Thanks to WeirdWildRealm for the back story on a video performance that knocks me out every time I see it — The Duke Ellington Orchestra performing “V.I.P.’s Boogie” (fused to “Jam with Sam“) in a 1951 Snader transcription film:
“VIP’s Boogie” / “Jam With Sam”
The Duke Ellington Orchestra (1951)
Harry Carney: bass clarinet
Jimmy Hamilton: clarinet
Wade Cook: trumpet
Paul Gonsalves: tenor sax
Britt Woodman: trombone
Russell Procope: alto sax
Cat Anderson: trumpet
Quentin Jackson: toilet-plunger mute trombone
Willie Smith: alto sax
Louis Bellson: drums
Wendell Marshall: bass
For the most part, these transcriptions, says WeirdWildRealm, “were recycled into sets of Snader & Studio telescriptions for syndication to television in half-hour bites, as trumped up concerts of sundry performers filmed between 1950 and 1954. These always added an emcee (Willie Bryant) and comedians to connect the mini-movies into a whole.”
Furthermore, these soundtracks “were tinkered with a bit to provide audience reactions and ‘curtains’ were added, all designed to give the impression of concerts at the Apollo Theater, which, though unconvincing, has nevertheless fooled a lot of people ever since. Duke’s portion were actually filmed at California Studios in Los Angeles.”
Columbia did issue a 10-inch single in 1952 of “V.I.P.’s Boogie” b/w with “Jam with Sam” that was recorded at the almighty label’s New York City studio on May 10, 1951.
