A slow burner from Irving Mills and his musical clowns using the hilarious pseudonym Kentucky Grasshoppers.
Irving Mills was famously Duke Ellington’s manager from 1925 to 1939 but also led studio groups in recording sessions starting with the “Hotsy Totsy Gang” in 1928. He sometimes sang but to my knowledge did not play an instrument.
After a brief and somber intro, Jack Teagarden’s trombone kicks us off – as my friend Terry will appreciate. His mournful solo is quite beautiful – and leads us to a more hopeful bluesy cornet solo by Jimmy McPartland.
In addition to his trombone performances, Teagarden often took on vocal duties, and here after an initial verse, we also hear him scat a few choruses.
In any case – a real gem.
Recorded in New York City on April 4, 1929.
Released as Banner 6360, Challenge 999, Domino 4322, Columbia 36010, Jewel 5569, Oriole 1537, and Regal 8768
Credits
Jimmy McPartland – cornet
Tommy Thunen (?) – trumpet
Jack Teagarden – trombone, vocals
Jimmy Dorsey – clarinet, alto sax
Gil Rodin – alto sax
Larry Binyon – tenor sax
Vic Breidis – piano
Dick Morgan – banjo, guitar
Harry Goodman – tuba, string bass
Ray Bauduc – drums