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Paul Howard (musician)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Paul Leroy "Ox Blood" Howard (September 20, 1895 – February 18, 1980) was an American jazz saxophonist and clarinetist.

Early life

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Howard was born in Steubenville, Ohio on September 20, 1895.[1] He began on cornet, and also played oboe, bassoon, flute, and piano, but concentrated on tenor sax.[2]

Later life and career

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After moving to Los Angeles in 1911, he got early professional experience with Wood Wilson's Syncopators in 1916, Satchel McVea's Howdy Band, and Harry Southard's Black and Tan Band.[2] Howard played in the bands of both King Oliver and Jelly Roll Morton when they toured California.[2] He first recorded with the Quality Four in 1922-23, then played with Sonny Clay in 1925 before forming his own group, the Quality Serenaders, later that year.[2][3] Among his sidemen were Lionel Hampton and Lawrence Brown (trombone).[1] They played at Sebastian's Cotton Club from 1927 to 1929 and recorded for Victor Records before disbanding in 1930, when Les Hite picked up some of the members.[2] Howard subsequently played with Ed Garland, Freddie Washington, Hampton again in 1935, Eddie Barefield (1936–37), Charlie Echols, and his own ensembles, including one that held a residence at Virginia's in Los Angeles from 1939 to 1953.[2] He played throughout the 1950s.[1] He died in Los Angeles on February 18, 1980.[1]

Recording sessions

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Howard's band participated in only 6 recording sessions:

April 16, 1929, Hollywood
50830-1-2 Overnight Blues - Victor rejected
50831-1-2-3 Quality Shout - Victor rejected

April 28, 1929, Culver City
50868-1 The Ramble - Victor V-38068 and Bluebird B-5804
50869-2 Moonlight Blues - Victor V-38068
50870-2 Charlie's Idea - Victor V-38070 and Victor 22001

April 29, 1929, Culver City
50830-4 Overnight Blues - Victor V-38070 and Victor 22001
50831-5 Quality Shout - Victor V-38122
50877-1 Stuff - Victor V-38122 and Bluebird B-5804

October 21, 1929, Culver City
54477-1-2 Harlem - Victor rejected
54478-1-2 Cuttin' Up - Victor rejected

February 3, 1930, Culver City
54477-3 Harlem - Victor 23354
54478-3 Cuttin' Up - Victor 23420
54585-1 New Kinda Blues - Victor 22660
54586-2 California Swing - Victor 23354

June 25, 1930, Hollywood
54847-3 Burma Girl - Victor rejected (released on a Victor LPM-10117 LP)
54848-1 Gettin' Ready Blues - Victor 23420

Source:[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Driggs, Frank (2003). "Howard, Paul (Leroy) [Ox Blood]". Grove Music Online. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.J209900.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Yanow, Scott. "Paul Howard". AllMusic. Retrieved February 16, 2020.
  3. ^ "Paul Howard's Quality Serenaders". Red Hot Jazz Archive. 4 September 2020. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
  4. ^ Rust, Brian (2003). Jazz Records 1897–1942 (5th ed.). Storyville Publications.