Beer Garden Blues - Clarence Williams And His Orchestra (Vocalion)

Recorded on August 18, 1933. Clarence Williams and his Orchestra - left to right - Albert Socarras, Prince Robinson, Cyrus St. Clair, Clarence Williams, Buddy Christian, Charlie Irvis, Sara Martin, Floyd Casey, Eva Taylor, Ed Allen. Between 1923 and 1937, Williams proved to be a prolific producer, organizing at least two recording sessions a month and recording over 300 sides under his own name. It was common for him to record with one company and, if he didn't like the results, go across town and record the same session for another company under a different name. The Dixie Washboard Band and Blue Grass Foot Warmers are but two of the pseudonyms he used in his pursuit for the best possible session. In 1927, Williams tried his hand at musical theater. He wrote the book and music for and also produced the show "Bottomland," which starred his wife, Eva Taylor. The show was not a critical success. However, Williams's New York publishing company prospered, continuing to do business until 1943 when he sold its catalog of over 2,000 songs to Decca for a reputed $50,000. From the late thirties until he lost his sight after being hit by a cab in 1956, Williams spent most of his time composing. He died in Queens, New York on November 6, 1965. During his lifetime, he had been a composer, pianist, vocalist, record producer, music publisher and agent. He may not have been the inventor of jazz, but he was influential enough in his day to be forgiven that one exaggeration. Copyright 1992 by Thomas L. Morgan (tom@jass.com) http://www.jass.com See more info. at: http://www.redhotjazz.com/williams.html

Added 20 May 2026