New Orleans Rhythm Kings

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The New Orleans Rhythm Kings (nicknamed NORK) were one of the most influential jazz bands of the early to mid-1920s. The band was a combination of New Orleans and Chicago musicians who helped shape Chicago Jazz and influenced many younger jazz musicians. The group recorded a series of records for Gennett Records in 1922 and 1923. On two of these sessions, they were joined by pianist and composer Jelly Roll Morton. The New Orleans Rhythm Kings in its earliest stages was the brainchild of drummer Mike "Ragbaby" Stevens, solely in that he sent the first telegram to Albert Brunies about going to Chicago to make a band and find better gigs than what New Orleans had to offer. Albert "Abbie" Brunies and his younger brother and trombonist George Brunies were initially hesitant but suggested the idea to friend, trumpet player Paul Mares, who immediately lunged for the opportunity. "So I says Paul, I says, Abbie don't want to go to Chicago and I'm kind of leery, I'm afraid", George recalled. "Paul says, 'man, give me that wire. I'll go.' So Paul went up [to Chicago] and introduced himself to Ragbaby Stevens and Ragbaby liked him… and Paul got the railroad fare from his father and sent me $60". George Brunies picked up his trombone and set off to join Mares in Chicago, playing gigs and going to afterhours clubs with Paul Mares. It was at one such club where the pair met some of their future band mates, drummer Frank Snyder, pianist Elmer Schoebel, and saxophonist Jack Pettis. The name

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albums

The Complete Set 1922-1925

All Time Jazz: New Orleans Rhythm Kings

Presenting New Orleans Rhythm Kings

Jazz Figures / New Orleans Rhythm Kings (1922-1935)

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The Ultimate Jazz Archive 1 (3 Of 4)

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Complete Jazz Series 1922 - 1923

The Cradle of Jazz - Take It Slow And Easy

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At The Jazz Band Ball

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Vintage Jazz

The Ultimate Jazz Archive

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New Orleans Rhythm Kings: Complete Recordings 1922-1925

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New Orleans Jazz

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