[78-L] Victor Light Opera Jazz Band??

[SUPRBATONE at aol.com]

I just acquired a nice copy of the 12" Victor 35677 - "Gems from 'Rainbow 
Girl'" by the Victor Light Opera Company, c. 1918.  Imagine my surprise when 
three-quarters of the way through this pleasant and predictable side, the normally 
staid Victor house orchestra suddenly breaks into the most madly raucus 
instrumental "jazz" imaginable (for them), complete with raspy cornet, tailgate 
trombone, wild clarinet and rat-a-tat syncopated drumming!  Such an outburst is 
the last thing I ever expected to hear on one of these show digests, especially 
from the acoustic era.  They really have at it, too - this music just jumps 
out at you. It is at least twice as loud as anything else on the side. 

It was no accident.  The label reads: 

 "Chorus, "My Rainbow Girl: - Solo, "Just You alone" - Duet, "I'll Think of 
You" - JAZZ ORCHESTRA (my caps), "Mister Drummer Man" - Finale, "I'll Think of 
You."   

There is of course jazz by the V.L.O.C. much later in their career (1928-'29) 
on "Gems From Show Boat," (Vi 35912) with Bix Beiderbecke on cornet; and 
"Gems From Hold Everything" (Vi 35970) with some hot trumpet from Mike Mosiello.  
But this 1918 side beats 'em all.  

Anybody know anything about this?  The exact recording date? Who's making 
this "jazz"?  Was a "Jazz Orchestra" featured in the actual show? 

Inquiring minds and all that. 

-  Brad Kay     <BR><BR><BR>**************<BR>New MapQuest Local shows what's 
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