THE IMMORTALIZED SCREAM
In the 1920s, recording conditions were a real challenge for musicians !
Sound was captured by a simple bell and etched directly onto wax. To balance volumes, the most powerful instruments had to move further away.
In 1923, when the King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band recorded “Dipper Mouth Blues”, bassist Bill Johnson was forbidden to play, lest his instrument saturate the recording !
Vexed, he lashed out at the drummer who had forgotten his break: "OH, PLAY THAT THING !”
This scream of frustration was immortalized on the record. If you listen carefully, you'll hear Bill's voice, not his double bass !
The phrase "Oh Play That Thing !" has become emblematic in jazz history. In 1955, a track by Shorty Rogers & His Giants was titled "Oh Play That Thing !”
