"Tell Me Why" - Art Hickman's Orchestra (1919)

This title, along with the reverse, was recorded during a tour in New York, in which Art Hickman's band made their first recordings. From September 15 through 26, Hickman recorded for Columbia nearly every day, recording a total of 28 titles, including his most well known composition, "Rose Room", named after the room where his band played in the St. Francis Hotel back in San Francisco. Hickman continued recording in New York throughout 1920 before returning to San Francisco, where his band made several more recordings for Columbia.
This song features trumpeter Walt Roesner and saxophonists Clyde Doerr playing alto saxophone and Bert Ralton playing tenor saxophone. Clyde Doerr went on to be a studio saxophonist in several other orchestras, including those of Lou Gold, Bob Haring, and Adrian Schubert, as well as leading some groups of his own. Trumpeter Walt Roesner, who plays a solo in this piece, went on to lead his own orchestra, "The Capitolians", named after the Capitol Theatre in New York.
By 1926, Art Hickman retired after a rather short career, most likely due to his affliction with Banti's Syndrome. After Hickman's retirement, his pianist Frank Ellis and trumpeter Walt Roesner took over the orchestra. Ellis directed the band for Columbia sessions under the name "Frank Ellis And His St. Francis Hotel Orchestra" while Roesner directed the band for Victor sessions under Hickman's name. Their last session was in 1927. There is a record under Hickman's name from 1928, but it is actually by Nat Shilkret's Victor Orchestra. Art Hickman died on January 16, 1930 at the age of 43 due to complications resulting from Banti's Syndrome, after three failed blood transfusions.
Song: Tell Me Why
Take: 3
Written by: Vincent Rose
Arranged by: Earl Burtnett, Ben Black, Art Hickman
Artist: Art Hickman's Orchestra
A-Side:
• "Peggy" - Art Hickman'...
Personnel:
Art Hickman (directing, drums)
Walt Roesner (trumpet)
Fred Kaufman (trombone)
Bert Ralton (clarinet, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone, cor anglais)
Clyde Doerr (clarinet, alto saxophone, baritone saxophone, oboe)
Frank Ellis (piano)
Vic King (tenor banjo)
Ben Black (plectrum banjo)
Bela Spiller (tuba, string bass)
Parts:
0:00 Intro
0:06 Ensemble
1:32 Trumpet & Saxophones (Walt Roesner, Clyde Doerr, Bert Ralton)
2:12 Ensemble
2:55 Outro
Recorded: September 20, 1919 (New York, NY)
Released: December 1919 (Columbia A-2812)
Format: 10" Shellac Disc
Speed: 80.00 RPM
Stylus: 3-mil