[Dixielandjazz] The Chant

[Bill Haesler]

Dear Steve,
Jelly Roll Morton's Red Hot Peppers recorded version of "The Chant"
(Chicago, 15 Sept 1926) is one of the greatest jazz records ever made.
Yet contrary to common belief, Morton did not compose it.
That honour goes to pianist/arranger Mel Stitzel who composed it in 1926.
Chicago-born (Grove says Germany and brought up in Chicago) where he worked
musically all his life, Stitzel (1902-1952) is best known as a member of the
famous New Orleans Rhythm Kings in 1923.
He had earlier composed (with Art Kassell) another 1926  jazz classic
"Jackass Blues" and was a co-composer of  "Tin Roof Blues" in 1923.
Other compositions include "Doodle Doo, Doo", "Land of Dreams", "I'm Goin'
Home" and "Bittersweet Rag".
"The Chant" was published by the Melrose Bros. Music Company (Morton's
publisher at that time) in Aug 1926, which is why he would have been asked
to record and thereby publicise it.
Other contemporary versions of the tune were recorded in Nov/Dec 1926 by
Fletcher Henderson's Orch, the Original Memphis Five, the Original Indiana
Five and Joe Candello's band, then in 1929 by the Dixie Rhythm Kings.
It lay forgotten until 1937 when Artie Shaw recorded and added it to his
band book.   
I have never seen any references to the origin of its name and, as with many
tune titles, it probably doesn't have one.
The illustration on the original music cover may give a clue.
Audrey Van Dyke, Mike Meddings?
I hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Bill.