Jelly Roll Morton in New York

Abstract

When I arrived in New York City in 1930 my uncle Paul Barbarin and my friend Henry “Red” Allen took me to the Rhythm Club, which was known for its famous jam sessions and cutting contests. The club was owned and operated by Bert Hall, a trombone player, politician and gambler, who had left Chicago for New York. Bert introduced many reforms in Local 802 that were for the protection of its negro members who, lots of times after working in clubs owned by racketeers, were doubtful of getting paid until the money was in their hands. (Before the coming of Bert there was The Bandbox, another club owned by a trumpet player named Major. And there was the Amsterdam Club, a relic of the old Clef Club.)