While a couple of other New Orleans bands had passed through New York City slightly earlier, they were part of Vaudeville acts. The O.D.J.B., (Original Dixieland Jazz Band) on the other hand, played for dancing and were hence the first “jass” band to get a following of fans in New York, and then record at a time when the USA’s recording industry was almost entirely centered in New York and New Jersey.
Shortly after arriving in New York they were offered a chance per a letter dated January 29, 1917 to audition for the Columbia Graphaphone Company which took place on Wednesday, January 31, 1917. Nothing came of this audition.
They then recorded two sides (“Livery Stable Blues” and “Dixie Jass Band One Step”) on February 26, 1917 for the Victor Talking Machine Company. The record with these titles came out the following month. The ODJB’s records, first marketed simply as a novelty, were a surprise hit, and gave many Americans their first taste of jazz.
L’ODJB first members were: Larry Shields (clarinet), Eddie Edwards (trombone), Henry Ragas (piano), Tony Sbarbaro (drums) e Nick LaRocca (cornet).
