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This band, whose entire output is included here, is surely one of the most remarkable in the history of Jazz and dance music, for it was directed by a winsomely attractive young lady. Nothing in that, you may say; there were other bands that were led by similarly attractive girls (Ina Ray Hutton’s was composed entirely of them) but Thelma Terry was no slinky figurehead; she played string bass of all things, and did so with the taste and assurance associated with male exponents of the instrument, such as Pops Foster, Joe Tarto, Steve Brown, John Kirby, Wellman Braud, Bill Johnson

Thelma Terry with Colosimo's Orchestra
Thelma Terry with Colosimo’s Orchestra Pictures courtesy of the family of Thelma Terry. Copyright Patti, daughter of Thelma Terry.

A glance at the personnel of the two sessions recorded shows that here were some of the great names of Chicago Jazz, playing largely non-vocal versions of popular tunes of the time, propelled with ease by the dynamic little lady* with the big fiddle. — by Brian Rust (from the liner notes of The Chicago Hot Bands 1924 – 1928 on Timeless Records)

* Brian Rust seems to have formed the impression that Thelma was tiny and petite when he refers to her as “the little lady.” He uses similar adjectives in a book of his from twenty years ago or so. I checked, and her daughter Patti says Thelma stood 5′ 7″. -David Apolloni

Thelma Terry with Colosimo's Orchestra
Thelma Terry with Colosimo’s Orchestra Picture courtesy of the family of Thelma Terry. Copyright Patti, daughter of Thelma Terry.

If you would like to order the Timeless Records’ CD of Chicago Hot Bands 1924 – 1928 you can do so direct from Timeless Records.

discography

TitleRecording DateRecording LocationCompany
Dusky Stevedore
(Andy Razaf / J.C. Johnson)
9-27-1928New York, New YorkColumbia 1588-D
Lady Of Havana
(Bernie / Val / VanLoan)
3-29-1928Chicago, IllinoisColumbia 1390-D
Mama’s Gone
(A. J. Piron / Peter Bocage)
3-29-1928Chicago, IllinoisColumbia 1706-D
Starlight And Tulips
(Wendling / Bryan)
3-29-1928Chicago, IllinoisColumbia 1532-D
The Voice Of The Southland
(Keeps Calling Me Home)

(Austin / Bloom / Ted Koehler)
3-29-1928Chicago, IllinoisColumbia 1390-D
When Sweet Susie Goes Steppin’ By
(Kaufman / Kelly / Bilbo)
9-27-1928New York, New YorkColumbia 1588-D

ArtistInstrument
Roy CampbellBanjo
Joe DavisDrums, Vocals
Pat DaviesClarinet, Tenor Saxophone
Charles DornbergerClarinet, Alto Saxophone
Dub FlemingCornet
Earl GrayClarinet, Alto Saxophone
Gene KrupaDrums
Bud JacobsonClarinet
Johnny MendelTrumpet
Floyd O’BrienTrombone
Bill OttoPiano
Mike PlattClarinet, Alto Saxophone
Carl RinkerTrumpet
Mike PlattClarinet, Alto Saxophone
George ShirleyBanjo
Phil ShukinClarinet, Tenor Saxophone
Warren SmithTrombone
Thelma TerryBass, Director
Bob ZurkePiano

 

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