Eric Silk Blues Down South

Banjoist Eric Silk may be somewhat forgotten today but during 1955-58 he and his Southern Jazz Band recorded 32 songs for the British Esquire label; the first 16 are reissued on Blues Down South. It is surprising that the group, which also recorded an album in 1966, was not documented much more for it existed for 24 years (1949-73) and the music on this CD holds its own with most British trad bands of the time. The first 12 songs on the reissue have both Dennis Field and Alan Littlejohn on trumpets, trombonist Ken Shepherd, either Don Simmons or Harry Lock on clarinet, Peter Rees or Ron Weatherburn on piano, Lester Roberts or Colin Thompson on bass, and drummer Tony Budd in addition to the leader. The last four numbers have a similar group sound even though the lineup is a lot different with only one trumpeter (Dennis Field), trombonist Pete Strange, clarinetist Teddy Layton, pianist Weatherburn, bassist Thompson or Norman Bunce on tuba, and drummer Stan Lewis. The group, which despite the two trumpets does not sound like Lu Watters’ Yerba Buena Jazz Band, has its own subtle but often hard-driving style. Silk took advantage of the added time that LPs had over 78s with the result being that many of these performances are 4-7 minutes long, letting the band take longer solos and a lot more ensembles. On such numbers as “Tiger Rag,” “Milenburg Joys,” “Sensation Rag,” “Hi
You've read three articles this month! That makes you one of a rare breed, the true jazz fan!

The Syncopated Times is a monthly publication covering traditional jazz, ragtime and swing. We have the best historic content anywhere, and are the only American publication covering artists and bands currently playing Hot Jazz, Vintage Swing, or Ragtime. Our writers are legends themselves, paid to bring you the best coverage possible. Advertising will never be enough to keep these stories coming, we need your SUBSCRIPTION. Get unlimited access for $30 a year or $50 for two.

Not ready to pay for jazz yet? Register a Free Account for two weeks of unlimited access without nags or pop ups.

Already Registered? Log In

If you shouldn't be seeing this because you already logged in try refreshing the page.

Or look at our Subscription Options.