SMILE, DARN YA, SMILE

In 1931, encouragement and optimism were chief goals of song writers and performers. I thought you'd enjoy records that taught out frowning forbears to smile in the depths of the Great Depression

Whenever a fascist despot tells you he holds all the cards, and wants you to think his deck is stacked against yours, hide aces up your sleeve. Whenever a fascist penny-pincher orders a halt to production of that coin, and no more rains of riches can be expected to fall from heaven, stash chump change in the linings of your threadbare coats and prison-thin mattresses. You may be poor in ‘specie’ but you don’t have to be poor in spirit.

This medley is a collection of vintage mood lifters saved for dark days like the ones we’re having. Most of these records date from 1931 when they were as needed as they are today. Tin Pan alley was peddling optimism of such high quality that it retains its considerable anti-depresssant power.

These records come courtesy of one of jazz’s greatest morale boosters: Snooks Friedman. Born Herman Friedman in 1906, Snooks became a drummer in the 1920s, forming his own band, called the Memphis Stopmers, in 1927. His six 1928 Memphis-made recordings for RCA are among the most memorale jazz sides of the period. In 1929, Snooks went to New York City where he remained with the RCA label until he stopped recording in 1932 (although he continued to lead a popular band until 1935). In his most active years as a recording artist, he made at least 40 recordings under various names, the best knowns of which are Snooks and His Memphis Stompers, Snooks and His Paramount Theater Orchestra (a venue he played form 1930 until 1935). During his studio days, he was listed as “Broadway’s hottest band,” a title I hope these records prove merited. Snooks died in 1993 at the age of 87. I loved his band for the last fibe years and thought it high time to share some ots recordings with you.

Look, I know it’s hard to smile now and the laughs are few, but I believe you will benefit from the sincere, determined optimism of these shellacs. I start with one of Snooks few recordings of raw realism that reflect the period, and then switch into the higher gears of buoyancy and good cheer. You’ve got to realize just how high Snooks was aiming. So I start with the desspair he meant to cure.

I dedicate this post to my early jazz mentor, Andy Senior, publisher of the indispensable “Syncopated Times.” I wouldn't be sending this music to you today if it weren’t for his podcast, “Radiola”.

Snooks Memphis Ramblers (Julia Gerity, voc.), Sittin’ on a Rubbish Can, 1931

Snooks and His Memphis Stompers (vocal trio), Smile, Darn Ya, Smile, 1931

Snooks and His Memphis Stompers (vocal trio), I’m Happy When You Smile, 1931

Snooks and The Memphis Stompers (vocal trio), You Don’t Need Glasses (To See I’m In Love), 1931

Snooks and the Memphis Ramblers (Wally Ashby, voc.), Dip Your Brush in Sunshine, 1931

Snooks and the Memphis Ramblers (Wally Ashby, voc.), Let a Little Pleasure Interfere with Business, 1931

Snooks and His Memphis Ramblers (vocal trio), Nothin’ to do But Love, 1931

Snooks Friedman as the Radio Ramblers, I Found a Peanut, 1932 (Snooks made a few novelty records; this is one of them)

Snooks and His Memphis Stompers (vocal trio), One More Time, 1931

Snooks Friedman as the Radio Rascals (Oscar Grogan), Dixie, 1932

Snooks and His Memphis Stompers (vocal trio), Love is Like That, 1931

Snooks Friedman and His Memphis Ramblers (Wally Ashby, voc.), I’m Crazy ‘Bout My Baby Oand My Baby’s Crazy About Me). 1931