Wolverine Orchestra

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

The Wolverines, also called the Wolverine Orchestra, were an American jazz band that in the 1920s were among the most successful regional bands of the Midwest. They first played in September 1923 at the Stockton Club near Hamilton, Ohio. Many of the musicians had come over from Chicago and the leader was the pianist Dudley Mecum. The name came from Wolverine Blues by Jelly Roll Morton, which they often played. At the end of 1923 the cornettist Bix Beiderbecke joined.

Music and breakthrough

On 18 February 1924 they recorded for the first time for Gennett Records, in Richmond, Indiana. On those recordings, which include Jazz Me Blues, Beiderbecke played on a record for the first time. In May 1924 they recorded Free Wheeling by Hoagy Carmichael, which at Beiderbecke's suggestion was renamed Riverboat Shuffle. The group was popular with students, including at Indiana University, and in September 1924 played at the Roseland Ballroom in New York. After that Beiderbecke left the band to play with Jean Goldkette. Jimmy McPartland took his place.

Influence

The Wolverines are important above all because Beiderbecke can be heard on them, one of the first great jazz soloists with a soft, lyrical tone. After 1925 the name was used by others, and many jazz revival groups later called themselves Wolverines.

Listening

• 
  Jazz Me Blues · Wolverine Orchestra, 1924

In School of Rock

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See also

• Chicago jazz