West End Blues
Joseph “King” Oliver was a pioneering jazz musician and composer born in New Orleans in 1885. Oliver’s playing style, especially his use of mutes, was unique to his era and influenced many musician after him, including Louis Armstrong. Armstrong claimed of Oliver, “if it had not been for Joe Oliver, jazz would not be what it is today.”
Performers on this recording include: King Oliver – leader/cornet; Bob Shoffner – cornet; Kid Ory – trombone; Albert Nicholas – reeds/clarinet; Billy Page – reeds; Barney Bigard – reeds; Louis Russel – piano; Bud Scott – Banjo; Burt Cobb – tuba; Paul Barbarin – drums; Omer Simeon – soprano and alto