“Memphis Jazzers” here is a pseudonym for Clarence Williams and his orchestra, who had previously recorded this Williams composition, “Close Fit Blues”, in 1927 (Okeh 8510) and 1928 (Columbia 14287-D).
This hard-to-find 1929 release was the only side Clarence Williams recorded for the Grey Gull label (which included Madison, Radiex, and Van Dyke). These budget labels were known for their grainy playing surface, resulting in more surface noise.
The tune begins with a stately blues cornet theme by Ed Allen, which develops into a clarinet duet between Arville Harris and an unknown player. Ed Cuffee adds a somber trombone solo followed by a wonderful articulated passage by Cyrus St. Clair on tuba supported by Leroy Harris on banjo, punctuated by the rest of the band.
Credits:
Ed Allen – cornet
Ed Cuffee – trombone
Arville Harris – clarinet, alto sax
Unknown Artist – clarinet, tenor sax
Clarence Williams – piano
Leroy Harris – banjo
Cyrus St. Clair – tuba
Recorded in March of 1929 in New York
Released as Van Dyke 7801.
Also released as Grey Gull 1718, Madison 1718, and Radiex 1713.