[Dixielandjazz] Re: Quandary...

[Bill Haesler]

Dear Bob,
The other Bob R (the Ringwald - one with the piano) raised a similar query
back in April 2003.
There are three tunes using the 'Alligator' name.
1.  "Alligator Blues (Lagniappe)" composed by cornet player John Hyman
[Johnny Wiggs] and pianist Horace Diaz and recorded by John Hyman's Bayou
Stompers for Victor in New Orleans on 10 March 1927.
This is a fast, 'white dixieland tune' (in the manner of Red Nichols' Five
Pennies). Nothing to do with the others.
2.  "Alligator Crawl" composed in 1927 by Thomas Fats Waller and recorded by
Louis Armstrong and His Hot Seven (10 May 1927); Doc Cook and His 14 Doctors
of Syncopation (11 June 1927); Fess Williams and His Royal Flush orchestra
(15 June 1927); Bob Fuller trio (18 May 1928); Fats Waller (solo 16 Nov
1934) and the Sepia Serenaders (14 Dec 1934).
3.  "Alligator Blues" composed in 1927 by Spencer Williams and recorded by
Helen Humes (accompanied by guitarists Sylvester Weaver and Walter Beasley)
on 27 Nov 1927. Just a (wonderful) basic blues.
The Bay City Jazz Band version from March 1956 is the Waller tune,
notwithstanding that credit on the Good Time Jazz record is given to Spencer
Williams. This one was 'borrowed' from the Lu Watters' chart (captured on 24
Feb 1950 at Hambone Kelly's).
Regards,
Bill.
PS:: By now most of you will have guessed that I have all of the above
records.
PPS: I have been very fortunate to have sat and listened to Ralph Sutton
perform this one on his frequent trips to Oz.
PPS: Me mate Steve Barboni keeps telling us to think outside the square.
Well, all of the above versions of "Alligator Blues" have done just that
with this great Fats Waller tune, particularly the Doc Cook.