[Dixielandjazz] "King Oliver" book

[Bill Haesler]

Dear Glen, Bob and other listmates who have a passion for discography and musical mysteries.
Ah memories.
As a young teenage jazz record collector, I started corresponding with Walter C Allen, John RT Davies and Laurie Wright, among others.
I still have my numbered copy of Walt's King Oliver manuscript, circulated for comment.
Also, naturally, a copy of the Laurie Wright Oliver book. 
Way back then we fiercely debated the Oliver/Dorsey argument based on the 78 records, using our ears and very little record company file information.
And now, thanks to my friend, Christopher Cook, we are at it again.
8>)
However, regarding Glen Page's comment:
> Clarence Williams himself was positive that it was Oliver on cornet and as Clarence put the group together and played on it he should
> know.This was reported in detail in the 1987 book and I am quite happy to accept this fact as well as the opinions of the other experts as given by
> Bob Smith.
On page 118 of Laurie's book regarding the 1 May 1929 session by Blind Willie' Dunn's Gin Bottle Four, (Jet Black Blues and Blue Blood Blues with composer credit to 'Johnson') he mentions that Clarence Williams was positive that it was not one of his own dates, and that he was not the pianist...but agreed with Ralph Venables aural identification of Oliver.
This was later confirmed to Walt Allen by Clarence Williams in March 1950.
Yet Laurie Wright lists TD as a probable.
And I have always agreed, as it doesn't have the distinctive Oliver phrasing.
And comparison with the known TD trumpet playing at that time.
Eddie Lang appears to have been the leader contractor for the date. And was at the time working with the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra.
Comparison with the Clarence Williams & His Novelty Four record (which does include King Oliver, Eddie Lang and Clarence Williams) made on 23 November 1928 for Okeh is also recommended. The tunes are "In The Bottle Blues" (Williams-Lang) and "What Do You Want Me To Do?" (Williams-Oliver).
Refer also to pages 265-66 of Tom Lord's 1976 Clarence Williams book for more comments (not the Tom Lord who publishes The Jazz Discography who now accepts the Mosaic Venuti-Lang liner notes personnel).  
For DJMLERs who have made it this far, the music can be heard on YouTube.

Jet Black Blues
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWI-8FssvtQ

Blue Blood Blues
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_zC2PKiE54

In The Bottle Blues
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIs_eR735V4

What Do You Want Me To Do
Still searching for an mp3 or YouTube example of this one for you all.

Oh, how I miss the Red Hot Jazz site.
But give a gratefully thanks to all those who are uploading so many rare items to YouTube for our enjoyment.

I've just checked the Mosaic 'Joe Venuti and Eddie Lang Sessions' booklet notes.
'Mog' doesn't add much to the argument other than to say that it sounds like TD.
Very kind regards,
Bill.