To celebrate jazz saxophonist Loren McMurray, about whom there is a resurgence of interest following Archeophone Records recent CD release “The Moaningest Moan of them All: The Jazz Saxophone of Loren McMurray (1920-1922) – this is the first of three transfers from my own collection that I’m posting this week.
New Orleans-born clarinetist Doc Berendsohn comes storming out of the gates on this one, sounding like an outcast coyote furiously demanding entry to the jazz club. Throughout, Doc and McMurray weave and circle around one another, sometimes with an interjection from Raderman’s trombone.
Where Doc howls, sometimes careening the melody nearly off kilter, Mac’s lines are clean and flowing – always bringing the band back together. It’s an interesting look at how McMurray held his own alongside such a flamboyant and expressive player.
Recorded on November 2, 1921 in New York City.
Released as Okeh 4807 and 4477.
Be sure to check out my interview with producer Colin Hancock about his Loren McMurray CD release on Archeophone Records – which was recently nominated for a GRAMMY award for Best Historical Album.
https://youtu.be/j6WxtLP8PWM