[Dixielandjazz] RE: Italians invented Jazz

[Tito Martino]

Sue remarked in a private mail:
<<<And don't forget Charlie Cordilla -- I just went to a Mardi Gras
party with two of his nephews.  One is the head of an Italian benevolent
society and librarian at the Italian-American Foundation....>>>>

SueWell remarked, Sue.  Let’s wish they keep the record of stories,
memorabilia, pictures of that times and let other people know about
their uncle’s deeds and glories.
Charlie Cordilla, was a member of the Halfway House Orchestra along with
another fine clarinetist and saxophonist, Leon Roppolo. The orchestra,
which was led by cornetist Alfred "Abbie" Brunies and included his
brother, trombonist George, made more than 20 recordings between 1925
and 1928. These are still available on records and CDs. The band's
specialty was "hot" jazz, and they played tunes like "Pussy Cat Rag,"
"New Orleans Shuffle," and "Barataria."
The band broke up, and the club that had opened in 1915 closed around
1930. Shortly thereafter, the building became an ice cream parlor.
Because of its ideal location -- on the streetcar line half-way out to
West End -- the building remained a local favorite. There are still many
old geezers who remember going to the parlor and getting a double dip of
ice cream for a nickel.
Leon Roppolo, who died at age 41 in 1943, is buried across the street in
Greenwood Cemetery. Like the great Buddy Bolden, he spent the last years
of his life in a hospital for the mentally ill. The Halfway House is
visible from his grave.

Tito

Tito Martino Jazz Band
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