New Orleans Rhythm Kings
Photo: Duncan Schiedt
Source: 78 RPM Record Spins
The New Orleans Rhythm Kings (NORK) merged New Orleans jazz with ragtime in Chicago. Like the Original Dixie Jazz Band of which NORK was imitative, NORK was among the first all-white jazz bands. Consisting of Leon Roppolo, Jack Pettis, Elmer Schoebel, Arnold Loyacano, Paul Mares, Frank Snyder and George Brunies, NORK was also the first installment of the Friar's Society Orchestra that was briefly led by Schoebel in the latter twenties. NORK's first professional engagement was at Friar's Inn in Chicago in 1921. NORK first recorded with Gennett Records in 1922 [Lord]. Issued that year per RYM were 'Farewell Blues / Oriental' (Gennett 4966) and 'Panama / Tiger Rag' (Gennett 4968). 'Discontented Blues / Bugle Call Rag' on Gennett 4967 is assumed to have been issued in 1922 as well.
'Eccentric' New Orleans Rhythm Kings led by Elmer Schoebel
Recorded 29 Aug 1922 in Richmond, IN Gennett 5009-B
Cornet: Paul Mares Trombone: George Brunies Clarinet: Leon Rappolo
C-melody / tenor sax: Jack Pettis Piano: Elmer Schoebel
Banjo: Lou Black String bass: Arnold Loyocano Drums: Frank Snyder
Composition: J. Russell Robinson
'Weary Blues' New Orleans Rhythm Kings
Recorded 12 March 1923 in Richmond, IN Gennett 5102-B
Trumpet: Paul Mares Trombone: George Brunies Clarinet: Leon Rappolo
Piano: Mel Stitzel Drums: Ben Pollack
Composition: Artie Mattews
'Wolverine Blues' New Orleans Rhythm Kings
Recorded 13 March 1923 in Richmond, IN Matrix 11357 Gennett 5102-A
Cornet: Paul Mares Trombone: George Brunies Clarinet: Leon Rappolo
Piano: Mel Stitzel Drums: Ben Pollack
Composition: Benjamin Sikes / John Spikes / Jelly Roll Morton
'Tin Roof Blues' New Orleans Rhythm Kings
Recorded 13 March 1923 in Richmond, IN Matrix 11359a Gennett 5105-A
Cornet: Paul Mares Trombone: George Brunies Clarinet: Leon Rappolo
Piano: Mel Stitzel Drums: Ben Pollack
Composition: NORK Lyrics: Walter Melrose (publisher)
'Clarinet Marmalade' New Orleans Rhythm Kings
Recorded 17 March 1923 in Richmond, IN Buddy 8004 / Gennett 5220
Composition: Larry Shields / Henry Ragas (ODJB)
'She's Cryin' for Me' New Orleans Rhythm Kings
Recorded 26 Jan 1925 in New Orleans
1 of 2 takes both issued on Bluebird B-10956-A or Victor 19645-A
Cornet: Paul Mares Trombone: Santo Pecora Clarinet: Charlie Cordilla
Composition: Santo Pecora
NORK disbanded in 1924, reunited in 1925. Ten years later Brunies resurrected the New Orleans Rhythm Kings with a new roster for several recordings on 20 February of 1935.
'Baby Brown' New Orleans Rhythm Kings
Recorded 20 Feb 1935 in NYC Decca 401
Cornet: Muggsy Spanier Trombone: George Brunies Clarinet: Eddie Miller
Piano: Terry Shand String bass: Benny Pottle Drums: Gene Krupa
Composition: Alex Hill
After which session of four titles NORK made not a squeak again.
Sources & References for the New Orleans Rhythm Kings (NORK):
VF History (notes)
Friar's Society Orchestra: NORK Elmer Schoebel
Members of NORK: RYM
Recordings: Catalogs:
Discogs (Friar's Society Orchestra / NORK)
Discogs (Friar's Society Orchestra / Schoebel)
Discogs (NORK)
Recordings: Compilations Unique:
Dixieland Jazz / Brunswick 1950: 45 RPM 78 RPM
New Orleans Rhythm Kings And Jelly Roll Morton Milestone MCD-47020-2 1992
Recordings: Sessions:
Scott Alexander (Red Hot Jazz 1922-35)
DAHR (1925-35)
Honking Duck (1923-35)
ODP (Buddy Records)
ODP (Gennett 5000-5500)
Brian Rust (Jazz and Ragtime Records 1897–1942 / Edition 6 / Mainspring Press 2001)
Authority Search: VIAF
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