With the exception of singer/comedian Bert Williams and a few obscure gospel groups, James Reese Europe and his orchestra were the first black musicians to ever record. Europe's Society Orchestra cut eight numbers during 1913-14, several years before the Original Dixieland Jazz Band. It would be inaccurate to call that music jazz since it was essentially written-out arrangements without any real improvising, but Europe's performances were influenced by ragtime and hinted slightly at the syncopations of jazz. Unfortunately, ...
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With the exception of singer/comedian Bert Williams and a few obscure gospel groups, James Reese Europe and his orchestra were the first black musicians to ever record. Europe's Society Orchestra cut eight numbers during 1913-14, several years before the Original Dixieland Jazz Band. It would be inaccurate to call that music jazz since it was essentially written-out arrangements without any real improvising, but Europe's performances were influenced by ragtime and hinted slightly at the syncopations of jazz. Unfortunately, none of those historic performances have yet been reissued on CD but his 1919 "Hell Fighters" Band's 24 recordings have been released on Featuring Noble Sissle from the collector's IAJRC label. Tragically, Europe was stabbed to death by an irate drummer just two days after the final recording which is why he is obscure in jazz history and was unable to make his mark in music in the 1920s. Europe had a large and unusual group that was comprised of four trumpets, four trombones, seven clarinets, two saxophones, two baritone horns, a tuba and two drums; in addition, Noble Sissle took occasional vocals and C. Creighton Thompson sings "Jazz Baby." Such future jazz standards as "St. Louis Blues," "Darktown Strutters' Ball," "Ja Da" and "Clarinet Marmalade" are among the songs performed but this is prejazz dance music (although much hipper than nearly all of the orchestras and military band on record at the time). Europe's arrangements come close to swinging, four years before King Oliver and Jelly Roll Morton made their first records. An essential acquisition for collectors. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi
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Add this copy of James Reese Europe to cart. $26.13, good condition, Sold by Books From California rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Simi Valley, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1999 by IAJRC Records.
Add this copy of James Reese Europe to cart. $149.49, very good condition, Sold by Wonder Book - Member ABAA/ILAB rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Frederick, MD, UNITED STATES, published 1996 by IAJRC Records.
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