, tenor sax
Charlie Dixon – banjo
June Cole – tuba
Kaiser Marshall – drums

Released as Victor 22955.
Recorded in New York City on March 10, 1932.

Featuring solos and breaks by:
Fletcher Henderson – Piano
Harlan Lattimore – Vocals
Coleman Hawkins – Tenor Sax
Bobby Stark – Trumpet
J.C. Higginbotham – Trombone

Columbia 126-D
Recorded April 16, 1924 in New York City.