In 1966, while visiting a friend in San Diego, our conversation turned to my obsession with traditional jazz. My friend said, “I think my dad has a record of old time jazz” and he turned to look through a cabinet full of records. In just a minute he pulled out a 10-inch LP with a blue cover called Burt Bales After Hours. He put the record on the turntable and “New Orleans Joys” came over the speakers. I had just learned the song from Wally Rose’s recording with the Yerba Buena Jazz Band but this was a very different approach to the number! My interest in the music was obvious and I was given permission to borrow the record. I played it until I was afraid that the grooves would wear out. It was a sad day when I had to return the LP to my friend’s father!
Eventually I found the Good Time Jazz 12-inch LP They Tore My Playhouse Down with the material from After Hours plus piano solos by Paul Lingle. I was the definition of “happy camper” when that record arrived in the mail.
Within a short time I discovered Burt’s recordings with bands: Turk Murphy (1947, 1949, and 1950); Bob Scobey (1950-1951); Bunk Johnson (1944) and finally Benny Strickler with the Yerba Buena Jazz Band (1942). Also, the Arhoolie (ex-Cavalier) On The Waterfront LP of piano solos and a Good Time Jazz EP, where Burt was accompanied by Ed Garland and Minor Hall.
Jelly Roll Morton’s influence was al
