Gatemouth - Peruna Jazzmen 1988

Gatemouth - Peruna Jazzmen 1988

The story goes that Gatemouth, part of a set of fine sessions, caused a lot of discord in the Armstrong household. Columbia records had approached Louis Armstrong's new wife, pianist Lil, about writing and recording some songs. Louis was not allowed to play on the tracks because at the time he was under contract with Okeh Records. Louis and Lil collaborated on the writing of three of the songs but Louis's place was taken by George Mitchell. Four further songs were released by the same musicians under the name New Orleans Bootblacks.
When the recording was published, only Louis Armstrong's name was printed on the labels, making it seem that he played himself. Louis, who was furious, slapped Lil and accused her of knowing all about the deal and spending his share of the composer's fee.

Gatemouth has been a favourite of many traditional jazz musicians worldwide and I have been playing this tune as well for more than 30 years.

The Peruna Jazzmen start traditionally with two ensemble chorusses, followed by twice the verse and a chorus with clarinet breaks, Then they allow some solos by the individual band members. I was especially intrigued by the wonderful Dodds feeling of clarinettist Claus Forchhammer and the effective Ory approach in the ensembles by leader and trombonist Arne Hoejberg. Of course all the musicians in this band are outstanding in their individual stylistic expressions.

In the band: Michael Zuschlag 1st cornet since 1973, Peter Aller 2nd cornet since 1960, Claus Forchhammer clarinet since 1960, Arne Hoejberg trombone since 1959, Annette Strauss piano since 1974, John Neess banjo since 1975, Mil Schack washboard and drums since 1974 and Lea Hechmann sousaphone since 1960.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• jazz
• classic
• revival
• peruna

[iwasagasman]

Fantastic music........ And the video is in sync too ! Great stuff Arne.

[wolfiejazz]

I have a dream of bringing The Peruna Jazzmen to play in my home town, and sitting in with them for a few numbers. There's no law against fantasy!