The band was invited to play at Rectors nightclub in London. They made one other recording during their stay in England that was released by two separate record labels under the names of the Detroit Melodists and Carnival Novelty Four.
Tiger Rag
Original Capitol Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
Where oh where can he be?
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
Where oh where can he be?
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
The lyrics of "Tiger Rag" by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band is an exclamation of excitement and anticipation for the arrival of a tiger. The repetition of the phrase "Where's that tiger?" creates a sense of urgency and plays into the idea of the tiger as a wild and elusive creature. The lyrics take on a playful and humorous tone as they urge the listener to "choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him" - an odd set of instructions that further emphasizes the absurdity of the situation. The chorus of the song is a call for the eponymous "Tiger Rag" to be played, which serves as a musical representation of the excitement and energy generated by the prospect of encountering a tiger.
Interestingly, "Tiger Rag" has become an enduring symbol of early jazz and has been widely covered by other artists. The song was originally recorded in 1917 and is considered one of the first jazz recordings in history. It has been covered by countless artists over the years, including Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, and Glenn Miller. The song's upbeat and infectious melody has become a staple of the genre and is frequently used in films, TV shows, and commercials. In addition, the song's lyrics have been referenced in popular culture, including in a memorable scene from the film "The Blues Brothers."
Line by Line Meaning
Where's that tiger! Where's that tiger!
What happened to that fearsome, elusive creature? We must find him!
Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger!
Don't let that tiger get away! We must capture him!
Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him!
We must use any means necessary to subdue the tiger and make him comply with our wishes.
Where's that tiger? Where's that tiger?
Seriously, where did he go? We need to find him ASAP!
Where oh where can he be?
We are at a loss as to the whereabouts of our striped adversary.
Low or highbrow, they all cry now
People of all social classes are united in their desire to hear the Tiger Rag.
"Please play that Tiger Rag for me"
We implore you to perform the catchy tune known as Tiger Rag for our listening pleasure.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Antonio Sbarro, Edwin Edwards, Henry Ragas, Larry Shields, Sidney Bechet
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
bob boscarato
Very spirited version of Tiger Rag!
Andy LeMaitre
Never heard this before but then I am getting on a bit. Thoroughly wonderful!
maxindetroit
Superb transfer!
These guys did due diligence on new Orleans rhythm kings rec.
Nick Dellow
Many thanks for your kind words about the transfer. Glad you like it.
Alco
The ending is very reminiscent of odjb and nork as after the solo the band just goes wild and just blends all the different instruments melody's into a single one which carries enough momentum to knock you down if you stand there for too long. Great playing on the bands part.
John Llewlyn Davies
Wow! REAL jazz - great to get an insight into what was happening here after the ODJB's long stay.
Nick Dellow
Many thanks John, glad you like it. Thanks too for your comment about the info.
Jazzguy1927
The clarinet solo is a lot like Roppolo’s on the NORK Gennett. Thanks for this spirited rendition. There is the trumpet player on this record playing Paul Mares break too. What is surprising to me is this band is playing swinging jazz just like the NORK. They don’t play some rigid sounding copy but have the real jazz feeling in this remarkable recording.
Jazzguy1927
@Nick Dellow Thanks very much for that information Nick. When solos from records are copied almost note for note it makes me wonder how many of these early jazzmen.improvised solos. But with a musician like Jack Teagarden I doubt if he ever copied another trombone players solo on any record. I just uploaded a recording of the Pollack band recording of Sweetheart We Need Each Other from the film Rio Rita. That record comes alive when Teagarden plays his solo. I never was impressed too much with the melody until I heard Teagarden improvise on it on that record.
Nick Dellow
Very true, Tim - in fact, Tracy Mumma's solo is almost a note for note copy of Roppolo's solo on the NORK side.