[Dixielandjazz] Re: Simultaneous Appearances

[AL LEVY]

Some of my experiences with this topic.
a) The Ink Spots
originally an instrumental trio (bass, guitar and (?) I forgot)
then a corporation - booking agency
Check pictures on the recording - they are almost always different.
Credits on recordings usually Bill Kenny and The Ink Spots. (most of their hits)

Recording dates at Decca had Bill Kenny doing the solos, occasionally another
Black Person doing the low voice talking and a backup vocal group consisting of
a few White Julliard people.

Personal appearances:
I was playing a club in Ridgewood NY with the Ink Spots appearing in the show.
I had the pleasure of working with Bill Henderson as the lead tenor. (Ink Spots)
Eventually wrote some charts for him.
Across the street
Another group was being featured - billed as The Original Ink Spots
A few blocks away - The Famous Ink Spots
and believe it or not - The Fabulous Ink Spots
Three groups in one neighborhood.
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Other similar examples - The King Sisters - La Playa Sextet

Big Bands often hired local talent but took key players with them.
T.D. carried Charlie Shavers + rhythm section and whoever was playing tenor solos
at the time + lead alto.
B.G. did much the same.
Ellington has his side men on an annual salary. Changes made only when needed.
ditto for Basie, Lombardo, Welk and perhaps there were others.

Name Jazz groups
As a rule kept the same personal. Changes made only when needed.
And this was cute!
The Royal Roost (later to become Birdland) featured
The Dizzy Gillespie Jazz Group Feat: Charlie Parker.
following week
The Charlie Parker Jazz Group Feat: Dizzy Gillespie. same personal.

Cheers,
Al
Pianist, Composer, Arranger, Conductor, Teacher and Music Prep.
Please visit me at
http://alevy.com