[Dixielandjazz] Pee Wee or Benny?

[Stephen G Barbone]

>  "Stan Brager" wrote:
>
> I have a question about the Red Nichols film. The clarinetist looks  
> like
> Benny Goodman with his glasses. The person who uploaded the video  
> insists
> that it's Pee Wee Russell although I don't remember seeing any  
> photos with
> Pee Wee wearing glasses.
>
> Does anyone know for certain?
>
> Thanks;

Dear Stan:

My ears tell me it is indeed Pee Wee. Goiodman dod not, to my  
knowledge play those wavering tones. Occasionally Russell did wear  
glasses. Especially if he had to read a chart. However, he neither  
like to read music, nor wear his glasses. For more than you want to  
know about Pee Wee, see the below website which has some great stories  
about him. If you scroll down about a half inch, there is a picture of  
him in glasses.

http://jazzprofiles.blogspot.com/2009/07/charles-ellsworth-pee-wee-russell-born.html

Cheers,
Steve Barbone