Omer Simeon on Jazz Profiles

Omer Simeon
Sunday, April 10, 2016 - 2:00pm to 7:00pm

Omer Simeon (b. 1902) was one of the most important clarinetists in the New Orleans idiom, and his discography is a great avenue for hearing some of the hottest jazz recordings of the 1920s due to his presence on sessions with Jelly Roll Morton’s Red Hot Peppers and King Oliver’s Dixie Syncopators. He left his mark on such masterpiece records as “Black Bottom Stomp,” “Dr. Jazz” (both Jelly Roll’s and Oliver’s versions), and “Shreveport Stomp.” The late ‘20s were indeed Simeon’s salad days as other appearances include sessions with Reuben ‘River’ Reeves and his River Boys, Jabbo Smith’s Aces of Rhythm and one recording date as a leader. Throughout the 1930s Simeon was a key member of Earl Hines’ orchestra, moving to Jimmie Lunceford’s orchestra in 1942 while returning to the New Orleans style in a number of small bands during the revival of the 1940s. By the 1950s he was playing in Wilbur DeParis’ “New New Orleans Jazz Band” where he would stay until his death in 1959. Tune in for Jazz Profiles this Sunday (April 10, 2016 from 2pm to 7pm) as host Matthew Rivera focuses on the music and legacy of this integral artist.