Original Dixieland Jazz Band   

The first jazz group to ever record, the Original Dixieland Jazz Band made history in 1917. They were not the first group to ever play jazz, nor was this white quintet necessarily the best band of the time, but during 1917-1923, they did a great deal to popularize jazz. Comprised of drummer Tony Sbarbaro, cornetist Nick LaRocca, trombonist Eddie Edwards, pianist Henry Ragas, and clarinetist Larry Shields, the group caused a major sensation after their first appearance in New York. Columbia quickly recorded the ODJB ("Darktown Strutters Ball" and "Indiana"), but the label was afraid to put out the records until Victor's recording of the novelty "Livery Stable Blues" became a huge hit and really launched the jazz age. During the next few years, the ODJB would introduce such future standards as "Tiger Rag," "At the Jazz Band Ball," "Clarinet Marmalade," and many others. After introducing jazz to Europe during 1919-1920, the group became a bit out of fashion in the U.S. after the rise of Paul Whiteman and the New Orleans Rhythm Kings. After breaking up in the mid-'20s, a 1936 reunion brought a few final recordings. The Original Dixieland Jazz Band did make a strong contribution to early jazz, helped supply the repertoire of many later Dixieland bands, and were an influence on Bix Beiderbecke and Red Nichols.

© Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Below are works by O.Dixieland Jazz Band that every music lover should explore: