The Dodds brothers-Johnny on clarinet and drummer Warren (Baby) were two of the most influential players in early jazz. Their careers include important collaborations with King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton and Sidney Bechet.
Johnny Dodds
Baby Dodds
They did a few recordings with the white piano player Frank Melrose, brother of Walter and Lester, big time Chicago agents and publishers. Melrose was a kind of protege of Jelly Roll Morton, whose playing style he emulated. He had a sporadic music career, supplementing his income working a factory job.
Frank Melrose
This is one of the first recordings of Junie Cobb's sprightly tune "Piggly Wiggly." The Dodds show their mastery. Herb Morand is a good player and Melrose holds his own. It's amazing how much Baby Dodds manages to swing the band with just a snare drum.
Beale Street Washboard Band: Herb Morand (cnt) Johnny Dodds (cl) Kansas City Frank Melrose (p) Baby Dodds (d,wbd) Chicago, July 24, 1929.
Forty And Tight- Voc 1403, V-1016, Ban 32388, Br 80076, Cq 7980, Or 8120;
Forty And Tight- Ristic Special;
Piggly Wiggly- Voc 1403, Ban 32388, Cq 7980, Or 8120, Per 196, Ro 5120;
Jazz fanatics are particularly egregious eaters-too busy listening to pay much attention to food. I believe this array of sweet treats will satisfy even the most ludicrously undeveloped jazz palates. Jack the Gummy Bear Junior Cook Mints Chick Webb-lets Almond Joy Spring Twix Beiderbecke Pete Jolly Ranchers Tootie Heath Bars James Reese Europe Cups Bit-O-Honey-In-The-Horn Bentyne Chewing Gum Charleston Chew Chasers Baby Dodds Ruth Wee Dots Good and Plenty o' Nuthin' Eddie Lock-Jaw Breakers Milk Dud Bascombs Jeepers Creepers Where'd You Get Those Peeps Pez Prados
So, spin your wax of Bill Evans' Waltz for Little Debby and Stan Getz's Hershey Bar and wash it all down with a bottle of Chateau Neuf de Pops-bell shaped tones with a poetic nose and a hint of okra. Next day, don't forget your dose of Swiss Kriss.
