New Orleans Jazz – News and Views – Elmer ‘Coo Coo… Today 2022

Elmer Talbert “Coo Coo”

Born New Orleans August 8 1900 – died New Orleans December 13 1950.

What follows is a tremendously brief resume of Elmer Talbert’s career with compliment of “New Orleans Jazz – a family group Album by Dr. Edmond Souchon and Al Rose (Louisiana University Press)

In 1929 he had been because of the Arnold Depass Dance Orchestra. He previously lessons from Kid Rena and often worked with Rena’s Bass Band, sufficient reason for Paul Barnes. He had been, like a great many other musicians in New Orleans, a part-time musician and earned an income doing work in a laundry. In 1947 he suffered a stroke but recovered well.

Between 1947 along with his untimely death from another stroke in late 1950, he made some remarkable recordings all because of the George Lewis Band. On November 23 1949 an event was held at 1111 Bourbon St. by jazz fan Herb Otto. The entire George Lewis Band was there, along with other musicians and jazz buffs present. Herb Otto along with his friend Bob Greenwood both had recording machines and far of this music was taped. From the American Music Label AMCD 74 “The George Lewis Band at Herb Otto’s party 1949” it is possible to hear the end result. Not hi fidelity nevertheless the music shines through, it is extremely hot, and our first possiblity to hear “Coo Coo” Elmer Talbert.In May 1950 Dr. Edmond Souchon arranged a recording of this George Lewis Band on the part of this new Orleans Jazz Club. The understanding was that when Dr. Souchon could sell the record, George plus the band would have the money. The recording were held at Filiberto’s Music Store on Barracks Street. A hot and sultry New Orleans day; chilled water, soda, beer and good stuff was available with plenty of ice. Bandleader George kept strict control over the drinks, plus the resulting music is arguably one the fantastic classic sessions of jazz in virtually any style. It really is yours to be controlled by on “George Lewis Jam Session” on AMCD 104. Your whole band is needless to say fantastic but Elmer Talbert’s trumpet along with his amazing vocal on ” 2.19 Blues” and “Pallet on to the floor” are Desert Island Discs for me personally!

Only weeks in the future June 5 1950, the George Lewis Band with “Coo Coo” on trumpet made four tracks when it comes to “fun time Jazz” label. It was recorded in New Orleans and supervised by Jack Lewerke. I think, that is the best quality pertaining to the sound and balance of this George Lewis Band. I guess there was a qualification of personal bias here as this type of “Burgundy Street Blues” was played within my wedding to Diana Clark during the Ritz Carlton Hotel in New Orleans. The CD is from the fun time Jazz L12005. GTCD 12005-2.

Lastly, on Jazz Crusade JCCD 3054 an air shot recording of this George Lewis Band with Elmer Talbert. It was a Dixieland Clambake programme in New Orleans in September and October 1950. Some good George Lewis and Jim Robinson here and sadly our last possiblity to hear Elmer on trumpet.

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