Mort Wells Plays New Orleans

 

Sweet Lovin' Gal

Mort Wells Plays New Orleans

Producer and Engineer: Don Sears

Cover Design: Dennis Kennedy

Applause Records

STEREO Sears Recording Studios

From the back cover:

Mort Wells (Trumpet)

The sound of Mort Wells has echoed in every major ballroom, club and hall, in the country since the early 30's when he joined "Jim Pound's Seven Ounces". Mort cut his first record with Dan Ingraham's "Detroiters", and in 1933 joined Paul Specht's Band in New York City. During the days of the BIG BANDS Mort's distinctive trumpet was heard for seven years with Orin Tucker and his Famous Colmbia Recording Band, The Lucky Strike Hit Parade, Paramount Pictures, Meredith Wilson's Armed Forces Radio Service, and the U.S. Navy. Mort plays many arrangements given to him by his old friend as radio and TV Musical Director Mort developed his own racing stable, and his horses have raced in the money at numerous tracks around the nation. He has a real winner in this album.

Elder ("Ole") Gunderson (Drums)

"Ole" is one of the few drummers who has that rare gift of knowing what the horn man is going to do... before he does it. Back in 1918 he began with a homemade set of drums, the foot pedal being a barn door hinge, with a baseball on the end for a beater. He toured with the old Harry Tuner Band, and joined the Buddy Fisher band (where a fella' named Skitch Henderson was playin' piano). After service in the Army he joined Mort Wells (in the 40's) and is very much in evidence throughout the album. You'll hear "Ole's" familiar humming and singing in the background.

Bob Morgan (Piano)

In 1936 Bob appeared with the Ted Lewis Amateur Hour, and traveled extensively through the 40's with many name bands, the majority of the time with the Earl English Band. He joined Mort in 1957 and, although the youngest member of the group, has that certain quality that highlights him as one of the finest Dixie pianists of the day.

George Casey (Clarinet)

Back in the vaudeville days a group called "Kiddies Of The World" toured the nation. That was 1930, and "Casey" was at bat with them, although he was already somewhat of a veteran (began his musical career in 1928). He, like the others of the band, has put in his time on the road. He played with the Paul Davis Chicago Band in 1933, also many radio shows, including the "Fiber McGee and Molly Show" with the great Billy Mills Orchestra.

Wendall Hall (Bass)

Another Veteran of vaudeville, Wendal began in 1923 as a banjo player, touring the famous RKO Circuit. In 1927 he was a member with the ZEZ Confrey group, and played with numerous name bands until joining Mort Wells in 1950.

Lauren ("Snuffy") Brown (Trombone)

"Snuffy" began playing a violin but in 1927 he bought his first trombone – for $35.00 – and has become a master of the instrument. He has played with the old Curly South band and various name groups, including Lawrence Welk (40's). His "sound" brings back memories of the late Jack Teagarden, and yet the styling of this fine musician is excitingly original.

Panama

Sweet Lovin' Gal

You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me

Float Me Down The River

Clarinet Marmalade

Tiger Rag

Closer Walk With Thee

Foolin' Around

Wabash Blues

Dreamin' On The River