Nathan “Jim” Robinson – born December twenty fifth 1892 at Deer Vary Louisiana: died Might 4th 1976 in New Orleans. Just a bit little bit of historical past to get this present on the street!
Jim studied guitar as a child however took up trombone within the military within the First World Conflict. He returned to New Orleans in 1919 and was ok to hitch the Sam Morgan Band through which he was a fixture for a dozen years. He studied with Sunny Henry and labored with Lee Collins within the Gold Leaf Band.
He stayed lively through the Melancholy, primarily with Avery “Child” Howard and was an everyday with the George Lewis Band.. Jim recorded with the Sam Morgan Band within the 1920’s, legendary recordings which were re-issued many instances. He was on the Child Rena Decca classes and is after all on most of Invoice Russell’s Bunk Johnson recordings. One of many biggest Jazz Band recordings occurred right now, with Bunk lacking, Jim Robinson and George Lewis along with Child Dodds, Sluggish Drag and Lawrence Marrero created the nice anthem of New Orleans collective jazz improvisation. It is yours to hear immediately on American Music AMCD 4. The tune known as “San Jacinto Stomp” – it is my desert island disc – however extra of that later. Now take heed to “Ice Cream” with Jim giving it his all and once more there aren’t any solos, simply jazz. It’s on AMCD 2 and by the best way, hear rigorously to Child Dodds on the drums.
Jim toured and recorded numerous instances with George Lewis and Child Howard, and made some great recordings below his personal identify on the Riverside label..It is a small a part of Jim Robinson’s very busy music-filled life. I’m not making an attempt a biography right here, my essential goal is to get you to take heed to”Massive Jim” yourselves! Scathing critics within the mainstream and trendy jazz fields have carped on the obvious simplicity of his type, “the agricultural trombone of Jim Robinson” mentioned one critic within the Jazz Journal.
Having spent my life finding out, taking part in, residing and loving New Orleans Jazz, I can inform you that extra trombone gamers have tried and given up in frustration making an attempt to emulate the Jim Robinson type. I am not speaking about copying Jim observe for observe. Nobody would wish to copy George Lewis, Jim Robinson, Bunk Johnson or Child Howard. What we’re in search of is the type -the goal of the instrument in a jazz band taking part in within the New Orleans ensemble The above musicians truly created a method – sure – an unique creation for us to take heed to, take pleasure in and even emulate.
I can inform you that the fun of taking part in and listening to a band on this type is for me “The which means of life” The search for the orgasmic wall of rhythmic sound that’s not organized and spontaneous ensemble improvisation is nirvana.
I suppose my desert island disc could be American Music AMCD 2 “When You and I had been Younger Maggie”
However I ship you a warning – this music is addictive – beware! Wait a minute I’ve received one other must-have! In 1963 Tom Bethel recorded Child Howard at San Jacinto Corridor in New Orleans with Child Howard, Jim Robinson, George Lewis, George Guesnon, Sluggish Drag and Cie Frazier. It is on GHB 23 – I’ve received to have that one with me! Look out – right here comes one other one Jim Robinson stars right here on “Moonlight and Roses on GHB