[78-L] Sidney & the Lion play calypso

[Steven C. Barr]

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From: "Cary Ginell" <soundthink at live.com>
> Just found a 10-inch LP on Stinson featuring Sidney Bechet and Willie "The 
> Lion" Smith playing calypso, rhumbas, and meringues. Never knew this 
> session existed. According to the liner notes, the six titles were 
> recorded in New York for Brunswick on November 22, 1939. Other musicians 
> include Kenneth Roane, trumpet, Olin Alderhold, bass; and Zutty Singleton, 
> drums. The session is not in Rust's Jazz & Ragtime Records but I think 
> they should have at least been referenced. Two of the sides were issued on 
> Varsity 8405 and 8360. Does anyone know about any of the others? Here the 
> titles:
>
> Sous les Palmiers
> Rosa Rhumba
> Tropical Mood Rhumba
> Mayette Meringue
> Ba Ba Rhumba
> Magic Island Meringue
>
For the most part, discographers don't include West Indian (mostly calypso 
at that
time) recordings; they were usually issued on limited-circulation "ethnic" 
series.
Both Decca and ARC recorded such discs; I have run across a VERY limited 
number
of these, and always find them pleasant listening...!

Steven C. Barr