Yesterday, we heard three versions of Black and Tan Fantasy by Duke Ellington. But what was on the other sides of those records? Let’s find out!
The "Soliloquy" Snafu
Let’s start with the Brunswick version, as credited to The Washingtonians. The flipside of that record was Soliloquy.
I’m not sure why the composer, Rube Bloom, wasn't credited on the label!
For a fascinating contrast, let’s hear the same song by Paul Whiteman and his Concert Orchestra on this 1927 Victor record:
Interestingly, Rube Bloom’s first name is actually misspelled on that label! Poor guy just couldn’t win.
Paul Whiteman was known as “The King of Jazz” back then, at the very height of his fame, but we know a certain Duke was about to usurp that crown.
The Jabbo Smith Connection
The flipside of the Okeh version of “Black and Tan Fantasy” was another non-Duke tune: What Can a Poor Fellow Do? This session is notable for featuring the great Jabbo Smith subbing for Bubber Miley on trumpet.
I could only find one other period recording of this Billy Meyers and Elmer Schoebel tune. It’s from 1928 by The Original Indiana Five on the Harmony label:
It’s kind of fun, but it also shows exactly the kind of "standard" jazz sound that Duke was rapidly moving away from as he developed his own language.
The Victor Mystery
So, what about the flipside of the Victor version of “Black and Tan Fantasy?” We’ll have to wait until next Sunday to find out!
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