Recorded for Victor Records in New York City on July 15th 1921 with Eubie Blake piano & leader, Billy Hicks, Russell Smith, and Leroy Vanderveer trumpets, Calvin Jones trombone, Bill Johnson clarinet, Sam Yearwood flute, Vess Williams alto sax, Noble Sissle violin, John Ricks tuba, and unknown drums.
*"Bandana Days" was composed by Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake.
The song "Bandana Day" was written for "Shuffle Along" a musical revue featuring a connecting plot about a mayoral race written by Flournoy Miller and Aubrey Lyles. The show was the first majorly successful African American musical, premiering on Broadway at the 63rd Street Music Hall on May 23rd 1921 and closing on July 15th 1922 after 484 performances. It was directed by Walter Brooks, with Eubie Blake playing the piano and a cast that included Lottie Gee, Adelaide Hall, Gertrude Saunders, Roger Matthews, and Noble Sissle. Gertrude Saunders was later to be replaced by Florence Mills. Josephine Baker, who was deemed too young at age fifteen to be in the show, joined the touring company in Boston and then the Broadway cast when she turned sixteen. Singer and dancer Bessie Allison's first professional performance was in "Shuffle Along" and the orchestra included the two great African American composers William Grant Still and Hall Johnson playing violin.
If you enjoy 20sJazz.com, Please Share us with your Friends.
Thanks!
