Fess Williams and his Royal Flush Orchestra
Encyclopedia
Fess Williams and his Royal Flush Orchestra was the main band of clarinetist Fess Williams
from 1926–1930
In 1928 Williams traveled to Chicago where he temporarily fronted Dave Peyton's band at the Regal Theatre. Calling the group Fess Williams and His Joy Boys
, he recorded two sides with them for Vocalion. The Royal Flush Orchestra continued to operate in his absence, and in 1929 he returned to New York to resume his duties.
The Royal Flush Orchestra recorded its last side in 1930.
Fess Williams
Stanley Williams was an American jazz musician.-Early life:...
from 1926–1930
Brief history
In 1926 Williams formed the Royal Flush Orchestra. The popular hot jazz outfit held residency at Harlem's Savoy Ballroom for most of its life and recorded on the Victor, Vocalion, Gennett, Okeh, Brunswick, Champion, and Harmony labels. Williams, Frank Marvin, and Perry Smith supplied vocals. The flamboyant Williams typically performed wearing a white suit and top hat.In 1928 Williams traveled to Chicago where he temporarily fronted Dave Peyton's band at the Regal Theatre. Calling the group Fess Williams and His Joy Boys
Fess Williams and his Joy Boys
-Brief history:During 1928 Williams took a short break from leading the Royal Flush Orchestra to front Dave Peyton's band in Chicago at the Regal Theatre under the name Fess Williams and His Joy Boys. During this time they recorded two sides on Vocalion, "Dixie Stomp" and "Drifting and Dreaming"...
, he recorded two sides with them for Vocalion. The Royal Flush Orchestra continued to operate in his absence, and in 1929 he returned to New York to resume his duties.
The Royal Flush Orchestra recorded its last side in 1930.
Orchestra members
- Ralph Bedell - Drums
- Ollie Blackwell - Banjo
- Ralph Brown - Alto Saxophone
- Emanuel Casamore - Tuba
- Emanuel Clark - Trumpet
- Henry Duncan - Piano
- Felix Gregory - Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone
- Bobby Holmes - Clarinet, Alto Saxophone
- David "Jelly" James - Trombone
- Lockwood Lewis - Clarinet, Alto Saxophone
- Frank Marvin - Vocals
- Otto Mikell - Clarinet, Alto Saxophone
- Andy Pendleton - Banjo
- Walter "Fats" Pichon - Piano
- Kenneth Roane - Trumpet
- Perry Smith - Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Vocals
- George Temple - Trumpet
- Clinton Walker - Tuba
- Professor Stanley WilliamsFess WilliamsStanley Williams was an American jazz musician.-Early life:...
- Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Vocals, Leader
Selected recordings
- Hot TownHot TownHot Town is the title of a song both composed and recorded by Fess Williams and his Royal Flush Orchestra. It was first recorded on 17 April 1929 in New York and released on both the Victor and Bluebird labels....
- Friction listen to recording, via YouTube
- Here 'TisHere 'TisHere 'Tis is an album by jazz saxophonist Lou Donaldson recorded for the Blue Note label in 1961 and performed by Donaldson with Baby Face Willette, Grant Green, and Dave Bailey....