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The Halfway House Orchestra was named after a dancehall called the Halfway House that was halfway between New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain.

Halfway House Orchestra
Halfway House Orchestra Left to right: Charlie Cordella, Mickey Marcour, Leon Roppolo , Abbie Brunies, Bill Eastwood, Joe Loyacano, Leo Adde.

The group was led by Abbie Brunies, brother of George BruniesBarataria and Pussy Cat Rag are the last recordings of Leon Roppolo. Members of the Halfway House Orchestra also appear on one other record accompanying singer Alberta Brown. Another of the Brunies brothers, Merritt led the Friars Inn Orchestra.

discography

TitleRecording DateRecording LocationCompany
Barataria
(Leo Adde / Bill Eastwood)
1-22-1925New Orleans, LouisianaOkeh
40318-B
I Don’t Want To Remember
(unknown)
4-15-1926New Orleans, LouisianaVJM
If I Didn’t Have You
(Glyn Lea Long)
12-17-1928New Orleans, LouisianaColumbia 1959-D
I Hate Myself For Lovin’ You
(unknown)
4-26-1928New Orleans, LouisianaColumbia
It Belongs To You
(Albert Brunies / Glyn Lea Long)
4-13-1926New Orleans, LouisianaColumbia
1041-D
I’ll Go Back To That Dear Old Pal O’ Mine
(unknown)
4-27-1928New Orleans, LouisianaColumbia
I’m In Love
(Albert Brunies / Glyn Lea Long)
4-13-1926New Orleans, LouisianaColumbia
681-D
I Want Somebody To Love
(Glyn Lea Long)
10-24-1927New Orleans, LouisianaColumbia
1263-D
Just Pretending
(Glyn Lea Long)
12-17-1928New Orleans, LouisianaColumbia
1959-D
Let Me Call You Sweetheart
(Friedman / Whitson)
9-25-1925New Orleans, LouisianaColumbia
476-D
Let Your Lips Touch My Lips
(unknown)
4-26-1928New Orleans, LouisianaColumbia
Love Dreams
(Brown)
4-26-1928New Orleans, LouisianaColumbia
1542-D
Maple Leaf Rag
(Scott Joplin)
9-25-1925New Orleans, LouisianaColumbia
New Orleans Shuffle
(Bill Whitmore)
9-25-1925New Orleans, LouisianaColumbia
541-D
Pussy Cat Rag
(Albert Brunies / Charlie Cordilla / Mackie Marcour)
1-22-1925New Orleans, LouisianaOkeh
40318-A
Since You’re Gone
(Levy / Glyn Lea Long)
4-13-1926New Orleans, LouisianaColumbia
Snookum
(Bennett)
4-13-1926New Orleans, LouisianaColumbia
1041-D
Squeeze Me
(Fats Waller / Clarence Williams)
9-25-1925New Orleans, LouisianaColumbia
541-D
Tell Me Who
Vocal refrain by Johnnie Saba

(Albert Brunies / Paley / Van Hook)
4-27-1928New Orleans, LouisianaColumbia
1542-D
When I’m Blue
(Glyn Lea Long)
10-24-1927New Orleans, LouisianaColumbia
1263-D
Won’t You Be My Loving Baby?
(unknown)
4-15-1926New Orleans, LouisianaBRS
Wylie Avenue Blues
(Albert Brunies / Diaz / Mistier)
4-27-1928New Orleans, LouisianaColumbia
01437

ArtistInstrument
Sidney ArodinClarinet, Tin Whistle
Leo AddeDrums
Albert BruniesCornet, Leader
Charlie CordellaClarinet, Tenor Saxophone
Bill EastwoodBanjo
Glyn Lea “Red” LongClarinet
Mackie MarcourPiano
Chink MartinTuba, Bass
Angelo PalmisanoBanjo
Emmett RodgersDrums
Leon RoppoloClarinet, Alto Saxophone
Johnny SabaVocals
Bill WhitmorePiano

 

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