Napoleon's Emperors - Anything (1929)

Performed by: Napoleon's Emperors
Full Song Title: Anything
Recorded in: May 23rd 1929, New York, NY
B-Side: • Napoleon's Emperors - ...
Phil Napoleon (born Filippo Napoli 2 September 1901 - died 1 October 1990) was a popular early jazz trumpeter and bandleader of the early 20th century.
Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, he emerged as a significant figure in the early jazz scene, distinguished for his prowess as a trumpeter and a bandleader. His impact on the realm of jazz is notably reflected in his leadership of numerous recording sessions during the mid-1920s, which played a pivotal role in boosting the genre's popularity, as noted by Ron Wynn.
In the assessment of Richard Cook and Brian Morton, prominent authors of The Penguin Guide to Jazz, Napoleon is rightly characterized as a "genuine pioneer." His trumpet playing had a profound influence on fellow musicians such as Red Nichols and Bix Beiderbecke, underscoring his lasting legacy in shaping the evolution of jazz.
Napoleon's journey commenced with a foundation in classical training, showcased through his early public performances by the age of five. In the 1910s, he stood among the pioneering musicians in the northeastern United States who embraced the novel "jass" style introduced by artists from New Orleans, Louisiana. Teaming up with pianist Frank Signorelli, he co-founded "The Original Memphis Five" in 1917, a collaboration that would leave a significant mark on the jazz landscape. Throughout the 1920s, Napoleon's trumpet skills garnered widespread acclaim, establishing him as one of the era's most sought-after trumpeters. The prolific output of his group was evident, particularly in New York City, where they recorded over a hundred tracks in just the span of 1922-1923. Notably, Napoleon's rendition of "Clarinet Marmalade" in 1927 achieved notable success, becoming a standout in his repertoire.
The chapter of The Original Memphis Five came to a close in 1928, leading Napoleon to embark on diverse musical endeavors. The 1930s witnessed his role as a session trumpeter, including stints with the RCA Radio Orchestra and his efforts in forming his own orchestra, though the latter was met with limited success. This era also marked his involvement as a network house conductor and a trumpet soloist for NBC from around 1929 to 1937. Napoleon's musical breadth extended to collaborations with various artists, including the Cotton Pickers, the Charleston Chasers, and blues vocalists Leona Williams and Alberta Hunter.
During the mid-1940s, Napoleon joined the Los Angeles-based ensemble led by Jimmy Dorsey, making an appearance with the band in the film "Four Jills in a Jeep." Following his departure from Dorsey's group in 1947, he returned to New York, dedicating his skills as a studio musician at NBC until the late 1940s to early 1950s. During this period, he reformed The Original Memphis Five, their performances at Nick's in New York City garnering significant recognition in the early 1950s. Notably, Napoleon's collaboration with his nephew, jazz pianist Marty Napoleon, added another layer of musical richness to his career.
A remarkable moment in Napoleon's journey occurred on July 3, 1959, when he and The Five delivered a memorable performance at the Newport Jazz Festival. This event was later immortalized in an album release. In 1966, he ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing "Napoleon's Retreat," a club situated in Miami, Florida. This served as both his creative outlet and residence until his passing, during which he continued to captivate audiences with Dixieland jazz performances that resonated well into the 1980s.
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Best wishes,
Stu
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