Reuben Reeves & Omer Simeon Complete Recorded Works

With the success of Louis Armstrong’s recordings for Okeh, several other labels in 1929 signed promising trumpeter-vocalists in the hope of equaling Armstrong’s success. Victor recorded Henry “Red” Allen and Brunswick documented Jabbo Smith while Vocalion signed Reuben “River” Reeves. Readers can be excused for greeting the latter name with “who?” Reuben “River” Reeves played in Chicago with Erskine Tate, Dave Peyton, and Fess Williams’ Joy Boys before making his series of recordings for Vocalion. He is featured on 15 selections which, considering they are from 12 sessions, leads one to believe that his recording dates were far from productive. A rough and ready trumpeter who had a very expressive sound and took some reckless chances à la Jabbo Smith, Reeves was actually technically skilled; he just tended to get a little carried away now and then. His Tributaries (also called his River Boys) included his brother trombonist Gerald Reeves, the great clarinetist Omer Simeon, pianist Jimmy Prince, guitarist Cecil White, and drummer Jasper Taylor on the earlier titles. Other musicians including altoist Darnell Howard and Harry Gray on tuba are on some of the later sessions with a larger group. Several vocalists of varying quality also make appearances with Blanche Calloway (Cab’s older sister) faring best on “Black And Blue” and “Have You Ever Felt Tha