They Know Their Jazz -- November 12, 2014

Talking Machine World, February, 1928

Okeh made many records aimed at minority groups.  Jazz and blues artists Louis Armstrong and Victoria Spivey made many records for the company.  Okeh 40966 featured Frankie Trumbauer and his Orchestra.  Trumbauer was a saxophone player who wrote, arranged and lead.  The band on this session included his friend cornetist Bix Beiderbecke.  Bix was a major figure in 1920s jazz.  He influenced many later trumpet players 

Be sure to click on this ad from Talking Machine World to see a larger version.  I like the John Held, Jr-derived images. 

Both sides of 40966 are available on YouTube:





Justin Ring was a pseudonym used by Sam Lanin.  Lanin was a popular orchestra leader who made many records during the 1920s.  His brother Lester became a famous leader in the 1930s and beyond.  The two sides of Okeh 40977 are also YouTube:




Seger Ellis played the piano and sang.  I did not look too hard to find any of the items on the two records listed.  His style is an acquired taste.  I haven't acquired it.