Bobby Hackett and Jack Teagarden Live at Nick's 14 Nov 1949

In October of 1949, Bobby Hackett began a regular engagement at Nick’s Jazz Club in Greenwich Village, New York City. Bobby’s band had stable personnel consisting of himself on cornet, Phil Olivella on clarinet, Andy Russo on trombone, Billy Maxted on piano, Jack Fay on bass and Cliff Leeman at the drums. The band frequently broadcast over New York radio and this selection comes from the broadcast of 14 November 1949. The song is titled “Ja-Da” and the audio source was a severely damaged lacquer disc which I attempted to rescue without negatively affecting the music. Unfortunately, the lacquer coating had peeled away at the start of the disc, so the song starts in progress. The bumpy surface noise dissipates before long, and then we have a wonderful surprise. After a fine clarinet solo by Olivella the trombone comes in for a solo chorus but wait, it’s not Andy Russo but the incomparable Jack Teagarden who had just returned from a European tour with the Louis Armstrong All Stars. Bobby closes out the performance with another heartily inspired solo. Jack’s unmistakable sit-in will be a new treat for his followers and a new entry for his discographers. Clearly this was a special night at Nick’s. I sincerely hope you enjoy this rare treat.