Jelly Roll Morton claimed to be the creator of jazz-a slight exaggeration-but he was definitely a foundational figure. He was a superb pianist, composer, arranger and raconteur; not to mention O.G. If you don't know about Morton, I encourage you to explore his music.
Morton doesn't solo in "Mr. Jelly Lord," apart from the intro, although he is prominent in the background. The session includes Jack Russell, usually a pianist, on kazoo, someone called Memphis on comb (and tissue paper) and Boyd Senter on clarinet. Senter knew how to play jazz, albeit with a "stovepipe" quality (a la Ted Lewis). His "Senterpedes" were popular during the 20's and he employed many good jazz musicians, including the Dorseys, Lang, Venuti.
The use of kazoo and comb were pretty widepread in the era and although they seem quaint, I prefer to think of them as providing an expanded sonic palette.
Jelly Roll Morton’s Steamboat Four: "Memphis" (comb), Jack Russell (kazoo), Boyd Senter (cl) Jelly Roll Morton (p) Chicago, IL, prob. April 1924.
- Mr. Jelly Roll [Mr. Jelly Lord]- Carn 11397, Riv RLP12-128, Byg (It)33, Milestone M47018, Rhapsody (E)RHA6021.
All entries are from my book “As Long as They Can Blow. Interracial Jazz Recording and Other Jive Before 1935.”
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