[Dixielandjazz] Great Tuba Recordings

[dhs at ev1.net]

Dear Listers:

While I have no quarrel with Dave Richoux's tuba selections (how does one argue against the likes of Pat Sheridan and Sam Pilafian?), lovers of good brass bass might try some of the following:

For vintage bass lines, try Clinton Walker with King Oliver and his Orchestra 1929-31.  Walker doesn't solo, but plays wonderfully crisp bass lines that make great foundations for the solos by Oliver, Red Allen and Jimmy Archey.   Of the guys from the Twenties and early Thirties, the three I have learned the most from have been Walker and Cyrus St. Clair on tuba and Adrian Rollini on bass sax.

For more modern efforts, listen to Dave Gannett's Tubas From Hell, whimsical stuff with some great tuba playing.
Also take in My Very Good Friend by Marty Erickson with pianist John Sheridan.  It's very relaxed, very musical.  For ferocious tuba and banjo technique, try Unnatural Ax, starring Gil Corella on tuba and Steve DiBonaventura on banjo.  It's not very relaxed, but those guys sure can play!

Enjoy, enjoy!!
Dave Stoddard
tuba and valve trombone
Round Rock, TX