[Dixielandjazz] Definitive "Panama" record?

[Bill Haesler]

dwlit at cpcug.org asked:
  What is the "definitive" recording of "Panama"
> for someone who wants to learn the complete tune from a record, rather
> than from music.......

Dear Sheik,
My advice to anyone wishing to learn any tune is to ALWAYS go to the  
source recording, or those closest to it.
In the case of "Panama" (1912. William H. Tyers) check out the  
following band versions:

Friars Society Orchestra		30 August 1922
Johnny De Droit			15 March 1924
Henry Halstead				19 June 1924
Dixie Stompers (F. Henderson)	22 Dec 1925
Red Nichols				29 May 1925
Luis Russell				5 Sept 1930

All can be heard on Scott Alexander's indispensable Red Hot Jazz  
Archive site
   redhotjazz.com
And don't take any notice of Jack Mitchell.
He only collects Wild Bill Davison records.
(Just kidding.)
Me ole mate, Jack, is Australia's most eminent discographer.
Very kind regards,
Bill.