\"JAZZNOCRACY\"
Jimmie Lunceford and his Orchestra
Recorded; New York, January 26, 1934
Composed and arranged by Will Hudson
Personnel:
Jimmie Lunceford - director
Eddie Tompkins, Tommy Stevenson, William \"Sleepy\" Sy Oliver - trumpets
Henry Wells, Russell Bowles - Trombones
Willie Smith, Earl Carruthers - clarinet, alto sax, baritone sax
Joe Thomas - clarinet, tenor sax
Edwin Wilcox - piano
Al Norris - guitar
Moses Allen - tuba
Jimmy Crawford - drums
Jimmie Lunceford (1902 - 1947) was the leader of this influential hot band of the 30s and 40s. It featured two-beat rhythm and a flowing, wide-voiced sax section, biting brass, often upper register. Relaxed, lightly swinging yet powerful style. He grew up in Denver, learned many instruments. Played alto sax in local theater in 1922. Attended Fisk University. Studied there with Wilbur Sweatman and Elmer Snowden. Beginning 1926 taught music in a Memphis high school. Formed his own band during the summer and began full-time in 1929. Early engagements in Memphis and more important jobs in Lanside Ohio and Buffalo, New York. He played and toured New York in 1933 and had an important run at the Cotton Club in early 1934. Sy Oliver left in 1939 to arrange for the Tommy Dorsey Band. His band appeared in the movie \"Blues in the Night\" in 1941 as well in several short films. By mid 1942, personnel changes and lowered moral, the band declined. In 1947, Jimmie collapsed while signing autographs during a personal appearence at a music store, he died shortly afterwards.
