|
**Context**
The Original
Wolverines Classic Jazz Orchestra
Best of – Vol. 01
This compilation was inspired by highly valued band member Dave Sletten. Dave
was an original founding member and was a faithful supporter of my Classic Jazz philosophy. These tracks are from the early
original WCJO days, but Dave was also involved in my partnership band and septet of the early 1980’s and a key player
in the ACJO 20th Anniversary Concerts of 1993 at Bandana Square, St. Paul, MN.
By 1999, Dave had been diagnosed with melanoma cancer. At one point, it seemed to be in remission but came charging back
and took his life in 2000 at the age of 45. This was a great loss, to be sure.
Before Dave’s energy was completely sapped, he worked hard at editing old band tapes and composed a detailed essay
on the history of the original WCJO (this can be found on the Internet at https://tedeboy.tripod.com/id40.html). I was living
in Washington, DC then and Dave sent me two important items: 01) the complete printed History of the WCJO (30 some pages);
and 02) a CD of 15 raw tracks from old WCJO tapes. I was blown away by the CD because I had not yet been computerized and
it’s something I always wanted to compile. Dave inspired me to get a computer, get online and join the world community.
Once on the Internet, I went to Dave’s personal website and was mightily impressed. All these things led to what I have
today: 28 Ted-related websites and a host of archival CDs and DVDs.
This "Best Of – Vol. 1" list is culled from Dave’s 15 raw tracks.
The first two tracks I’ve added from our first LP. The rest are from Dave’s compilation.
Of Special Note are the tracks with Special Guest, trumpet ace Jabbo Smith. Dave Sletten was also instrumental in getting
Jabbo to come to St. Paul and play with us at the Commodore Hotel (a regular gig for us). The Jabbo Smith story has many facets
to it, but suffice it to say we had Living History in our midst—Jabbo was the chief rival of Louis Armstrong in the
1920’s. You can hear Jabbo on: "Minor Drag"; "San"; "You Ain’t The One" and "Charleston Is The Best Dance" (where
he played valve trombone).
One night, the President of the U of MN, Malcolm Moos, came to our presentation with his wife and daughter. He found chairs
for the other two, but the place was packed so he sat on the floor in front of the dance floor. I offered to find him a chair
and he said," No, I’m fine right here. I’m just a frustrated trumpet player and I’m having a ball!"
Ted Unseth and
the
Americana Classic Jazz Orchestra
present
The
Best
Of The Early Wolverines CJO:
1973-1979 -Album 1-
1. Mississippi Mud 1927
Paul Whiteman
Orchestra
(Becky Riemer, vocals)
2. Misery Blues 1926
Ma Rainey
(Becky Riemer, vocals)
3. Bugle Call Rag 1928
Cab Calloway
Orchestra
(Joe Demko, vocals)
4. Tozo 1927
Fletcher
Henderson Orchestra
5. Hop Off 1927 **
Fletcher
Henderson Orchestra
6. Minor Drag 1930
**
Fats Waller Orchestra
7. King San Of
Boomelay
1929 **
Jimmie Noone
Apex Club
Orchestra
8. Wringin’
and a’Twistin’ Blues 1927
Ma Rainey
(Joan Gudmestad, vocals)
9. Here Comes My
Ball And Chain
1928
Coon/Sanders
Nighthawks
(Joe Demko, vocals)
10. Some Of These Days 1930
Cab Calloway
Orchestra
(Joe Demko, vocals)
11. You Ain’t The One 1929 **
Charlie
Johnson’s Paradise Ten
(Michelle Peterson, vocals)
12. Charleston Is The Best Dance After All **
Charlie Johnson’s Paradise Ten 1929
13. One
O’clock Leap
(Pastiche)
(Ted Unseth, piano; Joe Demko, bass)
** Special Guest: Legendary ‘Jabbo’ Smith;
69 years old; Trumpet
and Valve Trombone
|
