The Superior Rag

Today we pay a visit to the record room of collector and enthusiast Jonathan Holmes in Bristol, England and take a listen to some of his favorite British jazz 78s recorded in the 10s, 20s, and 30s.  Jonathan's amazing collection of UK jazz from this period sheds light on some interesting examples of how the music was being created outside of America and we'll hear everything from banjo ensembles to proto-big bands! Check out Jonathan on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mojoman4147

Today we check out the driving and bluesy piano playing of Lillian Hardin Armstrong, who is primarily remembered for her important role in kickstarting Louis Armstrong's career during their 15 year marriage in the mid-20s.  However, she was also a fantastic and skilled pianist in her own right.  On this episode, we take a listen to the great stomping qualities of her playing, the engine behind the King Oliver Creole Jazz Band, Louis Armstrong' Hot 5, and many of Johnny Dodds' greatest records, as well as her rare solo moments in these ensembles and spotlight her high quality musicianship and pianism.

Drummer and vintage drumming expert Nicholas D. Ball from London joines Andrew for an interview about his website drumsinthetwenties.com and three of his favorite underrated drummers of the era: Stan King, Jasper Taylor, and Vic Berton.

On this episode we check out Earl Hines' wild 1932 piano solos of "Love me Tonight" and "Down Among the Sheltering Palms", where he shows his forward-thinking improvisational skills applied to a couple of otherwise mediocre pop tunes, transforming them into great jazz piano workouts!  We'll hear the contemporaneous pop versions by Bing Crosby, Mildred Bailey and the Boswell Sisters and then hear several takes of Hines' versions, allowing us a glimpse into his music making process, and lots of amazing piano playing!  

Pianist and traditional jazz expert Andrew Oliver presents a new podcast about vintage jazz, with history, 78rpm records, stories, interviews, live performances and a "record of the week" each Friday!  Here's a preview with some background and a taste of what's on the way.  Full episodes first and third Wednesday of the month starting soon!