Biography
Discographers have reason to appreciate how Finzel's Arcadia Orchestra of Detroit appended the city's name to its Okeh session details in the early 1920s. Researchers still debate the exact location where the label's engineers recorded trumpeter William Finzel's group, with some pointing to Chicago and others to St. Louis. The ensemble, usually billed simply as Finzel's Arcadia Orchestra, hailed from Detroit and maintained a steady link to the Arcadia Ballroom, where it performed regularly between 1923 and 1925.
Like countless other large dance bands of the era, Finzel's was routinely enlisted to cut competing versions of current hits. Its first appearance on disc under the extended Detroit credit came in 1921 with "I'm on My Way to New Orleans," already a success for Jimmy Durante and Sugarfoot Gaffney. Following standard industry practice, the recording targeted the Detroit market, while a parallel take by one of Rudy Wiedoeft's groups was aimed at St. Louis retailers. The most celebrated Finzel side remains the boisterous "The Animal Fair," distinguished by its striking sound effects, with "I'm Going to Wander (Back Over Yonder)" close behind. Confirmed personnel include soprano and alto saxophonist Louis Gambel, pianist Justin Ring, and vocalist Billy Jones.
Like countless other large dance bands of the era, Finzel's was routinely enlisted to cut competing versions of current hits. Its first appearance on disc under the extended Detroit credit came in 1921 with "I'm on My Way to New Orleans," already a success for Jimmy Durante and Sugarfoot Gaffney. Following standard industry practice, the recording targeted the Detroit market, while a parallel take by one of Rudy Wiedoeft's groups was aimed at St. Louis retailers. The most celebrated Finzel side remains the boisterous "The Animal Fair," distinguished by its striking sound effects, with "I'm Going to Wander (Back Over Yonder)" close behind. Confirmed personnel include soprano and alto saxophonist Louis Gambel, pianist Justin Ring, and vocalist Billy Jones.
Singles
