George McClennon was a clarinetist who played in the “gaspipe” style. Clarence Williams, who first met him in 1917, recalled that he could spin on his stomach or backside like a top while playing the clarinet – showmanship that was influenced by his time playing vaudeville theaters in the 1910s.
McClennon first recorded in 1923 with a small combo called the Harlem Trio. Their “Clarinet Laughing Blues” contained many novelty clarinet “laughing” effects – a style popular at the time with many players (Louis Panico’s “laughing” cornet comes to mind).
“Box of Blues”, the first track of the first recording session of George McClennon’s Jazz Devils, is performed by a bit of a super group that included Bob Fuller (later to record many small combo tunes as a clarinetist in his own right), Clarence Williams (who should need no introduction), and Tom Morris & Charlie Irvis (who had recorded several records together in 1923 as Thomas Morris Past Jazz Masters) and Buddy Christian (who seems to have played with everyone – Sidney Bechet, Buster Bailey, Bubber Miley, Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith… the list goes on!).
The tune’s a fun romp – with excellent ensemble accompaniment even when one instrument is taking the lead. It’s a treat to hear Bob Fuller on alto sax – who fans of his later clarinet work will find interesting – and I’m not well-informed when it comes to wah-wah style trumpet, but Tom Morris’ playing here seems quite ahead of its time.
0:00 Intro
0:35 Trombone solo (Charlie Irvis)
1:27 Alto sax solo (Bob Fuller)
1:53 Cornet solo with wah wah effects (Tom Morris)
2:20 Clarinet solo with laughing effects (George McClennon)
Recorded in New York City, May 9, 1924.
Released as Okeh 8143.
From the collection of Joe Bussard.
Credits:
Tom Morris – cornet
Charlie Irvis – trombone
George McClennon – clarinet
Bob Fuller – alto sax
Clarence Williams – piano
Buddy Christian – banjo
Unknown Artist – drums
