The Charleston that came before the Charleston

[WDC]

Some time ago, I found a nice copy of the "Original Charleston Strut" by Thomas Morris Past Jazz Masters. According to available references, such as 78discography.com and redhotjazz.com, this recording was made in February of 1923.

And this is, what makes it so remarkable: "Charleston" by James P. Johnson was likely just being composed at that time as part of the Broadway show "Runnin' Wild", which had it's public premiere on October 29, 1923 - over half a year after this recording was already made.

The earliest recording of the song "Charleston" that I could trace back dates from 1924, thus making the 1923 "Original Charleston Strut" supposedly the very first recording of a Charleston.

If anyone has more information on that, I'd be very much interested.

[youtubehd]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuIxoIsT2GI[/youtubehd]

[Curt A]

Interesting recording, you should produce it.

[marcapra]

It does seem to have enough riffs that are similar to THEE Charleston that this record might have influenced James P. Johnston to compose his Charleston. Excellent finding Norman!

[billybob62]

What, prithee, is a riff?
I have heard the word but not the meaning?

[Phototone]

What, prithee, is a riff?
I have heard the word but not the meaning?

A riff is a short easily identifiable musical phrase.

[billybob62]

Thanks.

[marcapra]

A riff is a short easily identifiable musical phrase.

I would add that a riff is used primarily in jazz music. Another thing about that record that strikes me is the title: The Original Charleston Strut. What did they mean by "original"? And is there a connection to Isham Jones 1925 Brunswick version of "The Original Charleston"?

[WDC]

I have no clue either what they imply by 'Original' other than claiming to be the first one. Of course, that wouldn't be likely the case for both of them as the typical Charleston rhythm was known prior to that. Also, I could not find an exact composition date of James P. Johnson's Charleston.

But by comparing the publication and recording dates it does not make much sense to believe, that Johnson's song was there before Morris' composition. It's just too that, the person of Thomas Morris is highly obscure and only partially known: http://www.redhotjazz.com/morris.html

This would be indeed a good source for a reproduction, but first I wanted to at least try learn more about this recording.

[VintageTechnologies]

That is a good record in its own right, and interesting music for that early date. But, I did not hear any similarity with the Charleston until 1:32 and then boom! There it was, that familiar halting rhythm we know as the Charlston. Hmmmm....very interesting for sure. I think you found something!

[CDBPDX]

Talk about recognizable Charleston riffs, how about this from 1921:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k7A1M5gtvk