Recordings

Tommy Ladnier's playing style was under constant development. From his first recordings for Paramount 1923-1924, with a expressive, humanlike and “praying” style, largely inspired by King Oliver, he developed his playing to an early swing style in the Fletcher Henderson orchestra 1926-27. His solo playing was then refined and adapted to a more direct and simplified style at the beginning of the 1930’s. His last recordings from 1938-39 show an even more simplified and “naked” style. Ladnier was always best when playing the blues.

His stylistic development is shown with some sound examples that you can find in the Menu to the left.