THANKS FOR THE LOBSTER by the Van Eps Banjo Orchestra 1914

[fromthesidelines]

Recorded on July 25, 1914.

[KawhackitaRag]

If you want the (piano) sheet music for this tune, check it out on Ted Tjaden's "classic ragtime piano" website, on the "Ragtime at the Zoo" page.

The cover of the sheet music depicts the "lobster" (a person who today would be called a "sugar daddy") leaving with his new date, to the surprise of his old date whom he has left at the table!

[KawhackitaRag]

This tune is a raggy one-step composed by African-American pianist Clarence M. Jones, who was an important figure on the scene in Chicago in the 'teens and twenties. He is best remembered today as being Jimmy Blythe's piano teacher, but he also made many wonderful recordings and piano rolls himself, as well as publishing a large amount of sheet music. This tune was a bit of a hit in its day (1914).

[KawhackitaRag]

THIS is the real way a good banjo band should sound!!! Listen to the beautiful tone they all get from their banjos!

[ealeberg]

Talk about team work!  I'm getting some new instruments for my band! This is gutsy stuff at any time!

[geofbrit59]

It looks like this disc also has a Columbia blue price sticker on it. Yes in HD it is a price tag. Maybe these records are warehouse stock that were released after the label & price change. 'My Hindoo Man' & 'Thanks for the Lobster' are both on the same disc. I've got to find this!

[TheEyesores]

duck calls and slide whistles.. this is good stuff!

[geofbrit59]

Spike Jones got nothin' on these guys. 1914! they were all stepping up to the horn to make their sound and then jumping out of the way to make room for the next guy.