Tea For Two (Youmans) - Red Nichols & His Five Pennies, 1930

Tea For Two (Youmans /Caesar) from "No No, Nanette" - Red Nichols & His Five Pennies (Red Nichols, Ruby Weinstein (tp), Jack Teagarden, Glen Miller (tb), Jimmy Dorsey (cl)(as), Babe Russin, Adrian Rollini (ts), Jack Russin (p), Treg Brown (g), Gene Krupa (d)), Brunswick, 1930 NOTE: This is a later pressing made with the original Brunswick matrix, for Brunswick Collectors Series. Look at the list of names: wow! this band was simply a meeting point for the giants! Therefore, I am leaving it without comment. It's an ultra-hihgest-class rendition and a rare chance to see how the genius of the jazz-masters changes a rather simple hot dance hit from the Roaring 1920s into an object of the purest art. Red NICHOLS (1905-1965) was a jazz legend, one of the most prolific recording artists in history. In the 1920s alone the cornetist appeared on over 4,000 recordings, working with almost every important musician of his time. Though his style of playing was influenced by Bix Beiderbecke, Nichols was a more polished musician. His contribution to the early days of jazz is immense and few artists can even come close to equaling his accomplishments. Born in Utah, Nichols studied music under his father, a college music professor, and mastered a variety of instruments, though he favored the cornet. As a teen he attended the Culver Military Academy and played in its band before being dismissed. In 1923 Nichols settled in New York, where he met trombonist Miff Mole, who became a permanent fixture in Nichol's various groups. Nichols most famously recorded under the name Red Nichols and His Five Pennies, but sometimes the same group of musicians recorded under different pseudonyms, including the Louisiana Rhythm Kings, the Charleston Seven, the Arkansas Travelers, Miff Mole and His Molers, the Hottentots. The list of top musicians who worked with Nichols include Benny Goodman, Jimmy & Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Jack Teagarden, Pee Wee Russell, Eddie Lang, Joe Venuti, Adrian Rollini, Gene Krupa. During the 1920s Nichols also played with other bandleaders, including Paul Whiteman, Don Vorhees, Cass Hagan, Vincent Lopez, Harry Reser, Benny Krueger and the California Ramblers. He continuously led his career thru 1930s until 1960s leading his own bands or working with other bandleaders (Anson Weeks, Glen Gray and His Casa Loma Orchestra). He suddenly died of a heart attack during his tour in Las Vegas.

Added 7 Apr 2026