Darktown Strutters Ball - Original Dixieland Jazz Band

I dont think I have found this song on youtube so I have uploaded it for your viewing pleasure.

Like my Bix Beiderbecke video I guess I underestimated how popular this track would be!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• jazz
• original
• dixieland
• band
• ODBJ
• darktown
• strutters
• ball
• nick
• larocca
• shelton
• brooks

[kingoma61]

This recording by the ODJB was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, one of the earliest jazz recordings. "Tiger Rag" should also be inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. That is arguably the most covered and recorded jazz song of all time. Why isn't it in the Grammy Hall of Fame?

[mojoman4147]

@kingoma61 not a clue! I dont know how these thingd are decided, perhaps it's something to look in to for a nomination? :D

[vivianavickie]

When you hear this, one has to be grateful for today's jazz!! But thanks for sharing.

[mojoman4147]

@vivianavickie they were really the novelty band - when you play instruments like that there is only so much shock value you can get from it!

When they returned from a tour in 1922, the public had lost interest in them and the group ultimately disbanded, but at least they set the rest of the jazz age in motion!

[MissGoldenDreams13]

This is the first time I've ever heard "Darktown Strutters Ball", and I have to say it's an awesome song! But I'd like to ask: what was the name of the band that performed it?

[mojoman4147]

@MissGoldenDreams13 It's the Original Dixieland Jazz Band. They were prolific from 1917 to 1922ish :)

[cylaisawesome]

Dixieland jazz is known for having counter melodies. I found it frustrating at first, but then I loved how each time I listened to the song I could hear something new. Dixieland songs never get old because of this quality.

[TheMichaelseymour]

@MissGoldenDreams13 try the australian groups massive {in australia} hit single version from 1976 TED MULRY GANG ....hard rocking version

[mashtones]

Watch Leon Redbone-chat and song video a bit after 3 min he talks about Nick LaRocca (leader of the O.D.J.B) who claimed to have invented jazz ,although that is disagreed with by many, Redbone seems to agree.

[nosferatuist]

I LOVE THAT!!!!  8-D

[tubemagpie]

A pity that some of the earliest jass musicians were never recorded. The classic example is, of course, Buddy Bolden but there must have been others before him

Brooks died in 1976 BTW.... quite a long life.

[cylaisawesome]

@MustaffaCuppa It is an improvised counter melody - a counter melody by any other name is still a counter melody.

[MustaffaCuppa]

@cylaisawesome These "counter melodies" are IMPROVISATION & there are countless options. Once the tune has been established, they start to play "around" it & as long as it all fits the chords at each particular point, it" goes". I personally have only recently been able to do it & am very impressed with those who do it so well they make it look easy.

[dpoland]

Grandfather in WWI played this song on fiddle and clarinet in the US Army in France. Then again for years back home in dance bands. Love the melody...timeless

[kingoma61]

J. Russel Robinson was a member of the ODJB. Robinson replaced Henry Ragas, who died in 1919. Robinson was the pianist in the band. He was also a noted composer. "Margie" is one of his most successful compositions. He also wrote "Reefer Man" for Cab Calloway.