Interracial Jazz Recording (#40): Fletcher Henderson and Dick Robertson

We've seen white vocalist Dick Robertson a couple of times with black orchestras. Here he does his usual peppy performance with a Fletcher Henderson outfit. 

Dick Robertson

                                         

  

Fletcher Henderson

"Oh, It Looks Like Rain" is the choice tune from this recording session. It was written by Y.P Harburg, known for his collaborations with Harold Arlen and Milton Ager, composer of more confectionary tunes like this one, as well as "Ain't She Sweet" and "Happy Days Are Here Again." Coleman Hawkins often carries the heaviest solo load for Henderson, but there's nice solo work here by Russell Procope on alto, Edgar Sampson on violin, Rex Stewart on cornet and Claude Jones on trombone.

Fletcher Henderson and His Connie’s Inn Orchestra: Rex Stewart (cnt) Bobby Stark (tp) Claude Jones (tb) Russell Procope (cl,as) Edgar Sampson (as, vln) Coleman Hawkins (ts) Fletcher Henderson (p,arr) Clarence Holiday (g) John Kirby (tu) Walter Johnson (d,bells) Dick Robertson (vcl) July 31, 1931.

• Oh, It Looks Like Rain– vDR-Vic 22786, Zon EE-275;
• Sweet Music– vDR: Vic 22775, HMV K-6390;
• My Sweet Tooth Says I Wanna (But My Wisdom Tooth Says No) – vDR: Vic 22786, HMV B-4911;
• Malinda’s Weddin’ Day– vDR: Vic 22775, HMV B-4911, BB B-5518

All entries are from my book “As Long as They Can Blow. Interracial Jazz Recording and Other Jive Before 1935.”