7. George Lewis’ New Orleans Ragtime Band, “Panama” (William H. Tyers)

For use with Lessons #9 and #11.

 

Style: New Orleans Revival

Personnel: Avery “Kid” Howard trumpet, George Lewis clarinet, Jim Robinson trombone, Alton Purnell piano, Lawrence Marrero banjo, Alcide “Slow Drag” Pavageau bass, Joe Watkins drums. Recorded in 1953.

Issued on Delmar 202.

Reissued on Delmark DD-202.

Clarinetist George Lewis is one of the progenitors of the New Orleans Revival Style. “Panama” is among the most structured of the tunes commonly played in this style; originally published as a tango, this jazz version contains four strains plus variations.

Characteristically, this performance is mostly by the full ensemble, save for a trombone/clarinet duet and a piano solo. Drummers should listen for Watkins’ variegated press-roll-based beat throughout the first half of the recording. Characteristic slap bass is heard intermittently throughout (e.g. at 1:50), as well as growls from the trumpet (e.g. at 1:58). Lewis’ clarinet, while undermiked, displays the swooping arpeggios that are frequently employed by clarinetists working in this style. Jim Robinson’s moaning, shouting trombone is similarly instructive.

Sequence for this track

0:00 Intro

0:05 First strain: ensemble

0:23 First strain repeat: ensemble

0:40 Second strain: ensemble

0:58 Second strain repeat: ensemble

1:15 Third strain: ensemble

1:33 Third strain repeat: ensemble

1:50 Fourth strain: ensemble

2:07 Fourth strain repeat: ensemble

2:25 Fourth strain: trombone/clarinet duet

2:42 Fourth strain: trombone/clarinet duet

2:59 Fourth strain: piano solo

3:16 Fourth strain: piano solo

3:32 Fourth strain, first variation: ensemble

3:49 Fourth strain, second variation: ensemble

4:06 Fourth strain, jam: ensemble

4:23 Drum tag (4 bars)

4:27 Fourth strain, jam: ensemble

George Lewis