Jazz Club USA #02

Summary

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Jazz Club USA #02 – May 12, 2026

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Leonard Feather (presented via archival audio)
Featured Artists: Lionel Hampton, Red Norvo, Lucky Thompson, Louis Armstrong, Jack Teagarden, Earl “Fatha” Hines

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Episode Overview

In this classic episode of Jazz Club USA (originally broadcast on the Voice of America), renowned jazz critic and composer Leonard Feather explores the diversity and evolution of American jazz. The episode highlights contrasting styles, legendary performers, and features rare live performances from top jazz artists of the era. The show delves into debates about the essence of "real jazz," spotlights up-and-coming artists, and treats listeners to a unique virtual visit to a famed New York club, Bop City.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Debating the Essence of Jazz (00:27–02:09)

• Improvised vs. Arranged Jazz:
  Leonard Feather opens the episode by describing longstanding debates about jazz authenticity—should it be arranged or improvised? Big band or small combo?

  • Notable quote:
    “You hear a lot of arguments both in this country and abroad about how the real jazz should be played... The truth is... both sides are right and jazz doesn’t have to be limited to any particular form, size or style.” (00:52)

• Purpose for Listeners:
  Sets up the show as an exploration of contrasts in jazz with two of the greatest vibraphone players.

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2. Contrasting Jazz Styles: Lionel Hampton vs. Red Norvo (02:09–07:44)

- Lionel Hampton: Big, Brassy, and Arranged (02:09–04:22)

• Features the song “Oh Babe,” originally by Louis Prima and popularized by Hampton alongside vocalist Sonny Parker.
• The arrangement is lively and energetic, emphasizing the “big band” aesthetic.

- Red Norvo Trio: Intimate, Subtle, and Improvised (04:22–07:44)

• Contrasts Hampton’s big sound with Red Norvo’s minimalist trio (featuring Tal Farlow on guitar and Charles Mingus on bass).
• Performance of Denzil Best’s modern composition “Move.”
• Notable quote:
  “Now you listen to what a variety of rhythmic ideas they get without any pianist or drummer in this brand new version of Denzil Best's composition Move.” (04:56)
• Feather praises Norvo for always delivering “jazz at its best.” (07:44)

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3. Spotlight on Modern Blues: Lucky Thompson (08:20–12:34)

• New Release – “Slow Dragon” by Lucky Thompson (08:20–12:34)
  • Feather introduces a modern blues piece by tenor saxophonist Lucky Thompson.
  • Emphasis on the record’s potential impact for Lucky Thompson's career and reputation in the jazz scene.
  • Notable quote:
    “This next item is strictly the blues. It’s Lucky Thompson, a very fine modern tenor saxman, playing an arrangement of his own entitled 'Slow Dragon.' I think that record is probably going to do a lot for Lucky Thompson’s reputation.” (08:25)

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4. A Night at Bop City with Louis Armstrong & His Sextet (12:34–29:09)

- Atmosphere and Setting (12:34–13:09)

• Feather takes listeners to Bop City, a Broadway club.
• Notes irony: the club is called “Bop City” but specializes in traditional jazz.

- Performance Highlights

• “Shadrach” and “When the Saints Go Marching In” (13:09–17:24)

  • Performed by Armstrong’s sextet, with featured musicians including Jack Teagarden (trombone), Barney Bigard (clarinet), Arvell Shaw (bass), Cozy Cole (drums), and Earl Hines (piano).
  • Notable quote:
    “Once three children from the land of Israel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego...” (13:09) – the story-song delivered in Armstrong’s inimitable narrative style.

• “I Got Rhythm” (18:47–25:48)

  • Features the “fabulous Earl ‘Father’ Hines” on a solo performance.
  • Feather notes Hines’ enduring freshness and youthful sound, despite decades in music.
  • Notable quote:
    “He’s been heard on records for more than a quarter of a century, but he’s still an amazingly young looking man and his talents still sound fresh and exciting…” (17:58)

• “Someday” (18:47–25:48)

  • A soulful vocal number highlighting Armstrong’s ability to convey emotion and gentleness.
  • Notable lyric:
    “Someday you’ll reason… there won’t be another to treat you like a brother…”

• “La Vie En Rose” (25:48–29:09)

  • Armstrong sings the French classic in his signature style, demonstrating jazz’s cross-cultural influence.
  • Notable lyric:
    “Hold me tight and hold me fast / the magic spell you cast, that is La Vie en Rose…” (26:25)

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5. Closing Reflections and Listener Engagement (29:09–29:50)

• Feather recaps the episode’s journey, emphasizing the study in contrasts between different jazz approaches and performers.
  • Notable quote:
    “We hope you have enjoyed the study in contrast with Lionel Hampton and Red Norvo, as well as the music of Lucky Thompson and the visit to Bop City with Louis Armstrong, Jack Teagarden, Earl Hines and the Gang.” (29:09)
• Encourages listeners to write with requests or feedback, underlining the show’s commitment to diverse jazz styles.

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Memorable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• On jazz versatility:
  “The truth is, of course, that both sides are right and jazz doesn’t have to be limited to any particular form, size or style.” – Leonard Feather (00:52)

• Introducing Red Norvo's trio:
  “Now you listen to what a variety of rhythmic ideas they get without any pianist or drummer in this brand new version of Denzil Best's composition Move.” – Leonard Feather (04:56)

• On Lucky Thompson’s breakthrough:
  “I think that record is probably going to do a lot for Lucky Thompson’s reputation.” – Leonard Feather (08:25)

• Bop City nostalgia:
  “At the time of our visit, it was really jumping, not with bop, but with the traditional jazz sounds of a great little band, Louis Armstrong's Sextet.” – Leonard Feather (12:48)

• Armstrong’s interpretation of a classic:
  “Hold me tight and hold me fast, the magic spell you cast, that is La Vie en Rose…” – Vocal performance (26:25)

• Feather’s sign-off:
  “This is your host, Leonard Feather, wishing you the best of tempos. Until next week, Jazz Club USA is a feature presentation of the Voice of America.” (29:09)

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Timestamps for Major Segments

| Segment & Description | Time | |----------------------------------------------------|--------------| | Opening and jazz debate | 00:27–02:09 | | Lionel Hampton – “Oh Babe” | 02:09–04:22 | | Red Norvo Trio – “Move” | 04:22–07:44 | | Lucky Thompson – “Slow Dragon” | 08:20–12:34 | | Bop City with Louis Armstrong | 12:34–29:09 | | Armstrong: “Shadrach” + “When the Saints...” | 13:09–17:24 | | Earl Hines solo – “I Got Rhythm” | 18:47–25:48 | | Armstrong: “Someday” | 18:47–25:48 | | Armstrong: “La Vie en Rose” | 25:48–29:09 | | Feather’s closing comments | 29:09–29:50 |

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Tone and Style

• Leonard Feather’s commentary is knowledgeable yet welcoming, embracing jazz’s diversity while providing historic and musical context.
• Guest performances carry all the charisma and excellence expected from jazz legends, mixing exuberance with intimacy.
• The episode masterfully evokes a bygone era—both informative for the jazz aficionado and entertaining for newcomers.

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For Listeners

Even if you missed the episode, this summary gives you a guide to the sounds, stories, and personalities that shaped mid-century jazz, emphasizing the music's enduring spirit of innovation and inclusiveness.

Transcript

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[Leonard Feather]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. The Voice of America presents Jazz Club USA. The Voice of America presents another in the series of programs designed to bring you jazz at its best. Here's your commentator and host, the well known jazz critic and composer, Leonard Feather. Greetings and modulations, friends. This is your host, Leonard Feather, inviting you to join our ringside table at Jazz Club USA for another survey of the popular music scene in America today. You know, you hear a lot of arguments both in this country and abroad about how the real jazz should be played. Some say it can be arranged, and others insist it must be improvised. Some like big bands, some people insist only a small group can produce most any authentic jazz. The truth is, of course, that both sides are right and jazz doesn't have to be limited to any particular form, size or style. A very good illustration of that point is an example that we have in the way of contrast for our first two records today. The stars of these two numbers are the country's two famous vibraphone soloists, Red Norvo and Lionel Hampton. Here first we have a new release by Lionel Hampton playing a Louis Prima song that's become quite popular lately. The title is oh Babe and the vocal is by Sonny Parker.

[Singer/Performer]

When you say hello, then you get me. Must be living, gotta be crazy. Once you get started, here's what'll happen to you. Shake it and you break it and you hub it. You romp it and stomp it and you hop it. You're singing and you're singing and you hop it. You're hopping and you're popping and you hop it. The world turns upside down. Woogie and you hold it. You hustle and you tussle and you all bed. You wiggle and you giggle and you all bend. You shuffle and scuffle and you hold it. The world turns upside down when hollow baby sam. You boogie and you woogie and you ah babe. You hustle and you tussle and you ah babe. You wiggle and you giggle and you ah babe. You shuffle and scuffle and you. Ah, babe, the world turns upside down when you holler.

[Leonard Feather]

And now for a complete contrast, let's turn from the big, brassy sounds of Lionel Hampton to the more subtle, intimate manner of Red Norvo. Red is a wonderful musician, a great guy. He's been a friend of mine. He's been a figure in jazz circles for many, many years. He used to lead a big band too, as a matter of fact, but during the last few months, he's been touring the country with a trio consisting simply of himself, a wonderful guitarist named Tal Farlow, and a great bass player, Charlie Mingus, who, strangely enough used to play with Lionel Hampton. Now you listen to what a variety of rhythmic ideas they get without any pianist or drummer in this brand new version of Denzil Best's composition Move.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Sam.

[Singer/Performer]

It's sam.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Sa.

[Leonard Feather]

I hope you'll agree that Red Norvo is one musician who can always be relied on to bring his jazz at its best.

[Liberty Mutual Advertiser]

Liberty Mutual customizes your car and home insurance. And now we're customizing this rush hour ad to keep you calm, which could help your driving. And science says therapy is great for a healthy mindset. So enjoy this 14 second session on us. I think you've done everything right and absolutely nothing wrong. In fact, anything that hasn't gone your way could probably be blamed on your father not being emotionally available because his father wasn't emotionally available, and so on. And now that you're calm and healing, you're probably driving better, too.

[Leonard Feather]

Liberty, Liberty. Liberty.

[Singer/Performer]

Liberty.

[Leonard Feather]

As usual, we like to offer a preview of the week featuring a brand new record that we think will be very popular. Let's hope a lot of you are blues fans because this next item is strictly the blues. It's Lucky Thompson, a very fine modern tenor saxman, playing an arrangement of his own entitled Slow Dragon. I think that record is probably going to do a lot for Lucky Thompson's reputation. Now to bring you the products of our regular weekly visits with the Voice of America's wandering microphone. Not so long ago, we took the mic down to Bop City. That was a Broadway nightclub that didn't try very hard to live up to its name. In fact, it closed recently. But at the time of our visit, it was really jumping, not with bop, but with the traditional jazz sounds of a great little band, Louis Armstrong's Sextet. Now, I think at this point, we'll let Louis himself take over to the strains of his famous theme song, Sleepy Time Down South.

[Singer/Performer]

Sam.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

And now, folks, we're gonna beat out a Medieval recordings One will be Shadrach and when the saints go marching in Ed. Once three children from the land of Israel Shadrach me Shagavanda Took a trip through the land of avalanche Shadrach meet Shackleback Never could lest there was the king of Babylon Shadrach meet Shacklefoot Give a lot of gold made it night Shadrach meshacho He told everybody we'd hear the music of the trumpet and he told everybody we'd hear the music of the flute and he told everybody we'd

[Singer/Performer]

hear you go home

[Narrator/Storyteller]

once fall down we watch a beat and Shadrach me shacket be good but the children of Israel would not bow down Shadrach We Shackabel couldn't pull away the golden idol we shack about the negro I said you couldn't fool away the golden idol Shacket write we shack a bit. So the king put the children in the punish shack these gentlemen peep down coals and red hot brimstone Shack. One of the soldiers that the king had put there shed right. So the Lord sent an angel with snow white wings down in the middle of the punish Talking to the children might follow the gospel Shad like recycle well you couldn't wear no hair on the haters Shadrach laughing and talking while the fire jumping round hey hey hey Old Nebuchadnezzar called hey there when he saw the power of the Lord and they had a big time in the house Babylon chest.

[Singer/Performer]

Saints marching in Marching in When the

[Narrator/Storyteller]

saints go March evening Yes, I want to be in that number when it says good marching here come brother Big Friday God. That winter Saints. Lord I want to be in that number with the saints Go Virgin in Reverend Jack T. Garden there.

[Singer/Performer]

Sam.

[Leonard Feather]

Louie didn't give you the personnel of the band, so we may as well remind you that in addition to Jack Teagarden on trombone, he still has Barney Bigard on clarinet, Arvell Shaw on bass, Cozy Cole on drums. And of course the pianist, as usual, is a man who takes a featured role on this next item. The fabulous Earl Father Hines. I'm sure a lot of you know Earl as he is toured in many countries with Louis. And he's been heard on records for more than a quarter of a century. But he's still an amazingly young looking man and his talents still sound fresh and exciting on such numbers as this next solo performance of I Got Rhythm.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

It. Sa. Thank you very much, folks. We have a request for this beautiful recording of ours and kind of scribble this for no paper myself there. The title of this number will be Someday. Savvy. The way you treated me was wrong but this party I was the one who taught you all. You present you to make me sing another song so good luck maybe with you. And may your future you won't feel or there won't be another to treat you like a brother Someday you reason sa. Now good luck maybe with you. And may your future you oh, there won't be another to treat you like a brother.

[Leonard Feather]

One of Louis's finest and biggest hits on records recently is a popular song, one that came over here from France a couple of years ago under the title of you're too Dangerous, Cherie. And recently it had a new life along Tin Pan Alley under its original French title. And that's the way Louis sings it now, in a style that can make any song suitable for his unique voice. La vie en rose.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Hold me tight and hold me balance the magic spell you get that is lovely and lo when you kiss me Then I close my eyes and see Lovely and rose when you press me to your heart I'm in a world apart A world where rose is bloom and when you speak heaven sing from above Every word seems turning to love song Give your heart and soul to me Life will always bleed

[Singer/Performer]

Lavian Rom. Sam.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Okay, that.

[Leonard Feather]

Well, I'm afraid it's time now to be leaving Bop City and close today's session of Jazz Club usa. We hope you have enjoyed the study in contrast with Lionel Hampton and Red Norvo, as well as the music of Lucky Thompson and the visit to Bop City with Louis Armstrong, Jack Teagarden, Earl Hines and the Gang. Once again, we'd like to remind you that all kinds of jazz will be played on this program and all kinds of suggestions will be welcome. So don't hesitate to let us know what your tastes are or what artists you would like to hear. Just write to Jazz Club USA, Voice of America New York 19, this is your host, Leonard Feather, wishing you the best of tempos. Until next week, Jazz club usa is a feature presentation of the voice of america.

[Liberty Mutual Advertiser]

Liberty Mutual customizes your car and home insurance. And now we're customizing this rush hour ad to keep you calm, which could help your driving. And science says therapy is great for a healthy mindset. So enjoy this 14 second session on us. I think you've done everything right and absolutely nothing wrong. In fact, anything that hasn't gone your way could probably be blamed on your father not being emotionally available. Because his father wasn't emotionally available. And so on. And now that you're calm and healing, you're probably driving better, too.