Biography
During the 1920s the Arcadian Ballroom in St. Louis drew crowds so consistently that ensembles completing long runs there became permanently identified with the room. The Arcadian Serenaders exemplify this pattern, their name reflecting a direct tie to the hall; historical details corroborate the association, because the musicians had performed as the Original Crescent City Jazzers until they landed the St. Louis engagement. The personnel were white players from New Orleans, and the band provided the first recording opportunity for several musicians who later gained recognition, Wingy Manone among them.
OKeh began capturing the group’s work in late 1925. “Angry” remains a standout selection, perhaps evoking the sentiments of artists who later scrutinized the label’s contractual terms. “Bobbed Hair Bobbie (Bobbie Be Mine)” displays the lighter vein of an outfit whose repertoire included “Fidgety Feet,” performed by such members as the buoyant cornetist Sterling Bose, the compact banjoist Slim Hall, and the accomplished reed player Cliff Holman, already valued for his early studio expertise. Multiple reissue compilations offer improved transfers of these early discs and simultaneously present material by other ensembles that also made the venue their base, among them the Arcadia Peacock Orchestra and Johnny de Droit & His New Orleans Jazz Orchestra.
OKeh began capturing the group’s work in late 1925. “Angry” remains a standout selection, perhaps evoking the sentiments of artists who later scrutinized the label’s contractual terms. “Bobbed Hair Bobbie (Bobbie Be Mine)” displays the lighter vein of an outfit whose repertoire included “Fidgety Feet,” performed by such members as the buoyant cornetist Sterling Bose, the compact banjoist Slim Hall, and the accomplished reed player Cliff Holman, already valued for his early studio expertise. Multiple reissue compilations offer improved transfers of these early discs and simultaneously present material by other ensembles that also made the venue their base, among them the Arcadia Peacock Orchestra and Johnny de Droit & His New Orleans Jazz Orchestra.