1926 Paramount Personal Record “Tiger Rag” & “China Boy” Purple Pirates 78 RPM
$
141
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Description
This is a very unusual hot jazz “personal” or private recording made by the Purple Pirate Orchestra of Williams College, Williamstown, Mass., probably recorded in early May, 1926 (matrices 2527 & 2528). Both were acoustically recorded for Paramount.
“Tiger Rag” has mystified collectors for decades, as the trumpet (cornet?) solo is almost identical to Bix Beiderbecke’s solo with the Wolverines ~ and yet the original 1924 Gennett was not issued!
“China Boy” was written in 1922, and subsequently became a jazz standard; this is among its earliest recordings. Many years ago Malcolm Shaw wrote in “Storyville” that “China Boy shows that the band has originality…a real scorcher to finish the record.”
Personnel for the Purple Pirates has never been identified, to my knowledge, but it’s a tight, hot little college ensemble. A photo in a 1926 issue of The Williams Record shows a seven-piece band. An item in the June 10, 1926 North Adams Transcript refers to The Purple Pirates as “recording artists” – “hear them before they sail for France for a summer engagement in Paris.” Supposedly none of the members went on to a musical career.
Condition – much played with rubs and light scratches, and a small rim chip, but it’s nowhere near the first groove. No digs, skips, or badly worn grooves. I would say V+, with a LOT of hot music still in the grooves – not nearly as worn as many Paramount Race Records of the same era! Your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Domestic shipping price quoted. Contact me before closing for international cost. (I will combine shipping costs.)
price rating
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