Red Allen

136 Pages·2013·52.84 MB·English

DISCOGRAPHY
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1927 - 1970

H E N R Y “ R E D “ A L L E N
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Jan., 7th, 1906 – Apr., 17th , 1967
wikipedia: Red Allen's trumpet style has been said by some critics to be the first to fully
incorporate the innovations of Louis Armstrong and to develop an emphasis on phrasing. Allen's
recordings received much favourable attention. His versatility is shown by his winning of
Down Beat awards in both the traditional jazz and the modern jazz categories.

J.C. HIGGINBOTHAM
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May, 11th , 1906 – May, 26th , 1973

by
Franz Hoffmann
[email protected]
Kortumstr.27, D-44787 Bochum, Germany

1982 / 1994 / reprint 2000/
CD-ROM 2011 incl. The RA-CD/JCH-CD-collection

You can use your PC-search programme
- I I -

INTRODUCTION

This books lists

- all known recordings for commercial record and transcription companies (including unissued titles and
alternate takes) with the original 78" releases. Not mentioned are other 78" & Ep issues and for lack of
place often not single reissues on Lp samplers whereas I tried to listen all known Lp, CD & video issues.
But I fear I am not up to date in the complete US CD/video-field. I let out CD-issues of samplers or when
they do not bring the complete sessions
-
- all known recordings for non-commercial record and transcription companies as AFRS, Music Branch
of Special Services Division (V-Disc) including unissued titles and alternate takes. Especially in the 40's
and early 50´s several club- and concert-jamsessions have been transcribed for broadcasts one or several
weeks and occasionally even years later (a special list is availahle).

- all known taped broadcasts (air-checks and air-shots) of TV and radio shows all known taped soundtracks
from films and telecasts (video-tapes with special marks). For research of more anywhere existing film &
TV stuff ,a special list is available.

- all known taped concerts and other life appearances (unfortunately often only of poor quality but of histo-
rical interest).

- I would like to encourage everybody who is able to make any corrections or addition or remarc, especially
details about engagements in New Orleans, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Boston.

Series of non-commercial RA/JCH-CDs, DVDs of unissued RED ALLEN broadcasts, TVs and
live-concerts , as also Red Allen /J.C.H. as sidemen with sveral other orchestras & bluessingers
RA-CD-1-44 & JCH-CD-1-12 partly with prefixes a,b
Not listed in the disco are burned non-commercial CD-copies - only available for libraries & jazz Institution.
They are from commercial CDs with complete sessions of: The Rhythmakers-1932 (RA-CD-c3);
Fletcher Henderson-33+34 (RA-CD-c4); L.Armstrong Fleischmann hours 1937 (JCH-CD-5b); Red Allen
1929-30 / 1933-44 ; 1957 (RA-CD-c1-c9) ; Kid Ory 1959 (c42-c44); w. Alex Welsh 1967 (RA-CD-c28).

other non-comercial books available in small xeroxeditions :

HENRY”RED”ALLEN COLLECTION – A RED ALLEN BIO DISCO COMPILATION
of engagement dates and all stuff (photos, advertisements, previews, reviews, record reviews, notes out of the press
papers (N.Y.Amsterdam News, N.Y.Age, Pittsburgh Courier, Baltimore Afro Am., Chicago Defender, N.Y.Times)
and nearly all periodicals and jazz magazins. A survey about the world of jazz with his different facettes of music
and styles as also the different & controverse opinions by critics in the publications through the years.

1. part.1a: chapters 1 - 3 (1906-1934), Index in part 1b 196pp, 10 Euro
2. part.1b: chapters 4 - 5 (1934-1940), w.Index for 1a & 1b 196pp, 10 Euro
3. part.2: chapters 6 - 7 (1940-1954), with Index 156pp, 10 Euro
4. part.3: chapters 8 - 10 (1954-1967) with Index 196pp, 10 Euro
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5. RED ALLEN – J.C.Higginbotham DISCO, 1927 – 1968 150pp, 10 Euro
incl.a lot of unissued bcs/TVs/films/concert-tapes; photos, advertisements
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6.. "Jazz Advertised in the US-negro press 1910-67 & New York Times 1922-50" a documentation of about
21.300 advertisements and 3.000 photos (often of poor quality out of old microfilmed papers) on 2.700 pp in
seven volumes plus index-book 30,00 Euro/ 10,00 Euro for the Index .
sample pages look at the end of this booklet

7. “Jazz Reviewed” – Working Book Addition to JAZZ AD. with press clips (*incl.Louis Armstrong 1935-37/40-41)
Vol.1: New England 1910-49 + specials of L.Russell*/ Baron Lee- L.Millinder-E.Hayes; 396 A4pp incl.Index ; 30 Euro
III

Contents

Introduction II
Other available books II

J.C. HIGGINBOTHAM by John Chilton IV
HENRY”RED”ALLEN by John Chilton V

Credits, Instrumental abbreviations VI
Label Abrreviations VII
References VIII

Red Allen research list for unissued broadcasts-transcriptions & recording sessions IX
Red Allen research list for TV-, film-sessions and video-tapes X

DISCO

RED ALLEN with CLARENCE WILLIAMS & King Oliver 1927 1
LUIS RUSSELL ORCHESTRA & first mixed bands 1928-1933 2 - 20
FLETCHER HENDERSON ORCHESTRA 1932-1934 20 - 29
THE MILLS BLUE RHYTHM BAND & pick-up-bands 1934-1937 30 - 43
LOUIS ARMSTRONG & LUIS RUSSELL & Bluesrecords 1937-1940 43 - 60
OWN ORCHESTRA & avantgarde sessions 1940-1947 61 - 76
REVIVAL BANDS 1947-1954 75 - 86
THE METROPOLE ALL STARS 1954-1960 86 - 105
AT FORD JAZZ PARTIES-WNTA-TV 1958 96 - 100
KID ORY on Europa-Tour 1959 101 - 103
OWN QUARTET 1961-1966 106 - 121
UK-LOCAL BANDS on Tours through England 1964/66/67 110 - 120

INDEX 122 - 131

Survey about JAZZ ADVERTISED 1910-1967 132 - 148

Survey about non commercial series RA-CD-1-44 & JCH-CD-1-12
- - IV -

HIGGINBOTHAM, J. C.
(trombone).
Born: Social Circle, near Atlanta, Georgia, 11th May 1906.
Two brothers were also brass players - Higgy's niece is song-writer Irene Higginbotham.
He first played bugle, then his sister bought him his first trombone. Worked in family
restaurant, also played with Neal Montgomery Orchestra (1921) and 'gigged' with pianist
Harvey Quiggs. Moved to Cincinnati to learn tailoring at a training school, left to work as
mechanic at the General Motors factory. Joined Wesley Helvey's (c.1924), led own band,
also `gigged´ with WINGIE CARPENTER. In late 1925 toured with pianist Eugene
Landrum's Jazz Band in the 'Ragtime Steppers' show. In 1926 he was sent for
by WINGIE CARPENTER and joined drummer Eugene Primus Band in Buffalo, New:
York, after seven months he joined another band in Buffalo led by a pianist named Jimmy
Harrison. Whilst on a visit to New York in September 1928 he sat-in at the Savoy
Ballroom with CHICK WEBB and with drummer Willie Lynch's Band, was subsequently
signed by LUIS RUSSELL and remained with RUSSELL until 1931 - during this period
played for two brief spells with CHICK WEBB (no recordings). With FLETCHER
HENDERSON from spring 1932, then with BENNY CARTER in autumn of 1933. Brief
absence from music scene until summer 1934(note: correct until Feb.35), then joined the
Mills Blue Rhythm Band (directed by LUCKY MILLINDER). Left in late. 1936, briefly
with FLETCHER HENDERSON early in 1937, then with LOUIS ARMSTRONG Big
Band - until November 1940. Joined HENRY 'RED' ALLEN Sextet (as co-leader) in
December 1940 and worked regularly with HENRY ALLEN until February 1947 (during
this period appeared with LOUIS ARMSTRONG and. SIDNEY BECHET at a New
Orleans Jazz Foundation Concert in January 1945). During the late 1940s and early 1950s
worked mainly in Boston, occasionally led own band, also featured with JOE THOMAS,
REX STEWART, etc. Worked in Cleveland and Boston in 1955, thenfrom 1956 began
.
regular appearances at Central Plaza, New York, soon moved into The Metropole and
worked there on and off throughout the late 1950s (including several stints with HENRY
ALLEN). Took part in FLETCHER HENDERSON Reunion in 1957, also did extensive
free-lance recordings, to Europe with SAM PRICE in October 1958 (sharing trombone
duties with ELMER CRUMBLEY). During the 1960s has regularly led own band, various
residencies in New York including Freedomland, Room at the Bottom, The Purple Onion,
etc., also played many 'gigs' with trumpeter JOE THOMAS. Was featured at Newport
Jazz Festival in 1963; also played in Scandinavia. In December 1966 he briefly returned
to his home town in Atlanta to record an L.P. Continued to play regularly in the late 1960s.
Spent several months in hospital (1971).
With kind permission from John Chilton: Who's Who of Jazz

1925 Allen-Casimi Jazz Band contract; band included: “Kid-Sony”Allen (c,t) John Casimir (cl) Loochie Jackson (tb)

Leonard Bocage (bj) Albert Glenny/Sanofer Mitchell (b,bb) Johnny Thomas (d) courtesy: Tulane University, New Orleans
- V -

henry red allen
ALLEN, 'Red' Henry James (trumpet/vocals/composer).
Born: New Orleans, Louisiana, 7th January 1908 (but very probably 1906).
Died: New York City, 17th April 1967.
Son of the famous New Orleans Brass Band leader, trumpeter Henry Allen
(1877-1952), Red's uncles, George and Sam, were also parade musicians. Began playing
violin, took a few lessons from Pete Bocage, played alto horn briefly before specialising
on trumpet. Played in his father's band from an early age - received trumpet tuition
from his father and from Manuel Manetta. 'Gigged' with the Excelsior Band (1924),
also 'subbed' in Sam Morgan's Band, co-led band with clarinettist John Casimir (1925),
played regularly in George Lewis' Band and with John Handy at The Entertainers'
Club. Played on the S. S. 'Island Queen' with Sidney Desvignes' Band, returned to
New Orleans, then joined King Oliver in St. Louis (April 1927), then travelled on to
New York 'with Oliver (May 1927) - during first trip to New York made recording
debut with Clarence Williams. Returned to New Orleans (summer 1927), joined
Walter Pichon at the Pelican Cafe. Worked on riverboats with Fate Marable (1928-
29), was then invited to New York to record under own name for Victor, subsequently
joined Luis Russell's Band (summer 1929). Worked mainly with Luis Russell until
late 1932, also briefly with Fletcher Henderson in 1932. With Charlie Johnson's
Band (late 1932-spring 1933), then joined Fletcher Henderson on a regular basis
until November 1934, when he became a member of the Mills Blue Rhythm Band
(directed by Lucky Millinder). Remained with Millinder until February 1937 - during
this period Red 'subbed' in Duke Ellington's Band and worked briefly in the Eddie
Condon - Joe Marsala Band. Prolific free-lance recordings during the late 1920s and
1930s with Fats Waller, Victoria Spivey, Wilton Crawley, Putney Dandridge,
Billie Holiday, etc. With Louis Armstrong's Orchestra from March 1937 until 28th
September 1940. After a vacation in New Orleans, returned to. New York, 'gigged' with
Benny Goodman (late October 1940), then began year's residency with own newly
formed sextet at Famous Door, New York, Red's sextet (featuring J. C. Higginbotham)
played residencies in New York, Chicago, and Boston before playing in California
(February 1943).
Long stint at the Garrick Lounge, Chicago (autumn 1943 to summer 1945), in San
Francisco (August 1945), Onyx, New York (November 1945 to February 1946). For
the next six years the sextet worked mainly in Chicago and Boston, occasional
residencies in California and New York. Red played regularly at the Central Plaza,
New York in 1952 and 1953, appeared occasionally at The Metropole during 1953,
then from spring 1954 until May 1965 was regularly featured at The Metropole, also
toured with own band - including trip to Bermuda - and toured as a soloist. First visit
to Europe in autumn 1959 as a member of Kid Ory's Band, led own sextet/quartet at
The Metropole, The Embers, etc., toured Britain as a soloist in 1963, 1964 and 1966.
Worked at the Blue Spruce Inn, Long Island (June 1965), L'Intrigue Club, New York
(late 1965), Ryan's, New York (1966), etc., was featured at several U.S. Jazz Festivals
in the late 1950s and 1960s. Was taken seriously ill in late 1966, shortly after under-
going an operation Red made his final tour of Britain (February-March 1967). He
returned to New York City, and died of cancer six weeks later.

With kind permission from
John Chilton: Who's Who of Jazz
(Bloomsbury Book Shop)
- VI -

CREDITS

Allen, Dan"W.C." (Can) Goodsell, Syd (UK) Risch, Robert (USA)
Allen, Dick (USA) Griffiths, David (UK) Rose, Boris (USA)
Allen, P.Henry III (USA) Gross, Kennet (USA) Salemann, Dieter (G)
Allen, Pearlie Mae (USA) Gugolz, Daniel (Austria) Schiedt, Duncan ( USA)
Arie, Dr. Michael (Austria) Hägglöf, Gösta (Amb.Rec.Swe) Schlitten, Don (Xanadu-USA)
Armstrong-House, Queens(USA) Hällstrom, Carl (Swe) Schmidt, Rolf (G)
Barker, Danny (USA) Haesler, Bill(Swaggie-Austr.) Schröder, Harry (G)
Bärnheim, Björn (Swe) Herling, Horst (G) Segami, Yasuo (Japan)
Bastide, Michel, MD (F) Higginbotham, Margaret (USA) Selchow, Manfred (G)
Baumeister, Heinz (Fin) Hilbert, Bob (Pumpkin-USA) Shera, Michael (UK)
Bela, Ulrich, MD (Ger) (Higgy-book) Hippenmeyer, Jean R. (Ch) Simmen, Johnny (Ch)
Benandrini, G. (Queen-I) Holmes, Charlie (USA) Singer, Hal (F)
Beranger, Philippe (F) Hustad Thomas (USA) Singleton, Marge (USA)
Borthen, Per (Norge) Inman, Robert (USA) Smith, Hal (USA/UK)
Boughton, Joe (USA) Jenkins, L.C. (M.S.G.-UK) Smith, Keith (Flutegr.-UK)
Bradfield, Bert (F) Johnston, Peter K. )Can) Stumpf, Axel (G)
Brooks, Michael (CBS-USA) Kellam, Colin A. (UK) Tanner, Frank (UK)
Buckley, Ian (UK) Kuhlman, Gus (WCTC-bc, USA) Taylor, James 0. (USA)
Burke, Ed (Fanfare-USA) Knudsen, K.E. (CC-Rec.Dan) Terjanian, Leon (F)
Cantor, Mark (USA) Kumm, Robert (USA) Teubig, Klaus (G)
Carr, Peter (UK) Lasker, Steven (USA) Trolle, Frank (USA)
Chertok, David (USA) Lefevre, Claude (F) Tulane University-(USA)
Chilton, John (UK) Lucie, Lawrence (USA) Valburn, Jerry (JA/Meritt-USA)
Clayton, Buck (USA) Mackenzie, Harry (UK) Vinding, Terkild MD (USA)
Clement, John (USA) MacKinney, Jack (USA) Vinding, Jens MD, (USA)
Cole, 'Dr."Cozy" (USA) Mall, Thomas (G) Voce, Steve (UK)
Collier, James L. (USA) Marschall, Frank (G) Vollmer, Al MD (USA)
Coller, Derek (UK) Metzger, David"Red"(USA) Von Rijn, Guido (NL)
Coverdale, Bill (UK) Mikell, Gene (USA) Warner, Will (USA)
Crump, Charlie (UK) Mohaupt, Wolfgang (G) Weir, Bob (UK)
Daubresse, Jean Pierre (F) Nowakowski, Dr.Konrad(A) Wessells, Robert (USA)
Driggs, Frank (USA) Neuert, Dr.Ulrich (G) Wethington, Crawford (USA)
Elleson, George H. (UK) Parth, Johnny (Austria) Willems, Jos (Satchmo) (NL)
Esposito, Bill (USA) Peerless Brian (UK) Williams, Johnny (USA)
Evensmo, Jan (Norge) Polomsky, Lothar (G) Williams, Martin (USA)
Fell, John (USA) Porter, Bob (Savoy/Phoenix) Williams, Mary Lou (USA)
Flakser, Harold (RRA-USA) Rau, Karl B. (G) Wilson, George (USA)
Flückinger, Otto (Ch) Riccardo, Ricky (US) Zeiger, Les (USA)
Friedwald, Herb & Will (USA) Richards, Trevor (G/UK Zwicky, Theo (IRC-Ch)
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ABBREVIATIONS
Instrumental abbreviations
a/arr arranger cond conductor org organ
acc accompanied by comp composer p piano
as alto saxophone d drums ss soprano saxophone
b string bass dir director t trumpet
bb tuba el-g electro-guitar tb trombone
bs bass saxophone fl flute ts tenor saxophone
bars baritone saxophone fh french horn v vocal
bj banjo g guitar valve-t valve trumpet
c cornet ld band leader vib vibraphone
cel celeste mc master of ceremonies vln violine
cl clarinet narr narrator wb washboard

for many performances there are solo-routines with following abbreviations:
-ann = announcement ,b = bars ; brk = break ; brd = bridge ; ens = ensemble work ; intro = introduction;
-in ens = the musician is clearly audible; growl = growl-t / mute = muted trumpet or muted trombone;

-(obligato work) indicates that the musician is improvising behind a vocalist; e.g: -vRA (ens-Higginbotham) 20b-
means 20 bars vocal by Red Allen with obligato work first by the ensemble then by Higginbotham
- VII -

Label Abbreviations
JazzologyJCD Jazzology JCD (USA)
ABS-LP CBS-Records JSP-CD JSP-CD-Rec.(UK)
Aff. Affinity-CD (IJK.) Jub. AFRS-Jubilee Records
AFRS Armed Forces Radio Service King AKWA King AKWA Rec. (G)
AM-Lp/CD American Music (USA) K.J. King Jazz KJCD-FS (I)
Ambas.CLA Ambassador-CD(Swe) Landsc. Landscape Rec.LSCD(
Antip Antipodisc Australia Largo Largo Rec.CD (G)
AofH Ace Of Hearts LeJ LeJazz CD (F)
A.o.J. Archives Of Jazz(Du) Lon London
ASV-CDAJA ASV-Living ERA LVA LVA-Records
ARCD Arbors (USA) Mainstr Mainstream
ASV ASV-CD (UK) MCA Decca Group
Atl Atlantic MCD Moon MCD (UK)
Me Br.Melotone 78"
BDCD Bandstand CD (USA)
MJCD Media 7 Masters o.J.(F)
Ban Banner (78")
MemMJCD Memoir Records CD
BB RCA-Bluebird
Mid.CD Midget Rec.CD
BBC BBC-Enterprises (UK)
Mil.CD Milan Rec. CD (F)
B.of J. Best of Jazz CD (F)
MGM Metro Goldwyn Mayer
B & W Black and White
BMCD Blue Moon CD MosaicLp/CD Mosaic Rec. (USA)
BN Blue Note MusMem-CD Music Memoria
Br Brunswick NAT National
Cam Camden-RCA NoJ-No. Notes on Jazz (USA)
Cap Capitol Obj.JD Object Rec.CD
CBS Columbia Broadc.Systems Od Odeon
CC/ColClas Collectors Classics OFC Only for Collectors
Charl.CDAFS Charly Rec. (UK) OK Okeh (78")
CDS Rec. CDS-Records-CD (UK) Parl Parlophone
Class. Classics-CD (F) Per Perfect
Phoenix-LP Phoenix (USA)
Clif.CARCD Clifford
Phon Phonstatic
Coll´s Collector´s
Coll´s Must Collector´s Must Phi Philips
Co/Col Columbia 78"/Lp PhonCD Phonstatic Rec.CD(Swe)
Com-LP/CMD Commodore Prest Prestige
Cor MCA-Coral Pump-Lp Pumpkin (USA)
CurcioG.del J. Curcio Giganti del Jazz(I) Queen Queen-Lps (It)
De/Dec Decca 78"/LP Rar Rarities
Dej.Rec. Dejavu Records-CD(It) Raret Raretone
DOCD Document Rec.CD(Austria) RCA RCA Victor
Epic Epic Records Lp/CD(USA) RST-JPCD RST-J.Perspectives(A)
Esq Esquire RTR-Lp/CD Retrieval RTR (UK)
EvB Everybody Lp/CD (Swe) Riv Riverside
Fam Family (Italy) Roul Roulette
FlapPAST-CD FLAPPER-CD RST-JPCD RST-Records (Austria)
Frem. Fremeaux Rec. CD(F) Sony-WNR Sony-Video-Wienerworld
Fon Fontana Story-CD Story of Blues (Austria)
Gen General StoryvSTCD Storyville Rec.(Dan)
G.o.J. Giants of Jazz CD(I) SZCD Suisa Records (I)
GRP-CD GRP-CD-Records Swag Swaggie (Australia)
Hal. Halcyon CD (UK) Swingf Swingfan
Har Harmony Swingv Swingville
HEP HEP-Records Lp/CD(UK) Tax Tax Records Lp/CD(Swe)
Hist Historia TL Time Life Records
HistRec Historical Records TICBCD Timeless CD (Du)
HMV His Masters Voice TOM The Old Master
H&R Hot & Rare CD (F) TPZ CD Topaz Records (GB)
HRS Hot Record Society Var Varsity
Jass Jass Lp/Cas./CD (USA) VidSoundie Video-Soundie
JazzAnth Jazz Anthology Vid.VVD Video Storyville(Dan)
JA/JazzArch Jazz Archives(USA) VidJazz VidJazz Video
JazzArch.CD Jazz Archives(F) Vg Vogue
J.Averty Jazz Averty Video Vi/Vic Victor 78"/LP
JazzCr.JCCD Jazz Crusade (USA) Vo Vocalion 78"
JazzDoc Jazz Document (Sweden) VOA Voice Of America
JazzPan Jazz Panorama VJM Vintage Jazz Music
JazzRec Jazz Records CD (USA) VJC-CD/vid. Vintage Jazz Classics(USA)
JazzSoc Jazz Society VSP VSP-Verve
Jazztime Jazztime Records CD(USA) WR World Records (CD)
Jazzt Jazztone WRC World Record Club (UK)
XTRA XTRA = RCA
Nationality Of Labels:
A Austria Ch Swiss F France J Japan
Aus Australia Du Netherlands G Germany S Sweden
Arg Argentinia Eu European Continent I Italy UK Great Britain
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- VIII -

REFERENCES

discos & books: press papers 1910-1967
Brian Rust: Jazz Records 1897-1942 BAA=Baltimore Afro American(weekly)
Codrich & Dixon: Blues & Gospel Records CD= Chicago Defender (weekly)
Grunnet Jepsen: Jazz Records 1942-1962 LAT=Los Angeles Times (daily)
Walter C.Allen: Hendersonia NYA=New York Age Defender (weekly)
Tom Bethell: Ceorge Lewis NYAN=New York Amsterdam News (weekly)
Egino Biagioni: Herb Flemming NYT=New York Times (daily)
J. Chilton: Who´s Who Of Jazz / S.Bechet PC =Pittsburgh Courier (weekly)
Eddie Condon: Scrapbook of Jazz VV = New York Village VOICE (weekly)

Driggs & Lewine: Black Beauty,White Heat
record-magazins:
Jan Evensmo: Solography-series
Micrography (Dick Backer-NL)
William Gottlieb: Golden Age Of Jazz
Collector´s Items (John Holley)
Tom Lord: Clarence Williams
Meritt Society (Jerry Valburn)
Albert McCarthy: Big Band Jazz
David Meeker: Jazz In The Moovies jazz magazines:
M.Selchow & K.Lohmann: Edmond Hall Down Beat;; Bulletin DHCDF; Jazz Information
Dr.Klaus Stratemann: Negro Bands On Film Jazz Beat; Jazz Hot (Delauney); J. Journal Intern;
dito: Duke Ellington-day by day,film by film Jazz ; Jazz Monthly.; Jazz Records (Art Hodes);
Ken Vail: The Life Of Billie Holiday Melody Maker (M.Jones); orkestra journalien;
Bozy White: Eddie Condon Town Hall Conc. Storyville (Laurie Wright, J.R.T.Davies, How.Rye);

sample source for the RED ALLEN DISCO

HENRY ALLEN by Alun Morgan-Jazz Monthly 11/66 issued on Okeh 8799- in Oct.1930 and yet again as New
IN THE COURSE OF working with Henry "Red" Allen dead cat on the line (Bluebird B-5627) in August 1934.
on an autobiographical volume, the Editor took the op- The latter, according to Blues and Gospel Records, was
portunity of raising a number of discographical points. recorded in Atlanta. Any readers having Okeh 8799 or
Henry Allen has an unusually retentive memory and Bluebird B-5627 might check as to whether a trumpet is
was able to clear up many outstanding matters. present and we would welcome information on this.
In the Walter Allen-Brian Rust King Oliver discography Allen made numerous records under his own name
(Sidgwick and Jackson edition-page 110) it is suggested and cleared up various doubtful points. On the Allen-
that Allen might have beeen present on an Oliver date of Hawkins Someday sweetheart and I wish I could
July 8th, 1927 wlich produced an unissued version of shimmy like my sister Kate, issued on Pirate MPC513,
Aunt Jemina. Allen states quite categorically that he was he lists the unknown guitarist, bassist and drummer as
not on this session and that he did not record with Lawrence Lucie, John Kirby and Walter Johnson
Oliver prior to January 1930. His first session was that respectively.For the session of August 31, 1936, titles
of January 28, 1930, for Victor, and he agrees with the being Darling, not without you / Out where the blues
personnel given in the Allen-Rust book (page 155) begins (Vocalion 3305) and I´ll sing a thousand love
except that he says there were only three saxes and not songs / Picture me without you (Vocalion 3306), he says
four. He gives the third “unknown” sax as Walter that the disco-graphies are wrong in giving Ted McRae
Wheeler (ten). For the session of April 10, 1930 that on tenor as the musician was in fact Cecil Scott. For the
produced Edna, Boogie woogie and Mule face blues session of No-vember 17, 1936-Did you mean it?/ In the
(Allen-Rust pages 158-9) he again agrees with the listed chapel in the moonlight (Vocalion 3377) and Here´s
personnel but says that the pianist was definitely love in your eyes / When my dreamboat comes home
Norman Lester. For the September 10, 1930 session that (Vocalion 3389)- he says that the personnel is as for the
produced Shake it and break it and Stingaree blues he October 12 session except that Cecil Scott replaces Ted
claims that Arthur Taylor is the banjoist while the un- McRae. To the pub-lished personnels of the December
known tuba player is Lawson Buford, but says that 29, 1936 sessions he adds John Williams (bs) and
Bubber Miley was on trumpet along with himself and Alphonse Steele (d), while he confirms that Bingie
Oliver. He can recall little on the September 12, 1930 Madison and Paul Barbarin were definitely present in
date (Allen-Rust page 162) but thinks that vocalist the session of June 19,1937.
George Bias was the leader. Finally, Henry Allen mentioned that he had never recor-
Henry Allen is insistent that he made a number of ded with Haven Johnson(see below) but in referring to a
titles with the Rev. J.M.Gates and recalls Dead Cat on Putney Dandridge session of August2, 1935, the titles
the line as one of the titles. He says that the session was being I´m in the mood for love / That´s what you think
for Victor and that it took place in New York City. The (Vocalion 3007), Isn´t this a lovely day / Cheek to cheek
title was first recorded in Atlanta on March 18, 1929 (Vocalion 3006) and Shine (Vocalion 3024), said that
and was issued on Okeh 8684, but despite a note to the Buster Bailey was on other titles than Shine and that on
effect that he was present, in Blues and Gospel Records Isn´t this a lovely day he took a solo on alto sax. Henry
1902-1942 no trumpet can be heard. The title was Allen told the editor that when he recently mentioned
recorded again by Gates inNew York City – as Dead cat this to Bailey the latter denied knowledge of it but is
on the line No.2, absolutely certain that he (Allen) is right.
- IX -

RED ALLEN TAPE RESEARCH LIST for transcribed broadcasts and unknown recording sessions

I would like to encourage everybody who is able to make any correction or addition (see also in several cases my
remarks for wants of detailed information or for audio- or video cassettes) to contact the author, address given on page-l.

5/7/37, Fri., Chic., NBC- “FLEISCHMANN YEAST SHOW”- unissued transcriptions from THE LOUIS ARMSTRONG HOUSE
TIGER RAG -washboard and tub by the Two Zephyrs acc.by Luis Russell´s Band remained unissued
5/21/37, Fri. WAITING FOR THE SUNRISE -dance Billy Adams acc.by orch. remained unissued because without Armstrong solo
BOO HOO -v Bobbie Caston acc.by band.perhaps short Red Allen obbligato remained unissued for without Armstrong
5/28/37, Fri., I’LL GET EVEN WITH YOU -v Edith Wilson acc. by orch.. remained unissued said because without Armstrong
4/10/38 Sun. NYC.,Rockland Pal.- ? date WNEW-bc: M.Block´s Sun.Swing: L.Armstrong & L.Russell O./H.L.Page/Fats Waller
4/29/38 poss. WNEW-bc – Rockl.Pal.- M.Block “Charity Ball” – L.Armstrong & L.Russell Orch. /
9/1/38 ….-bc – Randall´s Island –“Bandfest” – several bands incl. full Luis Russell Band / Count Basie ; John Kirby; etc.
4 rec.Village Vanguard Sessions rec. by Ralph Berton for WNYC: 12/29/40 & 1/5/ & 1/12/41 Higginbotham, Lester Young;
1/19/41 R.Allen, Higginbotham, Ed Hall, Ken Kersey, B.Taylor, J.Hoskins & Dolly Arminra, Benny Carter: ?details?
2/10/41 NYC. Renaissance Ballroom transcriptions for later broadcasts in St.Louis & New Orleans: “FATE MARABLE
BENEFIT”: Red Allen, Frankie Newton(t) Nat Story(tb) Rod Cless(cl) H.Cauldwell(ts) Joe Sullivan(p) Al Morgan(b)
Zutty Singleton(d) Half Pint Jaxon(v) etc. ( Singleton confirmed that his family heard that bc weeks later in St.Louis)
4/23/41 Carnegie Hall –“Café Society Concert” part-8 Red Allen Band: K.K.Boogie / Ride Red Ride / prob.on Notes On Jazz
(as “Digga, Digga Do” on No.17cut 5 and part-9 JAM SESSION on No.15cut 2&3)
4 Eddie Condon Town Hall Concerts rec.by John Halpern, Rockefeller Com.: 2/21/42 Higgy, S.Bechet, P.W.Russell, &
3/742 w.Red Allen, P.W.Russell, Ed Hall;: SHE HOLLERED / I SMELL SOMETHING COOKIN´;
3/21/42 Higginbotham, Hot Lips Page ; 4/4/42 Red Allen,H.L.Page, P.W.Russell, Billie Holiday
prob.3/ /43 L.A.Club 331; dubbed 3/22/43 AFRS-Jubilee No.17 part-1: Red Allen Band; Art Tatum, Slam Stewart;
late June-late July 44 1:30 am WBBM-bc. Chic. Downbeat room, Garrick : Red Allen band vs. Stuff Smith Trio
8/1/44 1:30 WBBM-Chic. same place Red Allen band: Get The Mop /Pomona/ Sunnyside / St.James/ Crawl ?better tape qualityd
12/24/44, WBBM-bc , same place Red Allen band
2/23/46 NYC. TOWN HALL-“Jazz Calvacade” byBob Streeter & Sam Poley: Red Allen Band; Art Hodes band; W.B.Davison;
Stuyvesant Group incl. Al Nicholas, Pops Foster; Wellman Braud, Sidney Bechet, Tony Parenti, Danny Alvin
3/16/46 NYC. TOWN HALL “Jazz Calvacade”: Red Allen-Higginbotham-Band
4/28/46 Club Sudan; accetates for later on WOV-Fred Robbins´1280 club -JAM SESSION: Red Allen, J.C.Higginbotham,
Dexter Gordon, Earl Bostic, Derryck Sampson, Junior Raglin, Sid Catlett, Stuff Smith; unknown debut Sextet;
5/12/46 Club Sudan; accetates for WOR-Allen Courtney´s Sat.afternoon Record Carnival-JAM SESSION: Red Allen, Earl
Bostic, Paul Bascomb, Eddie South, Johnny Levy, Dan Burley and some others
3/15/47 Carnegie Hall– POLL WINNERS CONCERT transcribed for the air: also the part with ALLEN-HIGGINBOTHAM
5/4/47 NBC/WBBM-bc Civic Opera House, Chic., “Cavalcade Of Jazz”: H.L.Page, Red Allen, Red Rodney(t) Jack Teagarden,
Higginbotham (tb) Georgie Auld, Morris Lane (ts) Freddie Washington (p) Eddie Durham (g,tb) Flat Top Wilson (b)
George Jenkins (d) Dinah Washington(v)
8/1-4/47 NYC., Apollo Theatre – WMCA-bc – Red Allen Orch., Eddie Rochester, 4 Vagabonds, 3 Brown Buddies
between 1947-ca.1951 , Chic., …..-bc “JIM AMECHE SHOW” feat. Red Allen Band
between 1946-ca.1952 , Minneapolis, …..-bc “STAIRWAYS TO THE STARS” feat. Red Allen Band
between 1950-ca.1954, unknown loc., ….-TV with cinema & music critic ROBERT SYLVESTER: feat. Red Allen
Jan. – 6/30/51 NYC., several …..-bc Lou Terrasi´s Hickory Log : Red Allen, R.Moore, B.Bailey, K.Kersey, J.Kirby, A.Herbert
4/ /49 or `55, Sun., 5-11 pm. WMGM-bc., “JAZZ AT HIS BEST” from Mike & Dave´s New Colonial Room: Red Allen Band
1950 & again July/Aug.`51 New Orleans WDSU-bc : GEORGE LEWIS-RED ALLEN REUNION
6/30-7/15/51 San Francisco-Hangover Club, unknown date of reported ……-bc Red Allen Band:
8/late/52 Chic., recording session-unknown label – Red Allen Skinny Brown, Ken Kersey, Lloyd Trotman, Sonny Greer
mid.Nov.54 NYC, Stuyvesant Casino - ….-bc 8:00 pm. – HOT LIPS PAGE MEMORIAL prom.Bob Maltz: Red Allen & others
11/22/54 Central plaza ….-bc – 2nd HOT LIPS PAGE BENEFIT CONCERT prom Jack Crystall: Red Allen among others
4/2-3/55 NYC., Carnegie Hall – CHARLIE PARKER MEMORIAL – 3:20-3:40 JAM SESSION FOR BIRD: Red Allen, Dizzy
Gillespie, Charlie Shavers, Kai Winding, J.J.Johnson, Buster Bailey, Tony Scott, Gerry Mulligan, Julius Watkins,
Thelonious Monk, Charlie Mingus, Teddy Charles (taped by N.Granz but without permission for release)
11/25/56 Central Plaza …..-bc WILLIE THE LION SMITH CONCERT transcriptions incl. Red Allen were made for bc
2/1/58 Sat. NYC., Carn.Hall 8:30-12:00 pm “DODY IN DIXIELAND” recorded; part-2 &3 were issued on Coral/Roul.;
part-4 Red Allen Metropole All Stars remained unissued / part-5 R.Eldridge / -6 Ch.Shavers / -7 B.Hackett
7/5/59 NPT. Jazz Festival, RED"ALLEN ALL STARS & JACK TEAGARDEN: YELLOW DOG BLUES (wanted)
wanted in better audio-quality: 7:53 I FOUND A NEW BABY / 4:03 BUGLE CALL RAG -
7/3/60 Sun. Newport-Fest , WCTC-bc RED ALLEN ALL STARS: details unknown
11/61/60 NYC., studio recording „ALLEN PLAYS OLIVER”: three unknown sides remained unissued on Verve
between 1/8-27/63 Chic., London House, 3/15/63 WBBM-ONS-5828: 30min. session RED ALLEN QUARTET details unknown
1/14/63 Chic. WBBM-bc-“HERB LYON SHOW”- Red Allen Quartet: ………./ Cherry / ………../
7/20/64 NYC., Carnegie Hall -"SALUTE TO EDDIE CONDON"- telerec.by Charles Arden for Chandell Prod./WABC-TV;
a poor tape fragment broadcasted 7/20/65 found by the late Bob Hilbert is lost; incl. I AIN´T GOT NOBODY w.Red Allen
9/19/65 Monterey VoA… “Trumpet Kings” I look for a better tape quality: Dizzy; Terry, Rex, Red Allen 30 min.