Kansas City Frank Melrose - Bluesiana

Get this baby back home

‘Kansas City’ Frank Melrose, who tragically died aged 34 in 1941, was a brilliant barrelhouse pianist and prominent character on the Chicago music scene during the prohibition era. Deeply influenced by his friend and hero, Jelly Roll Morton, Melrose was probably the sole white artist to record for the ‘race’ market in the late 20s and early 30s. These heretofore unreleased sessions date from 1940 and catch Melrose in a variety of solo (an ear-catching Body & Soul and a romping Boy On The Boat), trio and quintet settings, often showcasing the swinging clarinet of Pete Daily and Boyce (Bro’ Matthew) Brown’s vibrant saxophone playing as well. Fans of ragtime, hot jazz and two-fisted, percussive piano will love Melrose’s intoxicating synthesis of New Orleans, Kansas City and Chicago styles. Favorites include the band in full swing on Rosetta, a pair of ultra-rhythmic blues (Jelly Roll’s New Orleans Blues and Bid’s Blues) and some Melrose’s originals (Corrine Romp and a strutting Original Stomp), along with three cuts with the Billie Holiday-like vocalist June Davis. Her take on Fats Waller’s infamous ode to reefer, If You’re A Viper, with Melrose on violin is priceless. Party dance music that’s five by five, as they used to say.

Delmark | 245

Reviewed by Gary von Tersch
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