Elmer Talbert “Coo Coo”
Born in New Orleans on August 8, 1900 – died in New Orleans on December 13, 1950.
What follows is a brief summary of Elmer Talbert’s career thanks to “New Orleans Jazz – A Family Album by Dr. Edmond Souchon and Al Rose (Louisiana University Press)
In 1929 he was part of the Arnold Depass Dance Orchestra. He took lessons from Kid Rena and sometimes worked with Rena’s Bass Band and Paul Barnes. He was, like many other New Orleans musicians, a part-time musician and made a living working in a laundromat. In 1947 he suffered a stroke but recovered well.
Between 1947 and his unexpected death from another stroke in late 1950, he made some notable recordings, all with the George Lewis Band. On November 23, 1949, jazz fan Herb Otto threw a party at 1111 Bourbon St. The entire George Lewis Band was there, with other musicians and jazz fans in attendance. Herb Otto and his friend Bob Greenwood had recording machines and much of the music was recorded. On the American record label AMCD 74 “The George Lewis Band at Herb Otto’s party 1949” you can hear the result. It’s not hi-fi, but the music shines, it’s very hot, and our first chance to hear “Coo Coo” Elmer Talbert.
In May 1950, Dr. Edmond Souchon arranged a recording by the George Lewis Band on behalf of the New Orleans Jazz Club. The deal was that if Dr. Souchon could sell the record, George and the band would get the money. Recording took place at Filiberto’s Music Store on Barracks Street. A hot and muggy day in New Orleans; cold water, soda, beer and good stuff was available with plenty of ice. Band leader George kept a tight rein on drinks, and the resulting music is arguably one of the greatest classic jazz sessions in any style. It’s yours to hear on “George Lewis Jam Session” on AMCD 104. The whole band is, of course, fantastic, but Elmer Talbert’s trumpet and incredible voice on “2.19 Blues” and “Pallet On The Floor” are a desert island for me. !
Just a few weeks later, on June 5, 1950, the George Lewis Band with “Coo Coo” on trumpet made four tracks for the “Good Time Jazz” label. This was recorded in New Orleans and supervised by Jack Lewerke. In my opinion, this is one of the best qualities regarding sound and balance of the George Lewis Band. I guess there is a degree of personal bias here because this version of “Burgundy Street Blues” was played at my wedding to Diana Clark at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in New Orleans. The CD is on Good Time Jazz L12005. GTCD 12005-2.
Finally, on Jazz Crusade JCCD 3054, an aerial recording of the George Lewis Band with Elmer Talbert. This was a Dixieland Clambake show in New Orleans in September and October 1950. Some great George Lewis and Jim Robinson here and sadly our last chance to hear Elmer on trumpet.
