I had a nice breakthrough in researching the tune that House of God "sacred steelers" play for their offertory procession. You can hear a version played by Aubrey Ghent as "March Medley" on Arhoolie CD450. I recently recognized the melody in a recording of the "Dummy Song" by Louis Armstrong, which was a hit for him in 1953. Further research produced this. http://www.geocities.com/BourbonStreet/5135/BoldenTunes.html
Apparently the tune cited here as "Makin' Runs" was a staple in the repertoire of Buddy Bolden and other New Orleans jazz men ca. 1900. The Real Audio clip of Johnny de Droits "The Swing" is definitely it (after the extended introductory section). The web page also gives a midi version "Zacatecas," a Mexican march from 1893 that contains a similar section!
I've read before that the influence of Mexican music on New Orleans jazz is often overlooked.
By the way, the tune is very similar to Mike Auldridge's "Spanish Grass."
Some of these tunes have been "out there" for a long time.
I would be most grateful for any further insights or anecdotes about this tune.
Best,
Bob[This message was edited by Bob Stone on 23 January 2003 at 07:20 AM.]
