Biography
Joseph Samuels, a clarinetist and baritone saxophonist, participated in multiple recording groups, one of which was the Synco Jazz Band. Starting in January 1919 the ensemble cut a run of jazz-inflected sides for Arrow, Arto, Columbia, Empire, Grey Gull, Homochord, Operaphone, Pathe Actuelle, and Perfect. Those same masters also appeared under an array of alternate names, among them the Alabama Jazz Band, the Astoria Orchestra, the Great Western Serenaders, Joseph Samuels & His Orchestra, the Novelty Dance Orchestra, and the Regent Dance Orchestra. The only confirmed sidemen besides Samuels were cornetist Jules Levy, Jr., trombonist Ephraim Hannaford, and pianist Larry Briers; the drummer remains unknown, though Herman Berkin is a plausible candidate. Banjoists who appeared on dates between 1921 and 1923 have likewise never been identified. Alto saxophonist Nathan Glantz sat in occasionally, and by 1924 and 1926 the lineup had expanded to include tuba, soprano saxophone, and piano-accordion. The band’s repertoire frequently ventured beyond routine fare. In 1919 they tackled “Everybody Shimmies Now,” “The Alcoholic Blues,” “At the Jazz Band Ball,” and “Beale Street Blues.” The following year brought “Bluin’ the Blues,” the most durable melody associated with the Original Dixieland Jazz Band. In 1921 the group recorded “Sweet Mama,” “The Satanic Blues,” and, most memorably, Luckey Roberts’ “Railroad Blues.” 1922 yielded “Chicago,” “The State Street Blues,” and “Hot Lips,” while 1923 produced “House of David Blues,” “Red Hot!,” and “Do-Doodle-Oom,” placing the Synco Jazz Band in loose rivalry with Fletcher Henderson. Their strongest 1924 efforts included “The West Indies Blues,” “Nobody Knows What a Red Headed Mama Can Do,” “The Blues Have Got Me,” “Oh! Mabel,” and “I Ain’t Got Nobody To Love.” Three final sides appeared in 1926, the standout being “Bell Hoppin’ Blues.” What this world needs is a double-CD chronicling the history of this hot little band, a mysterious group that occupies an historical position somewhere between the Original Dixieland Jazz Band and the New Orleans Rhythm Kings.
Singles
