KING OLIVER Two Terrific Records: "Sobbin' Blues" "St. James Infirmary" 1928-30

$

25

HERE are two slightly beat but terrific records by the great KING OLIVER! 

Brunswick 3741, "SOBBIN' BLUES" and "FAREWELL BLUES" by K.O.'s Dixie Syncopators. Romping versions of these two 'Dixieland' classics, with great Oliver lead trumpet, and hot clarinet by BARNEY BIGARD.  Oliver always conducted his bands from his TRUMPET, nailing down the rhythmic lead with cosmic precision. This record is a good example!  1928. 

Victor 22298, "ST. JAMES INFIRMARY" and "WHEN YOU'RE SMILING." by K.O. and his Orchestra. On this slightly later (1930) session, Oliver's gums were aching, so the lion's share of the trumpet soloing on "St. James" fell to ex-Ellingtonian BUBBER MILEY, whose trademark plunger-and-pixie-mute technique is on full and extensive display.  Oliver scores points, nonetheless.  "When You're Smiling" is sad to hear. It's a lugubrious, gelatinous mess - replete with whimpering, Guy-Lombardo-style saxophones and a high, nasal tenor vocal. It's especially sad, coming from the man who gave the world "Snake Rag" "Sugar Foot Stomp" and "Wa Wa Wa." It's doubly sad that "Smiling" was, by far, Oliver's best selling record. And TRIPLY sad that he likely collected no royalties!! Sigh. You can't underestimate the taste of the American public. 

These two records, one on Brunswick, the other on Victor, are somewhat beat, in the "V" range, but playable nonetheless.  Cheap original King Olivers don't grow on trees!  

PHOTO: Joseph "King" Oliver, in palmier days.  

*****

These records come from my private collection, which I have been accumulating since 1967, and now am downsizing!  My highest priority in these eBay auctions is to give you the best possible idea of a record’s true condition and aesthetic value.  I always post at least four clear images, showing the record fore and aft, a close-up of the label, and the whole disc, warts and all.  If my purple prose won’t cut it, the pictures will!  Shipping is done with expert care. Your record will brave Media Mail in a stout corregated box, between four sheets of cardboard and a couple of “packers.”  I hope you are amused by these descriptions, and by the quality of service being offered.