[Dixielandjazz] Jelly Roll Morton, was NO Wanderers

[Anton Crouch]

Hello all

Ken Mathieson's point about how Jelly Roll Morton arranged his recorded 
performances is a very good one and I can remember reading, some time 
ago, remarks made by Omer Simeon (or was it George Mitchell?) on this 
matter. It seems that JRM scrupulously laid-out the performance on a 
bar-by-bar basis, identifying ensembles, solos and breaks. The form had 
to strictly adhered-to but the detail of the solos and breaks was at the 
discretion of the individual players.

The two takes of /Cannon Ball Blues/ (Chicago, 16 December 1926) 
demonstrate the performance variability that can occur within a 
seemingly very tight structure. The first take swings along nicely and 
lasts 2:50. The second take is much slower (3:30) and has the hint of a 
Habanera rhythm. Entirely different "compositions". There is also a 
memorable difference in George Mitchell's second, brief solo. In the 
first take he blows an astonishing flurry of notes; in the second take 
he articulates. Can any of our DJML trumpeters tell me what is the 
technical term for what Mitchell does in that first take?

All the best,
Anton