Early German Jazz: Eric Borchard on Polyphon (1921)

Eric Concerto's Yankee Jazz-Band: Everybody Shimmies Now (Shimmy Fox-Trot von Ive Gold). Polyphon 30532, recorded in Berlin, January 1921.

This belongs to clarinettist and saxophone player Eric Borchard's earliest recordings. On his first Polyphons from October 1920 - January 1921 the pseudonym "Eric Concerto" was used, but later, in 1924 - 25, his real name always appeared on the Gramophone and Polydor labels. In the early days of European Jazz, Borchard was one of the most important German jazz pioneers. Shortly after WWI he spent some time in the USA, where he met several Jazz musicians who taught him to understand and play jazz on clarinet and sax. In his early records the Louisiana Five influence is obvious, but in 1924 / 1925 his style changed more towards the OM5 / Georgians line. For a short period in 1924 he was able to hire such fine jazz men like Emile Christian or Wilbur Curtz. His band was then known as "Eric Borchard's Atlantic Jazz Band"). As good as Borchard was in promoting early Jazz in Germany, as clumsy was he in getting along in life. He was a cocaine addict, and due to crimes involving drugs he had to spend a pretty long time in prison. After 1925, he led various short-lived bands, but his popularity quickly declined. He died in 1932.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Eric
• Borchard
• Jazz
• Ragtime
• Polyphon

[Stompy23]

Thanks ,kspm01 ... OF COURSE it should be WWI ! I have corrected this in my comment. Sorry the error.

[infrogmation]

Yes, the Alcide Nunez influence very obvious here.

[chasamb]

My great uncle Edgar Adeler worked with Eric Borchard in 1926/7. He noticed how many barons, countesses and princes used to turn up at the gigs and asked Eric why this was. Eric replied, "well you see, Edgar, I facilitate their acquisition of cocaine." Eric was very fond of the stuff himself, although his main tipple was morphine. He died young.

[chasamb]

My great uncle Edgar Adeler worked with Eric Borchard in 1926/7. He noticed how many barons, countesses and princes used to turn up at the gigs and asked Eric why this was. Eric replied, "well you see, Edgar, I facilitate their acquisition of cocaine." Eric was very fond of the stuff himself, although his main tipple was morphine.

[Papergei1]

Extra good recording for 1921 - would be really greater still if the 50hz mains hum could be removed. Just a thought.............

[jazzgirl1920s]

I have a book that is very useful in dating and identifying the personnel on German jazz and dance 78 recordings. It is "Die deutsche "78er" Discographie der Hot-Dance-und Jazz-Musik 1903-1958" by Horst H. Lange. This book is a very useful listing of German jazz and dance 78's from 1903-1958. On page 149 of the book this particular 78 is listed as being recorded in Berlin in January, 1921. Thanks for sharing this recording by one of the early historical jazz bands.

[merrihew]

Just came from your 2nd Borchard posting. Amazing that a German could absorb this music so quickly.

[kspm01]

Fascinating rare record! Just one remark :"Shortly after WWII" should be WWI I suppose?