Cootie Williams with Fletcher Henderson?

[Lazaro Vega]

In "Early Jazz" Schuller says Cootie soloed with the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra on "Raisin' the Roof" (April '29) though I'm not finding that confirmed elsewhere. There is mention in the Classics 1927 - 31 Henderson CD that Cootie appears on "Wang Wang Blues." Anyone know wat up about this blip in Williams' career?

[Lazaro Vega]

Raisin' the Roof sure sounds like Cootie. Was listed as Rex Stewart and we know from "The Big Challenge" he could immitate Williams, but it sure sounds like Cootie (playing plunger BEFORE being drafted by Ellington).

Edited December 18, 2009 by Lazaro Vega

[Lazaro Vega]

After Jimmy Harrison's trombone solo on Wang Wang Blues there's a muted trumpet solo that's credited to Russell Smith. Bobby Stark and Rex Stwart have already soloed on the piece. I'm not familiar enough with Russell Smith's sound to identify him but, again, that recording sounds close to Cootie.

[Chuck Nessa]

Walter Allen (in Hendersonia) says it is Rex on Raisin' the Roof and possibly Smith on the break followed by possibly Stark on growl.

Allen also has a photo of the band from Jan/Feb '29 with Cootie in the trumpet section.

[Lazaro Vega]

Ah, yes, that break is quick. Bobby Stark. That seems likely, yet Rex is doing Cootie to a T on Raisin the Roof.

[AllenLowe]

Personally, I am a Bobby Stark fan.

great trumpeter.

[Uncle Skid]

Was listening to your show last night, Lazaro. Enjoyed the Henderson selections and the commentary.

Reminds me I need to dig out my copy of "Early Jazz" again.