[Dixielandjazz] "Skip the Gutter"

[Bill Haesler]

Earlier this week Craig I. Johnson wrote [in part]:
> As to "Skip the Gutter" it was written by Spencer Williams
> according to redhotjazz.com, tho attributed to Otis Rene' 
> elsewhere..............................
> I haven't checked to see if anyone else recorded it in a less 
> "soloist" style.

Dear Craig.
Your last comment first.
All recorded versions I know of, apart from the original 
Armstrong/Hines recording on Okeh from 27 June 1928, are post WWII 
renditions.  And we know which version inspired these.
8>)
However, the Otis René authorship intrigues me.
Where did that come from?
The Okeh record and ASCAP list Spencer Williams as composer of "Skip 
The Gutter".
Otis J René Jr. (b, New Orleans 1898) and his brother Leon T René (b. 
Covington LA 1902) immortalised themselves as the composers (with 
Clarence Muse) of "When It's Sleepy Time Down South".
Although, this wasn't just a one-hit wonder.
They were prolific composers and continued to write jointly well into 
the 1940s. Both were ASCAP members. But "Skip The Gutter" does not 
appear in the ASCAP tune listings for either of the Renés.
Otis and Leon René also wrote another Armstrong favourite "That's My 
Home" in cooperation with Ben Ellison.
Warren Vaché Sr's fine book 'The Unsung Songwriters' has an interesting 
page and a half on the René team.
Kind regards,
Bill.
PS: I just did a quick internet search and came up with an 'Index of 
Compositions Performed by Hobart Dotson' which includes "Skip The 
Gutter" with composer credit to Otis René.
Was this your information source?
Trumpet man Hobart Dotson played and recorded with trumpet playing 
bandleader Gerald Wilson in 1945.
The sessions are on a French Classics CD 976.
One of the sessions includes "Skip The Gutter" along with "I Gotta 
Right to Sing the Blues" and "I'll String Along With You", so it MAY be 
our OUR Louis' tune incorrectly credited.
Over to those on the list less mouldy than me who may have the Classics 
CD.
Bill.