In May 1932, Sidney Bechet and Tommy Ladnier formed an orchestra called “The Harlem Feetwarmers” that included former Fletcher Henderson trombonist Teddy Nixon. That fall, the band landed a contract at the Savoy Ballroom and a recording date with Victor.
That session, on September 15, yielded six vibrant and exciting tracks of which “Shag” is the last. Bechet notes in an interview that the band was “feeling pretty good” by the time they started recording “Shag” – and that confidence is audible.
Unfortunately, an sound engineering mistake (or snub, depending on whose account is accurate) found Tommy Ladnier (and to a lesser extent, Nixon) standing off-mike – and as a result, their instruments appear at a reduced volume lower in the mix.
The net effect is that Sidney Bechet has the full spotlight – and he makes the most of it, turning in an inspired performance throughout.
0:00 Intro (Bechet and ensemble)
0:34 Teddy Nixon trombone solo
0:48 Henry Duncan piano break + continuation of Nixon solo
1:03 Wilson Meyers scat vocals
1:33 Sidney Bechet solo
2:29 Whoo!
2:50 Outro
The energy of the band, even with the attenuated trumpet, was at a fever pitch on this tune – and it is a shame they made so few recordings. After this session, they continued their gig at the Savoy until early 1933, when their contract was terminated and the band folded.
Recorded in New York on September 15, 1932.
Originally released in the U.S. as Victor 24150.
This master pressing was released in the U.K. as HMV B.4944.
Credits:
Tommy Ladnier – trumpet
Teddy Nixon – trombone
Sidney Bechet – clarinet, soprano sax
Henry Duncan – piano
Wilson Myers – string bass, vocals
Morris Morland – drums
Source: “Traveling Blues: The Life and Music of Tommy Ladnier” by Bo Lindström and Dan Vernhettes.