[Dixielandjazz] soprano fun

[ROBERT R. CALDER]

It is a little known fact -- it's true -- that Doc Cheatham not only played soprano, he recorded on the instrument.. The recording was unfortunate, he said matter-of-factly -- and there should be a copy somewhere in BBC archives of the interview -- because of tuning problems.  The tuning problems were caused by the band also including a "musical saw".  The saw is uncredited on this date from August 1926, though the banjoist might be one Rip Bassett.  The personnel listing doesn't go into sufficient detail to tell one whether Albert Wynn's trombone -- if it was his -- was of the valve or slide variety. One can only hope slide (which I gather Mr. Wynn preferred anyway).  Doc  did at least confirm  his own presence.  The session was under the name of  Ma Rainey.   I am sure that no bandleader associated with this site would make the mistake of teaming a  "musical saw" and a soprano saxophone in a recording ensemble.  


       
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