Bill Bailey – 1959
Dukes Of Dixieland
Some uptempo Dixieland from a popular group
In the 1950s and the first half of the ‘60s, the Dukes Of Dixieland were a very popular band.
Led by trumpeter-singer Frank Assunto and including his brother Fred on trombone and their father Jac Assunto on banjo and second trombone, the Dukes appeared on television several times, had steadily selling recordings for the Audio Fidelity label, and in the early 1960s recorded some memorable sets for Columbia.
From the Ed Sullivan Show in 1959, the Dukes Of Dixieland perform a version of “Bill Bailey” that includes Fred Assunto’s vocal, a drum break that increases the performance’s tempo, a fine solo from clarinetist Jerry Fuller, and plenty of colorful trombone playing.
-Scott Yanow
