Doc Evans Discography

CDs

Spirituals & Blues―Jazzology Records―JCD-86

New CD from Jazzology Records! Newly remastered from the original master tapes.

Tracks 1-7: Doc Evans, cornet; Dick Pendleton, clarinet; Hal Runyon, trombone; Knocky Parker, piano; George Tupper, tuba; Bill Peer, banjo; Red Maddock, drums and vocal. Originally released as Audiophile AP-63 (APS-5963) in 1959.

Tracks 8-16: Doc Evans, cornet; Dick Pendleton, clarinet; Hal Runyon, trombone; Knocky Parker, piano; George Tupper, tuba; Bill Peer, banjo; Warren Thewis, drums.
Originally released as Audiophile AP-45 in 1957.

1. Just A Closer Walk With Thee (Traditional) 4:52
2. Just A Little While To Stay Here (Traditional) 7:19
3. Joe Turner Blues (W. C. Handy, 1915) 4:29
4. Ain’t Nobody’s Business (Grainger & Robbins) 5:50
5. Terrible Blues (Clarence Williams, 1924) 4:00
6. Winin’ Boy Blues (Jelly Roll Morton, 1939) 5:38
7. How Long Blues (Leroy Carr) 5:10
8. Dippermouth Blues (Joe King Oliver) 5:36
9. High Society (Clarence Williams) 3:29
10. Smokey Mokes (Abe Holzmann, 1899) 3:16
11. Jackass Blues (Art Kassel & Mel Stitzel) 6:20
12. Canal Street Blues (Joe King Oliver) 3:09
13. Shim-Me-Sha-Wobble (Spencer Williams) 4:24
14. The Chant (Mel Stitzel, 1926) 3:25
15. Richard M. Jones’ Blues (Richard M. Jones) 4:30
16. Some Of These Days (Shelton Brooks, 1910) 3:46

Doc Evans Jazz Heritage―Jazzology Records―JCD-85

A: Doc Evans, cornet; Don Thompson, trombone; Johnny McDonald, clarinet & tenor sax; Joyce McDonald, piano; Doc Cenardo, drums. Feb. 15, 1949
B: Mel Grant, piano. 1950
C: Doc Evans, cornet; Al Jenkins, trombone; Johnny McDonald, clarinet; Carroll Lee, piano; Willie Sutton, string bass; Doc Cenardo, drums. 1949
D: Doc Evans, cornet; Al Jenkins, trombone; Art Lyons, clarinet; Mel Grant, piano; Biddy Bastien, String bass, Micky Steinke, drums. 1950.

1. Georgia Cake Walk (Traditional) 3:04 (A)
2. Raggin’ The Chimes (Traditional) 2:59 (B)
3. When The Saints Go Marching In (Traditional) 3:07 (A)
4. High Society (Alphonse Picou) 2:53 (A)
5. Mixin’ It Up (Traditional) 2:54 (B)
6. Eccentric Rag (J. Russell Robinson) 3:11 (A)
7. Basin Street Blues (Spencer Williams) 2:45 (A)
8. Mel-low Blues (Traditional) 2:28 (B)
9. Ballin’ The Jack (Chris Smith) 2:54 (A)
10. Shim-Me-Sha-Wabble (Spencer Williams) 3:07 (A)
11. Rock Island Rock (Traditional) 2:40 (B)
12. Strut Miss Lizzie (Creamer & Layton) 2:55 (A)
13. Buddy Bolden’s Blues (Jelly Roll Morton) 3:03 (D)
14. Sidewalk Blues (Jelly Roll Morton) 2:55 (D)
15. Beale Street Blues (WC Handy) 3:05 (D)
16. Royal Garden Blues (Clarence & Spencer Williams) 2:49 (D)
17. Tishomingo Blues (Spencer Williams) 2:53 (D)
18. Jimtown Blues (Charlie Davis) 3:09 (D)
19. Blues Doctor (Doc Evans & band) 3:06 (C)
20. Bye Bye Blues (Hamm, Bennett, Lown & Gray) 3:01 (D)
21. Memphis Blues (WC Handy) 2:49 (C)
22. Dallas Blues (Wand and Garrett) 2:55 (D)
23. Singin’ The Blues (Robinson & Conrad) 3:10 (D)
24. Weary Blues (Langston Hughes) 2:58 (D)

Doc Evans at the Gaslight―Jazzology Records―JCD-363

Two great recordings are now together as one great CD! Originally released as Doc Evans at the Gaslight, Audiophile (AP-95) in 1967 and Classics of the ’20s, Audiophile (AP-50) in 1957.

1. Panama (William H. Tyers, 1911) 4:38
2. Skat de Dat (Lil Hardin) 2:35
3. Creole Belles (J. Bodewalt Lampe, 1900) 3:16
4. Bienville Blues (Traditional) 7:05
5. Big Noise From Winnetka (Haggart, Bauduc) 3:46
6. Two Deuces (Lil Hardin) 7:28
7. Sister Kate (Armand Piron) 2:57
8. Some Day, Sweetheart (Spikes, Spikes) 8:24
9. Perdido Street Blues (Louis Armstrong) 4:47
10. Frog-I-More (Jelly Roll Morton, 1908) 4:57
11. Sidewalk Blues (Jelly Roll Morton, 1926) 3:07
12. Snake Rag (King Oliver) 3:16
13. Wild Man Blues (Jelly Roll Morton) 4:34
14. Sweet Lovin’ Man (Oliver/Armstrong, 1923) 3:29
15. Buffalo Blues (Jelly Roll Morton, 1928) 3:57
16. New Orleans Stomp (Oliver & Alphonse Picou) 3:34
17. Chicago Breakdown (Jelly Roll Morton) 3:25

Doc Evans at the Gaslight
Doc Evans, cornet; Alan Frederickson, trombone; Mark Strachota, clarinet; Augie Kepp, piano; Bill Peer, banjo; Jim Morton, string bass, tuba; Tommie Andrews, drums. AP-95, 1967

Classics of the ’20s.
Doc Evans, cornet; Bob Gruenenfelder, cornet; Hal Runyon, trombone; Dick Pendleton, clarinet; Tubby Main, string bass, tuba; Eddie Lynch, banjo; Mel Grant, piano; Warren Thewis, drums. AP-50, 1957

Doc Evans LIVE―Doc Evans Music―DEM-04

This summer 2006 CD release from Doc Evans Music, is from the 1957 SOMA Records recording of a concert series at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. The concert series traced the history and spread of Dixieland jazz from New Orleans out into the world.

Doc Evans, cornet; Dick Pendleton, clarinet; Hal Runyon, trombone; Frank Gillis, piano; George Tupper, bass and tuba; Bill Peer, banjo; and Warren Thewis, drums.

1. Whistlin’ Rufus
2. Down By The Riverside
3. The Girls All Crazy ‘Bout The Way I Walk
4. Get Outa Here
5. Bluin’ The Blues
6. Farewell Blues
7. Clarinet Marmalade
8. Eccentric
9. Mabel’s Dream
10. Jazzin’ Baby Blues
11. Snake Rag
12. Ory’s Creole Trombone
13. Bugle Call Rag

Muskrat Ramble―Jazzology Records―JCD-236

This was the best selling Doc Evans recording ever! Originally released as Muskrat Ramble Audiophile (AP-56) in 1959 and Traditional Jazz Audiophile (AP-44) in 1957. Seventeen tracks, 75 minutes of great jazz!

Doc Evans, cornet; Bob Gruenenfelder, second cornet; Dick Pendleton and Loren Helberg, clarinet; Hal Runyon, trombone; Knocky Parker, piano; George Tupper, tuba; Bill Peer, banjo; Red Maddock and Warren Thewis, drums.

Tunes are
New Orleans Joys
Black Snake Blues
Georgia Swing
Organ Grinder Blues
Fidgety Feet
Fantasy on Muskrat Ramble
King Bolden on Parade
Mr. Jelly Lord
Chattanooga Stomp
Lazy River
San
Gettysburg March
Basin Street Blues
Weary Blues
1919 Rag
Workingman Blues
Alexander’s Ragtime Band.

Four or Five Times―Jazzology Records―JCD-312

Four or Five Times was originally released on Audiophile records in 1956 as Traditional Jazz (Dixieland of Course) Audiophile AP-33 & 34.

CD Liner Notes from Butch Thompson.

Doc Evans, cornet; Harry Blons, clarinet; Hal Runyon, trombone; Knocky Parker, piano; George Tupper, tuba; Bill Peer, banjo; Red Maddock, drums, vocal and gate crasher.

Tunes are Tiger Rag
See See Rider
Sugar Blues (cornet solo)
Black Bottom Stomp
Four or Five Times
Original Jelly Roll Blues
Frankie and Johnnie
Kansas City Stomp
Waiting For The Robert E. Lee
Ballin’ The Jack
When The Saints Go Marching In
Lena
She’s The Queen of Palestina
Corrine, Corrina (cornet solo)
If I Could Be With You
Temptation Rag
Dardanella
Mabel’s Dream
Song of The Islands

Stomps and Blues―Jazzology Records―JCD-195

Stomps and Blues was originally released on Audiophile records in 1956 as Reminiscing in Dixieland, Stomps and Blues, Audiophile AP-68 & 69.

Doc Evans, cornet; Albert Nicholas or Omer Simeon, clarinet; Knocky Parker, piano, Earl Murphy, string bass; Gene Juckem, drums.

Tunes are Clarinet Marmalade
Save It
Pretty Mama
Mahogany Hall Stomp
Tishomingo Blues
St. James Infirmary Blues
St. Louis Blues
King Porter Stomp
Nobody Knows When You’re Down and Out
San
Hesitation Blues
Ole Miss
One Sweet Letter From You
A Good Man Is Hard To Find
Four or Five Times
Tell Me
I’m Drifting Back To Dreamland
Wang Wang Blues
Willow Weep For Me
Sweet Lorraine.

Down in Jungle Town―Jazzology Records―JCD-19

Down in Jungle Town was originally released on Audiophile records in 1953 as Down in Jungle Town Audiophile AP-4 (XL-328) and in 1955 as Traditional Jazz XL-329.

Doc Evans, cornet; Loren Helberg, clarinet; Hal Runyon, trombone; Tom McGovern, piano; Bernie Sundermeyer, string bass; Warren Thewis, drums. 1953

Doc Evans, cornet; Harry Blons, clarinet; Hal Runyon, trombone; George Tupper, tuba; Irv Wickner, banjo; Hod Russell, piano; Mickey Steinke, drums. 1955

Tunes are Under The Double Eagle
Diga Diga Doo
Riverside Blues
Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gave To Me
Down In Jungle Town
Maryland, My Maryland
Mama’s Gone Goodbye
Yellow Dog Blues
That’s A-Plenty
Dill Pickles Rag
London Blues
Black and Blue
Eccentric
Bugle Call Rag
Bye and Bye
Grandpa’s Spells.

Greatest Hits―Doc Evans Music―DEM-3

Listen to why the Washington Post wrote, “No one today plays better jazz cornet than Doc Evans. He plays with ringing, rich open tone, a pungent searing muted horn, emotional warmth, soaring lyric imagination, unquenchable spirit and relaxed assurance.”

Tunes are Tishomingo Blues
Doctor Jazz
Wolverine Blues
Tiger Rag
How Long Blues
Just A Little While To Stay Here
Just A Closer Walk With Thee
Muskrat Ramble
St. Louis Blues
That’s Aplenty
Jazz Me Blues
Charleston
When the Saints Go Marching In
Bugle Call Rag.

Dixieland Encores―Doc Evans Music―DEM-2

What do you play for an encore? Doc and his band show why people never left early from a Doc Evans concert! The 1954 studio session follows up on the 1953 Walker release and the 1957 session was recorded live at a Walker Art Center performance. Originally released on Soma records in 1957 as Dixieland Encore Soma MG1208 and Dixieland Encore MG101 (EP).

A: Doc Evans, cornet; Loren Helberg, clarinet; Hal Runyon, trombone; Tom McGovern, piano; Bernie Sundermeyer, string bass; Bill Peer, banjo; Warren Thewis, drums. 1954

B: Doc Evans, cornet; Dick Pendleton, clarinet; Hal Runyon, trombone; Frank Gillis, piano; George Tupper, tuba; Bill Peer, banjo; Warren Thewis, drums. 1957

Tunes are Original Dixieland One-Step (A)
Black and White Rag (B)
Come Back Sweet Papa (A)
Mississippi Mud (A)
Perdido Street Blues (B)
Chicago Breakdown (B)
Riverside Blues (A)
King Porter Stomp (A)
Mournin’ Blues (A)
Roll On Mississippi (A)
Shimmy Sha Wabble (B)
Whop (A)
That’s Aplenty (B).

Doc Evans Dixieland Concert―Doc Evans Music―DEM-1

Recorded live at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis during a sold out concert in 1953. The band is hot, the crowd wildly enthusiastic and the soloists are soaring. Doc introduces each tune! Originally released in 1953 as Doc Evans Dixieland Concert on Soma Records, MG-100.

Doc Evans, cornet; Loren Helberg, clarinet; Hal Runyon, trombone; Tom McGovern, piano; Biddy Bastien, string bass; Warren Thewis, drums. 1953

The tunes are Under The Double Eagle
St. Louis Blues
The Atlanta Blues
Maryland, My Maryland
When We Dance At The Mardi Gras
Muskrat Ramble
Struttin’ With Some Barbecue
My Bucket’s Got a Hole In It
Jazz Me Blues
South Rampart Street Parade.

Jazz Ltd. Volume 1―Delmark―DE-226

This is a great article about The Jazz Ltd. Label.

A: Doc Evans, cornet; Munn Ware, trombone; Bill Reinhardt, clarinet; Don Ewell, piano; Sid Thall, bass; Wally Gordon, drums. 1949

B: Doc Evans, cornet; Miff Mole, trombone; Bill Reinhardt, clarinet; Ralph Blank, piano; Sy Nelson, bass; Doc Cenardo, drums. 1951

Wolverine Blues (A)
It’s a Long Way to Tipperary (A)
Tin Roof Blues (B)
Charleston (B)
Bluin’ the Blues (B)
Jazz Me Blues (B)
High Society (B)

Doc Evans and His Dixieland Jazz Band―Folkways Records

Although he made many recordings in the 1950s and 1960s, this collection presents Doc Evans’ first tracks for Folkways’ forerunner, Disc Records, in 1947. The musicians’ spirited ensemble playing brings the listener back to pre-Dixieland revival days, and this album offers new interpretations of old favorites.

Doc Evans, cornet; Ed Hubble, trombone; Tony Parenti, clarinet; Joe Sullivan, piano; George Wettling, drums. New York, April 25-26, 1947

1. Original Dixieland One-Step
2. Barnyard Blues
3. Fidgety Feet
4. Clarinet Marmalade
5. Sensation Rag
6. At the Jazz Band Ball
7. Bugle Call Rag
8. Tin Roof Blues
9. That’s a Plenty
10. That Da Da Strain
11. Panama Rag
12. Farewell Blues

Bunk & Don Ewell Johnson – Minneapolis Concert 1947 With Doc Evans Band 1947―American Music―AMCD-129-2

Personnel: Don Ewell (piano); Bunk Johnson (trumpet); Harry Blons (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Doc Evans (cornet); Don Thompson (trombone); Warren Thewis (drums); Doc Evans’ Band.Liner Note Authors: Jack Stanley; George H. Buck, Jr.; Barry Martyn.Recording information: Coffman Memorial Union Auditorium, University Of Minnesota (05/03/1947).

1. Bunk Talking
2. When The Moon Comes Over the Mountain
3. In the Gloaming
4. Alexander’s Ragtime Band
5. Careless Love
6. Sheik of Araby
7. The Pearls
8. Sister Kate
9. Sister kate [Reprise]
10. Muskrate Ramble
11. Ja Da
12. St. Louis Blues
13. High Society
14. High Society [Reprise]
15. When the Saints Go Marchin’ In

LPs

Doc Evans’ Dixieland Five―Disc Records also released in 1980 as Doc Evans and his Dixieland Band―Folkways FJ 2855

Here’s a link to the liner notes.

Doc Evans, cornet; Ed Hubble, trombone; Tony Parenti, clarinet; Joe Sullivan, piano; George Wettling, drums. New York, April 25-26, 1947

Original Dixieland One-Step (2:52)
Bugle Call Rag (2:36)
Barnyard Blues (2:59)
Tin Roof Blues (3:23)
Fidgety Feet (3:09)
That’s A Plenty (2:53)
Clarinet Marmalade (2:40)
That Da Da Strain (2:47)
Sensation Rag (2:49)
Panama Rag (2:34)
At The Jazz Band Ball (3:05)
Farewell Blues (2:39)

Doc Evans Dixieland Concert―Soma MG 100

From a review published in 1953: This latest Evans effort was recorded at a concert at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis and is perhaps the most consistently exuberant sequence of tunes that Evans has recorded. Besides Evans’ cornet, the band features Hal Runyon — trombone, Loren Helberg — clarinet, Warren Thewis — drums, O. Biddy Bastien — bass (really), and Tommy McGovern — piano. Everybody turns in a better than average “free-style” dixieland performance in traditional format. Most of the tunes reflect some extremely tasteful head arrangements. The ensembles are very cohesive and swing splendidly. Evans’ cornet playing is here more abandoned and intense than on any of his previous recordings. It was a surprise, a pleasant surprise indeed, for a long time admirer of his subdued style.

It was a delight to find Mardi Gras on this long playing disc. It hasn’t been heard as a jazz tune since Dick Robertson’s mid-thirties version for Decca. South Rampart Street is a flag waver, given the more or less standard Bob Crosby arrangement, and at just slightly too fast a tempo at that. Maryland, Bucket, and Atlanta are also very refreshing and inspired, and there are no important complaints for any of the other tunes.

The recording is on cherry vinyl with excellent surface. Audience sounds picked up at the concert add a touch of atmosphere for those that care. $5.00.

Doc Evans, cornet; Loren Helberg, clarinet; Hal Runyon, trombone; Tom McGovern, piano; Biddy Bastien, string bass; Warren Thewis, drums. Minneapolis, Aug. 20, 1953

Under The Double Eagle (3:54)
St. Louis Blues (4:59)
The Atlanta Blues (6:02)
Maryland, My Maryland (3:23)
When We Dance At The Mardi Gras (3:15)
Muskrat Ramble (4:13)
Struttin’ With Some Barbecue (4:39)
My Bucket’s Got a Hole In It (5:03)
Jazz Me Blues (4:59)
South Rampart Street Parade (3:43)

Doc Evans Dixieland Encore―Soma MG 101 (EP)

Soma Records was an American record label, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and owned by wholesale record distributor Amos Heilicher. The Soma name was “Amos” spelled backwards. Heilicher, along with his brother Danny, was also in the jukebox and wholesale record distribution businesses, and owned the Musicland chain of retail music stores.

Started in 1954, Soma began mainly recording polka music, old-time country and western and jazz groups. Its first hit was Bobby Vee’s 1959 “Suzie Baby”, which was a regional smash before Liberty Records bought up the master and issued it nationally. Among hits released by Soma were “Mule Skinner Blues” by The Fendermen, “Liar Liar” by The Castaways, “Run, Run, Run” by The Gestures and “Surfin’ Bird” by The Trashmen.

The Heilicher brothers had some ownership in the local recording studio, Kay Bank, where most of Soma’s recordings were made. Soma continued releasing recordings until 1967, when the co-owned record distributing company was merged into Pickwick Records. The Heilicher brothers exited the recorded music business in 1977. Amos Heilicher died of pneumonia in August 2011, aged 90.

Doc Evans, cornet; Loren Helberg, clarinet; Hal Runyon, trombone; Tom McGovern, piano; Bernie Sundermeyer, string bass; Bill Peer, banjo; Warren Thewis, drums. Minneapolis Feb. 1954

Riverside Blues (2:58)
Roll On Mississippi (2:31)
Original Dixieland One-Step (2:49)
Mournin’ Blues (2:35)
King Porter Stomp (2:52)
Come Back, Sweet Papa (3:18)
Whop (3:06)
Mississippi Mud (2:35)

Doc Evans Dixieland Encore―Soma MG 1208

A: Doc Evans, cornet; Dick Pendleton, clarinet; Hal Runyon, trombone; Frank Gillis, piano; George Tupper, tuba; Bill Peer, banjo; Warren Thewis, drums. 1957

B: Doc Evans, cornet; Loren Helberg, clarinet; Hal Runyon, trombone; Tom McGovern, piano; Bernie Sundermeyer, string bass; Bill Peer, banjo; Warren Thewis, drums. 1954

Black and White Rag (A) (2:41)
Original Dixieland One-Step (B) (2:49)

Perdido Street Blues (A) (3:48)
Mournin’ Blues (B) (2:35)
Chicago Breakdown (A) (3:29)
Roll On Mississippi (B) (2:31)
Riverside Blues (B) (2:58)
Shimmy Sha Wabble (A) (5:06)
King Porter Stomp (B) (2:52)
That’s Aplenty (A) (4:18)

Doc Evans Dixieland Concert (History of Jazz Series) Vol. 1―Soma MG1209

In 1952, jazz cornetist Doc Evans returned to the Twin Cities after a five-year stay in Chicago—the only time he ever lived outside of Minnesota. The next 10 years were the busiest of his career and the centerpiece was a sensational series of concerts at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis.

In this second installment of a four-part series on traditional jazz in Minnesota, Butch Thompson continues his look at jazz cornetist Doc Evans’ life and career. Along the way, Butch visits legendary jazz broadcaster Leigh Kammen and Doc’s son, Allan Evans. (Written and produced by Butch Thompson. Listen to the archived radio broadcast about Doc Evans’ Walker Art Center Concerts.

Doc Evans, cornet; Dick Pendleton, clarinet; Hal Runyon, trombone; Frank Gillis, piano; George Tupper, bass; Bill Peer, banjo; Warren Thewis, drums. 1957

Whistlin’ Rufus (2:53)
Down By The Riverside (2:04)
The Girls All Crazy ’bout The Way I Walk (5:03)
Get Outa Here (3:43)
Bluin’ The Blues (3:01)
Farewell Blues (4:09)
Clarinet Marmalade (4:44)
Eccentric (3:13)

Doc Evans Dixieland Concert (History of Jazz Series) Vol. 2―Soma MG1210

Doc Evans, cornet; Bob Gruenfelder, trumpet; Dick Pendleton, clarinet; Hal Runyon, trombone; Frank Gillis, piano; George Tupper, bass; Bill Peer, banjo; Warren Thewis, drums. 1957

Mabel’s Dream (3:13)
Jazzin’ Baby Blues (4:27)
Snake Rag (3:26)
Ory’s Creole Trombone (3:25)
The Chant (3:53)
Sidewalk Blues (3:18)
Winin’ Boy Blues (4:51)
Black Bottom Stomp (3:38)

Doc Evans Jazz Band, Court Yard Concerts, 1958

Doc Evans Dixieland Concert (History of Jazz Series) Vol. 3―Soma MG1211

Doc Evans, cornet; Dick Pendleton, clarinet; Hal Runyon, trombone; Frank Chase, bass sax-clarinet; Frank Gillis, piano; Knocky Parker, piano; George Tupper, bass; Bill Peer, banjo; Warren Thewis, drums. 1957

Singin’ The Blues (3:22)
At The Jazz Band Ball (2:38)
Sugar (4:48)
I’ve Found A New Baby (3:50)
Climax Rag (2:27)
Coal Cart Blues (3:24)
Gin Mill Blues (4:01)
Bugle Call Rag (5:31)

Classic Jazz At Carleton―Soma MG 1201

Fifty years ago, the Soma Recording Company of Minneapolis released an album titled Classic Jazz at Carleton. The live recording was made at a concert held April 10, 1954, at Carleton College in Northfield, Minn.to mark the 25th anniversary of Evans’s graduation. The featured trio included jazz cornetist Paul “Doc” Evans (a 1929 graduate) and drummer John “Jax” Lucas (1941). Pianist John W. “Knocky” Parker rounded out the group. Freewheeling and lively, the session evokes the New Orleans spirit of Basin Street Blues.

Doc Evans, cornet; Knocky Parker, piano; Dr. John “Jax” Lucas. April 10, 1954

Jack Lucas, a close friend, wrote a poem engraved on a plaque to commemorate Doc’s life and career which hangs at Carleton College in Northfield, Minn. It starts: “Blowing, growing to the last day” and the last line reads “He was his own man till the day he died.”

Doc Evans plaque at Carleton College

Flea Market Suitcase
A Monday Date
Dippermouth Blues
Basin Street Blues
Wolverine Blues
Coney Island Washboard
I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate
Keep a-Knockin
Squeeze Me
Sweet Georgia Brown
Muskrat Ramble

The Dublin Dates―Paramount 106 (also Dublin D1-4)

S D Records was the brainchild of two Chicago record collectors, John Steiner and Hugh Davis. On December 9 and 10, 1947, John Steiner recorded Doc Evans’ Dixieland combo. By this time, he was no longer making new recordings for release on S D. But the matrix numbers are in his usual system of recording date plus suffix.

The session was mentioned in a Down Beat article on Doc Evans (December 31, 1947, p. 6) but there were many errors in that account, which claimed that Evans cut 16 sides, that Squirrel Ashcraft supervised the sessions, and that Hugh Davis engineered them.

In a letter to the editor (published in the issue of January 28, 1948, p. 10), Steiner noted that that 8 sides had been cut, not 16, and that Ashcraft helped to finance the dates and assisted, but did not supervise the sessions. He reminded Down Beat readers that Hugh Davis was no longer his partner; “for three years he has had no association with the company.” He also denied engineering the date himself, in terms that didn’t invite being taken seriously: “Steiner hasn’t entrusted controls to his alcohol-palsied fingers in years.”

The material was released on a boutique label operated by Dublin’s, a Chicago record store. Dublin’s D1 through D4, four 78 rpm releases pressed on vinyl and (apparently) released simultaneously at some point in 1948, were the label’s entire output.

Doc Evans, cornet; Don Thompson, trombone; Dick Pendleton, clarinet; Mel Grant, piano; Jack Goss, guitar, Earl Murphy, string bass; Eddie Tolck, drums. Chicago, December 9-10, 1947

Sposin’
Parker House Roll
Walkin My Baby
Hindustan
Doc’s ology
Lulu’s Back In Town
One Sweet Letter
Can’t Believe

Jazz Heritage–Vol. 1―Jazzology J-85 (re-issue of Art Floral recordings)

A: Doc Evans, cornet; Don Thompson, trombone; Johnny McDonald, clarinet & tenor sax; Joyce McDonald, piano; Doc Cenardo, drums. Minneapolis, Feb. 15, 1949

B: Mel Grant Piano 1950

Georgia Cake Walk (A)
Basin Street Blues (A)
Raggin’ The Chimes (B)
Mel-low Blues (B)
When The Saints Go Marching In (A)
Ballin’ The Jack (A)
High Society (A)
Shim-Me-Sha-Wabble (A)
Mixin’ It Up (B)
Rock Island Rock (B)
Eccentric Rag (A)
Strut Miss Lizzie (A)

Jazz Heritage–Vol. 2 Blues In Dixieland―Jazzology J-86 (Art Floral re-issue)

A: Doc Evans, cornet; Al Jenkins, trombone; Johnny McDonald, clarinet; Carol Lee, piano; Willie Sutton, string bass; Doc Cenardo, drums. 1949

B: Doc Evans, cornet; Al Jenkins, trombone; Art Lyons, clarinet; Mel Grant, piano; Biddy Bastien, String bass, Micky Steinke, drums. 1950

Buddy Bolden’s Blues (B)
Blues Doctor (A)
Sidewalk Blues (B)
Bye Bye Blues (B)
Beale Street Blues (B)
Memphis Blues (A)
Royal Garden Blues (B)
Dallas Blues (B)
Tishamingo Blues (B)
Singin’ The Blues (B)
Jimtown Blues (B)
Weary Blues (B)

Jazz Heritage–Vol. 3 Command Performance―Jazzology J-87 (Art Floral re-issue)

A: Doc Evans, cornet; Al Jenkins, trombone; Johnny McDonald, clarinet; Carol Lee, piano; Willie Sutton, string bass; Doc Cenardo, drums. Northfield, MN Oct. 30, 1949

B: Doc Evans, cornet; Al Jenkins, trombone; Art Lyons, clarinet; Mel Grant, piano; Biddy Bastien, String bass, Mickey Steinke, drums. Minneapolis, April 5, 1950

Missouri Waltz (B)
Doctor Jazz (A)
I’m Gonna Sit Right Down & Write Myself A Letter (B)
Play That Barbershop Chord (A)
Pack Up Your Troubles (B)
Ostrich Walk (A)
When It’s Sleepy Time Down South (B)
Panama (B)
Walkin’ The Dog (A)
Willie The Weeper (A)
Milenberg Joys (A)
Copenhagen (B)

Cornet Artistry―Audiophile AP-31

Audiophile records either are numbered with the prefix XL or AP. XL denotes a 33 1/3 rpm record originally mastered at 78 rpm. AP denotes all other issues, from the earliest, Audiophile AP-1, with Harry Blons’s band (that record must be worth a fortune), to AP-115/116. Determining if the record is stereo is not that simple. Audiophile’s first stereo record was AP-56 (Muskrat Ramble, one of Audiophile’s finest stereo recordings, with Doc Evans, Knocky Parker, et al.), but only perhaps half of the recordings between AP-56 and AP-115/116 are in stereo.

Doc Evans, cornet; Sid Nierman, piano; Art Kay, string bass & vibraharp; Bob Thompson, drums. Mono recording. 1956

Sugar
Limehouse Blues
Just A Gigolo
Don’t Worry About Me
Old Fashioned Love
Melancholy Baby
Stars Fell On Alabama
Memories Of You

Traditional Jazz (Dixieland of Course)―Audiophile AP-33

Doc Evans, cornet; Harry Blons, clarinet; Hal Runyon, trombone; Knocky Parker, piano; George Tupper, tuba; Bill Peer, banjo; Red Maddock, drums, gate crasher. Mono recording. 1956

Tiger Rag
See See Rider
Sugar Blues (cornet solo)
Black Bottom Stomp
Four or Five Times
Original Jelly Roll Blues
Frankie and Johnnie
Kansas City Stomp
Waiting For The Robert E. Lee
Ballin’ The Jack

Traditional Jazz―Audiophile AP-34

One can’t mention Audiophile Records without bringing up famed recording engineer, Ewing Nunn. From an article by Larry Forbes that appeared in the Autumn, 1985 issue of The Absolute Sound.

Ewing D. Nunn, founder of the legendary Audiophile label, who was perhaps the greatest recording of them all. For 30 years, Nunn produced some of the finest sounds ever put on disc. The list of jazz musicians who recorded for Audiophile is long and distinguished – Paul W. “Doc” Evans, John W. “Knocky” Parker, Albert Nicholas, Raymond Burke, and others. While some of these artists are well known, others have more regional fame, such as Doc Evans, whose home base was in the Midwest. To my ear, Doc Evans’s cornet rivals that of Bix or Spanier, and it is a godsend to have his tone and spirit captured in Audiophile’s superlative vinyl grooves.

Nunn involved himself in the planning of Audiophile’s recording sessions. His knowledge of traditional jazz was encyclopedic. Knocky Parker recalls the day he and Doc Evans were playing the verse of a Jelly Roll Morton number the way they’d played it for years. Nunn took exception, arguing that they had an incorrect verse. And a check of the original music proved him correct.

Though he was probably the finest recording engineer the field has known, E.D.N. made records chiefly as a hobby. An amateur in the French meaning of the word, “one who loves,” Ewing delighted in demonstrating to dullards like the writer what true “high fidelity” really sounds like – playing records and tapes he had made with microphones and other equipment which he had either designed or had rebuilt to extract truer sound quality than the manufacturers realized it was capable of. Though he would have called mad anyone who dared label him thus, Ewing was probably that rarity, an honest-to-goodness genius.

Doc Evans, cornet; Harry Blons, clarinet; Hal Runyon, trombone; Knocky Parker, piano; George Tupper, tuba; Bill Peer, banjo; Red Maddock, drums, gate crasher. Mono recording. 1956

When The Saints Go Marching In
Lena, She’s The Queen of Palestina
Corrine, Corrina (cornet solo)
If I Could Be With You
Temptation Rag
Dardanella
Mabel’s Dream
Song of The Islands

Traditional Jazz―Audiophile AP-44

For the release of the Jazzology CD, Muskrat Ramble (JCD-236), this LP was combined with Muskrat Ramble (AP-56) from 1959.

Doc Evans, cornet; Dick Pendleton, clarinet; Hal Runyon, trombone; Knocky Parker, piano; George Tupper, tuba; Bill Peer, banjo; Warren Thewis, drums. Mono recording. 1957

Chattanooga Stomp
San
Up a Lazy River
Basin Street Blues
Gettysburg March
Weary Blues
Workingman Blues
1919 Rag
Alexander’s Ragtime Band

Traditional Jazz―Audiophile AP-45

Doc Evans, cornet; Dick Pendleton, clarinet; Hal Runyon, trombone; Knocky Parker, piano; George Tupper, tuba; Bill Peer, banjo; Warren Thewis, drums. Mono recording. 1957

Dippermouth Blues (3:55)
High Society (3:27)
Smokey Mokes (3:15)
Jackass Blues (6:17)
Canal Street Blues (3:22)
Shim-Me-Sha-Wobble (4:22)
The Chant (3:08)
Richard M. Jones’ Blues (4:26)
Some Of These Days (3:47)

Classics Of The ’20s―Audiophile AP-50

Doc Evans, cornet; Bob Gruenfelder, trumpet; Hal Runyon, trombone; Dick Pendleton, clarinet; Tubby Main, tuba, string bass; Eddie Lynch, banjo; Mel Grant, piano; Warren Thewis, drums. Mono recording. 1958.

Perdido Street Blues (4:47)
Frog-I-More (4:57)
Sidewalk Blues (3:07)
Snake Rag (3:16)
Wild Man Blues (4:34)
Sweet Lovin’ Man (3:29)
Buffalo Blues (3:57)
New Orleans Stomp (3:34)
Chicago Breakdown (3:25)

Muskrat Ramble―Audiophile AP-56
Also released as Muskrat Ramble―Concert Disc (CS-48)
and Doc Evans And His Dixiecats ‎– Black Snake Blues, Society ‎– SOC 924

AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow
This dixieland LP is more creative than usual. Cornetist Doc Evans and his septet/octet (which also includes pianist Knocky Parker) perform fresh versions of three songs by Jelly Roll Morton, two by Clarence Williams, the standard “Fidgety Feet” and Evans’ original “King Bolden on Parade.” A special bonus is “Fantasy on Muskrat Ramble” which takes the warhorse through a variety of surprising changes. This LP has been out-of-print for several years but is well worth picking up; Doc Evans was always an excellent player.

(A) Doc Evans, cornet; Dick Pendleton, clarinet; Hal Runyan, trombone; John (Knocky) Parker, piano; Bill Peer, banjo; Red Maddock, drums; George Tupper, tuba;
(B) Same as side A, except Loren Helberg, clarinet; Bob Gruenenfelder, second cornet. Stereo recording. 1958

New Orleans Joys (A)
Black Snake Blues (A)
Georgia Swing (A)
Organ Grinder Blues (A)
Fidgety Feet (B)
Fantasy on Muskrat Ramble (B)
King Bolden on Parade (B)
Mr. Jelly Lord (B)

The Sweetest Since Gabriel―Audiophile AP-57 (Doc Evans + 4= Dixie M1047)

This album was a change of pace in Doc Evans’ career, for the Dixieland-oriented cornetist is the only horn in a quintet, playing primarily swing standards. Evans, an underrated but talented player, improvises in a melodic and pleasing fashion on such tunes as “After You’ve Gone,” “Don’t Take Your Love From Me,” “You’re the Cream in My Coffee,” and “Cherry.”

Doc Evans, cornet; Knocky Parker, piano; Don Anderson, guitar; Biddy Bastien, string bass; Red Maddock, drums. 1959

After You’ve Gone
You’re The Cream In My Coffee
Don’t Take Your Love From Me
Tea For Two
Blue, Turning Grey Over You
On The Sunny Side Of The Street
Blue and Broken Hearted
Summertime
I Cover The Waterfront
Cherry

Reminiscing in Dixieland, Stomps and Blues Vol. 1―Audiophile AP-68―(APS-5968)

Interesting trivia found on the Prairie Home Companion Post to the Host page:
Was there any particular reason why you chose “Tishomingo Blues” for the theme song of “The Prairie Home Companion? It is one of my favorite traditional jazz blues, but seldom heard (except on PHC).
Best regards, Jim Huheey

Dear Mr. Huheey, We use only a sliver of Tishomingo for the theme, but I’ve always liked the song, going back to college years when I heard the Doc Evans Band do it. It was composed by Spencer Williams back around 1917 or so, so it’s of the Handy/Joplin era when black composers tried to get a new sound onto the page. It’s blue and elegant, too.

Doc Evans, cornet; Albert Nicholas or Omer Simeon, clarinet; Knocky Parker, piano, Earl Murphy, string bass; Gene Juckem, drums. Mono and stereo recording. 1959

Clarinet Marmalade
Save It, Pretty Mama
Mahogany Hall Stomp
Tishomingo Blues
St. James Infirmary Blues
St. Louis Blues
King Porter Stomp
Nobody Knows When You’re Down and Out
San
Hesitation Blues

Reminiscing in Dixieland, Stomps and Blues Vol. 2―Audiophile―AP-69 (APS-5969)
Also released as RX for the Blues―Concert Disc M-1051

Doc Evans, cornet; Albert Nicholas or Omer Simeon, clarinet; Knocky Parker, piano, Earl Murphy, string bass; Gene Juckem, drums. 1959

Ole Miss
One Sweet Letter From You
A Good Man Is Hard To Find
Four or Five Times
Tell Me
I’m Drifting Back To Dreamland
Wang Wang Blues
Willow Weep For Me
Sweet Lorraine

Spirituals and Blues―Audiophile AP-63 (APS-5963)
Also released as A Cure for the Blues―Concert Disc

Doc Evans, cornet; Dick Pendleton, clarinet; Hal Runyon, trombone; Knocky Parker, piano; George Tupper, tuba; Bill Peer, banjo; Red Maddock, drums and vocal. 1959

Just A Closer Walk With Thee (4:49)
Just A Little While To Stay Here (7:13)
Joe Turner Blues
Ain’t Nobody’s Business
Terrible Blues
Winin’ Boy Blues
How Long Blues (5:08)

Doc Evans At The Gaslight―Audiophile AP-95

Doc Evans Audiophile LP At the Gaslight AP-95 Doc Evans, cornet; Alan Frederickson, trombone; Mark Strachota, clarinet; Augie Kepp, piano; Bill Peer, banjo; Jim Morton, string bass, tuba; Tommie Andrews, drums. 1967

Panama (4:38)
Skat de Dat (2:35)
Creole Belles (3:16)
Bienville Blues (7:05)
Big Noise From Winnetka (3:46)
Two Deuces (7:28)
Sister Kate (2:57)
Some Day, Sweetheart (8:24)

Doc Evans Dixieland Five―Art Floral 101-104

Doc Evans, cornet; Don Thompson, trombone; Johnny McDonald, clarinet & tenor sax; Joyce McDonald, piano; Doc Cenardo, drums. Minneapolis, Feb. 15, 1949

High Society
Strut Miss Lizzie
Shim-Me-Sha-Wabble
Basin Street Blues
Georgia Cake Walk
Eccentric Rag
Ballin’ The Jack
When The Saints Go Marching In

Doc Evans Dixieland Band―Joco 111-114

Doc Evans, cornet; Al Jenkins, trombone; Art Lyons, clarinet; Mel Grant, piano; Biddy Bastien, String bass, Mickey Steinke, drums. Minneapolis, April 5, 1950

Tishamingo Blues
When It’s Sleepy Time Down South
Sidewalk Blues
Jimtown Blues
Panama
Dallas Blues
Bye Bye Blues
Pack Up Your Troubles
Royal Garden Blues
Missouri Waltz

Doc Evans Dixieland Band―Joco 115-118

Doc Evans, cornet; Al Jenkins, trombone; Art Lyons, clarinet; Mel Grant, piano; Biddy Bastien, String bass, Mickey Steinke, drums. Minneapolis, April 6, 1950

Copenhagen
Singin’ The Blues
Beale Street Blues
I’m Gonna Sit Right Down & Write Myself A Letter
Weary Blues
Buddy Bolden’s Blues

Doc Evans Dixieland Band―Joco 105-108 (also Tempo TR474, 476, 478, 480)

Doc Evans, cornet; Al Jenkins, trombone; Johnny McDonald, clarinet; Carol Lee, piano; Willie Sutton, string bass; Doc Cenardo, drums. Northfield, MN, Oct. 30, 1949

Milenberg Joys
Ostrich Walk
Memphis Blues
Willie The Weeper
Walking The Dog
Dr. Jazz
Blues Doctor
Play That Barbershop Chord

Command Performance―Joco―3303

Missouri Waltz
Im Gonna Sit right Down And write Myself A Letter
When Its Sleepy time Down South
Panama
Bye Bye Blues
Pack Up Your troubles In Your old Kit Bag
Singin the Blues
Copenhagen

Doc Evans and His Six-Alarm-Six―Tempo MTT-2066 (Joco re-issue)

Doc Evans, cornet; Al Jenkins, trombone; Johnny McDonald, clarinet; Carol Lee, piano; Willie Sutton, string bass; Doc Cenardo, drums. Northfield, MN Oct. 30, 1949

Milenberg Joys
Dr. Jazz
Memphis Blues
Strut Miss Lizzie
Walking The Dog
Georgia Cakewalk
Blues Doctor
Play That Barbershop Chord
Ostrich Walk
Basin Street Blues
Willie The Weeper
Ballin’ The Jack

Doc Evans Dixieland Band―Atlantic

Doc Evans, cornet; Munn Ware, trombone; Bill Reinhardt, clarinet; Don Ewell, piano; Sid Thall, bass; Wally Gordon, drums. Chicago, Feb. 1949

Wolverine Blues (2:54)
It’s a Long Way to Tipperary (2:33)

Jazz Ltd. was a boutique label that grew out of the club of the same name at 11 East Grand Street. Clarinetist Bill Reinhardt (1908 – 2001) and his wife Ruth (1904 – 1992) opened the club, which specialized in Dixieland, on June 11, 1947. The club featured visiting headliners and a house ensemble (trombone, clarinet, piano, and drums–but no bass) that always included Bill Reinhardt. The first headliner to work Jazz Ltd. was cornetist Paul “Doc” Evans (1907 – 1977), who opened the club with a 3-month engagement and returned in the fall of 1948 (as well as on several subsequent occasions).

The Reinhardts decided that records would help to promote the club, In February 1949, they recorded Doc Evans and their current headliner Muggsy Spanier (1906 – 1967) on two sides each with the augmented house ensemble. In March Jazz Ltd. released all 4 78s as an album, in a limited edition of 1000. The album quickly sold out locally. In 1951, the Reinhardts recorded a 10-inch LP of extended performances by their current house ensemble featuring Doc Evans and veteran trombonist Miff Mole. This was released on the Jazz Ltd. label, but was available only out of the club. In search of wider distribution, the Reinhardts leased all of their existing material in 1952 to the up-and-coming Atlantic label, which put out two 10-inch LPs, followed (in 1957) by a single combined 12-inch release.

Dixieland at Jazz Ltd.―Atlantic

Doc Evans, cornet; Miff Mole, trombone; Bill Reinhardt, clarinet; Ralph Blank, piano; Sy Nelson, bass; Doc Cenardo, drums. Chicago, 1951

Tin Roof Blues (8:10)
Charleston (7:33)
Bluin’ the Blues (4:38)
Jazz Me Blues (5:55)
High Society (4:21)

Source To Delta or Doc Meets Doc―New Orleans Originals

Doc Evans, cornet; Raymond Burke, clarinet; Emile Christian, trombone; Doc Souchon, guitar, banjo; Armand Hug, piano; Sherwood Mangiapane, string bass, whistling; Monk Hazel, drum. 1964

Heebie Jeebies
Silver Bell
Lakeshore Drive at Mileburg
Don’t Leave Me, Daddy
Mandy, Make up Your Mind
Ain’t Gonna Give Nobody None Of My Jelly Roll
All of Me
Baby, Won’t You Please Come Home
With You Anywhere You Are
Original Dixieland One-Step

Jazz: Bayou To Bay―H and H Productions

Special thanks to Iain Forbes for letting me know there are two volumes of Bayou To Bay: There is a sticker over the track listing on Volume 1 (although Vol 1 is just called Jazz: Bayou To Bay). Otherwise, the cover is identical. “How does a Brit come to know this? I have both volumes!

I was at Dundee University in Scotland from 1966 – 1970. With a few fellow enthusiasts, we started a university jazz club in 1967. One feature of the club was a record lending library which we ran on Saturday mornings.

A fellow founder member of the club had visited Tampa with his family at the time of the concert in December 1965 (I seem to recall) and had bought both volumes as a souvenir. By 1967 his tastes had changed and he contributed the LPs to the library. For the next three years they were listened to by an assortment of students. In 1970 when we all came to leave university, we couldn’t find anyone to take over running the club, and so the relatively modest record collection was distributed among the active club members.

Most of the members had adopted more “modern” tastes in jazz and weren’t interested in these relative rarities. I was (and still am) interested in the modern stuff too, but kept rather wider tastes in jazz. So I ended up with the LPs.

Doc Evans, cornet; Raymond Burke, clarinet; Munn Ware, trombone, Knocky Parker, piano; Doc Souchon, guitar, vocal; Julie Wilson, vocals; Sherwood Mangiapane, string bass, tuba; Paul Barbarin, drums. 1965

High Society
I Ain’t Got Nobody
Honky Tonk Blues
Bill Bailey
West End Blues
Maryland, My Maryland
Ace in the Hole
Heebie Jeebies
Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out
Dill Pickles

Jazz: Bayou To Bay, Volume Two―H and H Productions

Just A Closer Walk With Thee
Basin Street Blues
Yellow Dog Blues
I Ain’t Gonna Give Nobody None Of My Jelly Roll
I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate
Am I Blue
Sweet Georgia Brown
Baby, Won’t You Please Come Home?
There’ll Be No New Tunes On This Old Git-Fiddle
Bourbon Street Parade
If I Could Be With You One Hour Tonight
St. Louis Blues

Bix Lives-Bix Beiderbecke Jazz Festival―Bix Society LP

The Doc Evans Band 1972
Bourbon Street Parade

Testament in Jazz – Doc Evans and Friends – Manassas 1975―FCJ 185

Ain’t Nobody’s Business if I Do
Blue, Turning Grey Over You
How Long Blues
I Can’t Believe That You’re in Love with Me
Struttin’ With Some Barbecue

Manassas Memories 1973―FCJ 163

Doc on trumpet, Wally Garner, Bill Rank, John Eaton, Van Perry, Roger Davison on the first set, Jack Maheu, Walter “Slide” Harris, Bob Hirsch, Perry, George “Butch” Hall, Bob Thompson on the second session and Tommy Gwaltney, Kenny Davern, Danny Williams, Dick Wellstood, Perry, Hall, Cliff Leeman with Doc in the third session.

Georgia on my Mind
At the Jazz Band Ball
Singin’ the Blues
Song of the Wanderer
If I Could Be With You
I Found a New Baby

AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow
Cornetist Doc Evans is in pretty good form on this LP, which is comprised of six selections cut at the 1973 Manassas Jazz Festival less than two years before his death. He is featured with three different Dixieland bands (for two songs apiece), assisted by such sidemen as clarinetists Jack Maheu, Wally Garner, and Tommy Gwaltney; Kenny Davern on soprano; trombonists Bill Rank, Slide Harris, and Danny Williams; and pianists John Eaton, Bob Hirsch, and Dick Wellstood. Of the six Dixieland warhorses, the best are “Singing the Blues,” “Song of the Wanderer,” and “I Found a New Baby.” Doc Evans’ mellow tone, thoughtful style, and ability to be both hot and subtle have been missed ever since in the trad jazz world.

Doc Evans – The Golden Horn Speaks Jazz 1973―FCJ178

Paul W. “Doc” Evans, trumpet ; Tommy Gwaltney, Wally Garner, Mason Country Thomas, clarinets ; Kenny Davern, Spencer Clark, saxophones ; Danny Williams, Al Winters, trombones ; Dick Wellstood, Art Hodes, pianos ; Van Perry, Bill Goodall, basses ; George “Butch” Hall, guitar ; Cliff Leeman, Skip Tomlinson, drums.
Recorded Dec. 1-2, 1973 and Dec. 6, 1975 at the Manassas Jazz Festival, Manassas, Va.

Eulogy for Doc Evans written by Johnson McRee Jr. in 1979.

Louisiana
Save it Pretty Mama
Wolverine Blues
Tishamingo Blues
When My Sugar Walks Down the Street
Hesitatin’ Blues

AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow
This out-of-print LP has five jams from December 1973 plus a version of “Save It Pretty Mama” from December 1975 that was cornetist Doc Evans’ final recording; he passed away at age 69 in 1977. Evans is heard in fine form on six fairly lengthy selections (“Louisiana” is nearly 11 minutes long) and his sidemen contain both obscure and famous jazzmen including clarinetist Tommy Gwaltney, soprano saxophonist Kenny Davern, bass saxophonist Spencer Clark, pianists Dick Wellstood and Art Hodes, and drummer Cliff Leeman. Highlights include “Wolverine Blues,” “When My Sugar Walks Down the Street” and “Hesitatin’ Blues.” It is a pity that this excellent album from the defunct Fat Cat Jazz label will be difficult to find.

Turk Murphy New Orleans Jazz Party―Columbia (1955)

Turk Murphy, trombone; Doc Evans, cornet; Bill Carter, clarinet; Dick Lammi, banjo; Pete Clute, piano; Thad Wilkerson, drums; Santo Pecora, guest trombone.

Storyville Blues
Just a Closer Walk With Thee
Memphis Blues
Big Butter and Egg Man
Floatin’ Down to Cotton Town
Canal Street Blues
Papa Dip
Mecca Flat Blues
Pineapple Blues
High Society

This particular recording by trombonist Turk Murphy finds him leading a different group than usual. The ensemble includes the fine cornetist Doc Evans, a couple of youngsters in their early 20s at the time (clarinetist Bill Carter and pianist Pete Clute), banjoist Dick Lammi, an unidentified bassist, and drummer Thad Wilkerson. In addition, Santo Pecora sits in on second trombone during “Big Butter and Egg Man” and “Mecca Flat Blues.” Clute is showcased on Scott Joplin’s “Pineapple Rag”; other highlights include “Storyville Blues,” “Floatin’ Down to Cotton Town” and a spirited “High Society.” As with Turk Murphy’s other Columbia LP’s, this one remains out of print, but is well worth searching for by trad jazz fans.
Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

All Star Trad―ARC Records ARC-51―7 inch EP
UK release

Georgia Swing by Doc Evans And His Red Hot Dixie Cats
Honey Suckle Rose by Ken Colyer’s Jazz Band
Muskrat Ramble by Willie ‘The Lion’ Smith And The All Stars
Don’t Go Away Nobody by Acker Bilk With Johnny Bastable’s Chosen Seven

CDs