Format: 78
Label: Apex 586
Year: 1923
Origin: Pointe St-Charles, Montréal, Québec
Genre: jazz, dance, fox trot
Keyword:
Value of Original Title:
Make Inquiry/purchase: email ryder@robertwilliston.com
Release Type: 78 rpm
Websites:
No
Playlist:
Jazz, Quebec, 1920's
| Track Name | Length | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Music (Makes The World Go Round) | 02:35 |
Music (Makes The World Go Round) (Billy Munro, 1893-1969)
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Eckstein co-wrote "Music (Makes the World Go Round)" with Billy Munro. Eckstein recorded this song in 1922 with the Montréal "hot dance band" Melody Kings, of which Munro was a member. The recording showcases a jazz-style improvisatory piano solo by Eckstein. The Melody Kings were one of the few bands making "jazz" recordings in the 1920s in Canada. (Hot dance music, usually played by bands that had piano, saxophone, and cornet or trombone, was then thought of as jazz; but in fact several characteristics distinguished it - and Eckstein's piano style - from true jazz. These included arranged solos and a more restrained swing rhythm.)
Banjo player Andy Tipaldi formed The Melody Kings in Montreal in 1921, and they played that city's best dance clubs until 1928. They also recorded a number of sides, including this jaunty 1922 tune co-written by Eckstein, Billy Munro and Sam Howard. Apparently The Melody Kings were considered a "hot dance" group, rather than a jazz band. If you're wondering what the difference is, Eckstein's entry in The Virtual Gramophone (which is an *amazing* resource) describes it thusly; "Hot dance music, usually played by bands that had piano, saxophone, and cornet or trombone, was then thought of as jazz; but in fact several characteristics distinguished it -- and Eckstein's piano style -- from true jazz. These included arranged solos and a more restrained swing rhythm." At the time of this recording, the group's lineup was Johnny Dixon (trumpet), Alex Lajoie (alto sax), Tipaldi (banjo), Eckstein (piano), Tipaldi's brother John (violin) and Rob Roy (drums), with unidentified tuba and trombone players rounding out the ensemble. Apparently, this side was recorded the night after a long party, and the group members were allowed to improvise a bit; Eckstein's dexterous runs on the piano absolutely own the track.
Willie Eckstein, piano ; Andy Tipaldi, banjo, leader; unidentified, tuba ; Rob Roy, drums / Billy Munro, Willie Eckstein, Sam Howard.
Recorded ca 1922, Montreal, QC, Compo Company Limited.
Published Sam Howard Pub. Co. Montreal.
release date Jan 1923
Willie Eckstein was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Hello Robert, My name is Diane Robinson Kerr, born in Montreal, presently living in Nova Scotia. My father was Willy’s), we called him Billy), best friend. He began hanging out with Billy at the age of fourteen. Our family spent a lot of time with Billy, and his wife, Kitty. Every summer, I spent time at their home as part of my summer holidays and to learn piano. I loved Billy and Kitty and have very fond memories of that time. Over the years, I have collected, from my memory, some interesting and fun stories about Billy that I think others might also find interesting if not entertaining. Billy was a flamboyant, funny, incredibly talented and generous character and it seems to me, worthy of bringing him to life a little before time washes away his memory completely. I have wondered about the best way this could be done especially for Montrealers interested in our musical history. Here is my latest daydream. Imagine an appropriate locale in Montreal where folks could come to a full presentation about Billy. There would be a host who could give a summary of Billy’s history and introduce Mimi Blais on piano and me with stories between each piece of music. Maybe all three elements, the history the live music and the stories are woven together somehow. I also have a suitcase full of Billy’s sheet music that could be on display as well as a few photos. Maybe tickets are sold and the proceeds go to the museum or other good site. That’s as far as I got and although I am considered old, lol, I still have my wits about me and would be willing to consider doing this. I would love to know what you think? Thanks for your attention, Diane