No other jazz musicians have captured the hearts and imagination of musicians and jazz fans around the world as those of the Bunk Johnson and George Lewis bands. In the late 1940's, throughout the 50's and up until the present day, aspiring musicians have tried to emulate the playing of these men.
No 3 of my postings, highlights the playing of an underrated trumpet player in the New Orleans tradition viz; Elmer Talbert. When compared to Kid Howard (see my No 2 posting), he had a limited technique with poor range, however, where Kid Howard generated superb climaxes for the band with high notes, Elmer could do the same thing with repetitive phrasing and subtle changes. His bowler work was fine and he drove the band with great intensity. Listen to the final choruses of Ole Miss Rag and Sheik of Araby. The version of Burgundy Street Blues is a very rarely heard rendition with George Lewis playing his most famous tune, but with vocal (spoken) accompaniment. This is beautifully performed by a fairly unknown singer, viz; Monette Moore who started her singing career in 1923 (see early picture). She sang for Walter Page's Blue Devils in 1927/28. This is my favourite version of Burgundy !!
Enjoy
Jazzbobill.