That Da Da Strain
78 rpm Brunswick 2731
In June 1929, Red Nichols led another session under the name of Louisiana Rhythm Kings. The distinct New York style of his Five Pennies is here in this sextet, but it’s loosened up after about one minute with the participation of some of the Chicago musicians. Dave Tough is at the drums, Pee Wee Russell plays clarinet, and for the first time in a Nichols session, we hear the tenor sax of Bud Freeman.
It’s an interesting collision between the normally polished Nichols with his arranged part and the playing of the soloists. They may sound rough, but they have energy and swing, and there’s good support from Tough’s drums. Jack Teagarden is only heard in ensemble, and I think that Joe Sullivan’s piano could have been a bit closer to the microphone.