Let's go back to the Swing era!
Bill Coleman
William Johnson Coleman (Aug. 4, 1904 – Aug. 24, 1981 in Toulouse) was a mellow-toned swing trumpeter with a distinctive sound and a lyrical style who spent most of his career in Europe.
Scott Yanow writes in Third Ear : The Essential Listening Companion:
“It was ironic that he was born near Paris, Kentucky, for he would spend a lot of time in Paris, France, throughout his life.”
Bill Coleman started early on to play in different bands and in 1927, he went to New York and worked with Cecil and Lloyd Scott. Two years later, he joined Luis Russell‘s orchestra (1929-1932).
In 1933, he traveled to France with Lucky Millinder. In the next year, Coleman recorded with Fats Waller and played with Teddy Hill's Orchestra, before he moved to France for the first time in September 1935.
While in Europe, he worked with Freddy Tailor and recorded frequently as a leader. With Leao Abbey's orchestra, he played in Bombay, India during 1936-1937, was back in Paris from 1937-1938 with Willie Lewis and co-led the Harlem Rhythmakers in Egypt, before he returned to the U.S. due to World War II.
Back New York, Coleman played with Benny Carter, Teddy Wilson, Andy Kirk, Mary Lou Williams, and John Kirby, and recorded with Lester Young and Coleman Hawkins.
However, he preferred life in Europe and, after a period with groups led by Sy Oliver and Billy Kyle, in December 1948, Coleman moved permanently back to France, staying active and recording fairly regularly up until his death in 1981.
Joe Louis Stomp
Joe Louis Stomp is a tune Bill Coleman recorded while he was living in Paris for the first time.
A beautiful Balboa tune featuring his distinctive mellow-tone.
Title: Joe Louis Stomp
Artist: Bill Coleman
Recorded: January 31, 1936
Tempo: 215 bpm
Dance: Balboa
You can find all the songs of the series also on my Spotify playlist.
Official hashtag of the series: #djcsotw
What do you think about this version? Share your thoughts below!
Lorenzo says
One remarkable aspect in the personnel of this recording is the presence of Oscar Aleman on guitar. Bill Coleman recorded a lot more songs with the guitarist Django Reinhardt.
Chris says
Maybe because Aleman moved back to Argentina?