July 2025 - Paul – and some of that Jazz

From the Studio #99 – I’m More Than Satisfied – This is a tune written by Fats Waller that was recorded by many great ones in the 1920s, but after that almost never as far as I know. It ought to have a longer life. I’ve made it into a cornet/trumpet duet which can be interesting for the brass specialists (…) read more and listenread more and listen

From the Record Shelves #357- Dixie Drag – This tune came out of a nice and interesting 1928 session by ”Mendello’s Dance Orchestra”. I first get to think about Red Nichols and his Five Pennies, and the rhythm section that gives much of the character to the group are the usual suspects (…) read more and listenread more and listen

From the Studio #98 – When You’re Smiling – Again, to keep in shape, I make a short jam with myself on a very well-known and much-played tune. And as Jelly Roll Morton said, ”Keep the melody going.” My clarinet is an Albert System Selmer from the 1920s (…) read more and listenread more and listen

From the Record Shelves #356- Sweet Sue – It’s like I’ve always loved this tune by Victor Young. At least since I heard it for the first time in my teens in this version by Paul Whiteman’s big orchestra. Others that have heard other, more jazz-oriented versions first may just be waiting for the fabulous (…) read more and listenread more and listen

From the Studio #97 – I’ve Got the World on a String – This is one of Harold Arlen’s most memorable tunes. It could be played and sung more often. Ivie Anderson, Red McKenzie, and Lee Wiley made fine versions. I presented the melody without the verse and did a vocal and a short cornet solo (…) read more and listenread more and listen

From the Record Shelves #355 – Fidgety Feet – It’s said in the liner notes: When the De Paris orchestra entered the stage for their first concert in the Antibes Jazz Festival in 1960, the vast audience was not prepared. Apart from the few specialists, they knew nothing about the band, and they, the musicians (…) read more and listenread more and listen

From the Studio #96 – Bourbon Street Parade – You probably know the song that is one of the most common in New Orleans Revival Jazz. I did a jam session with myself to keep my instruments warm. My cornet is a Columbia/Harry B. Jay from the 1920s. (…) read more and listenread more and listen