This excerpt from the 1928 "talkie" short "Pep & Personality" features the "Tommy Christian & His Orchestra" consisting of Tommy Christian director, Phil Fisher and Ted Fisher trumpets, Frank Troxell trombone, Harold Lawson and Art Manners clarinet & alto sax, James DeAngeles clarinet & tenor sax, Carl Pickel piano, Paul Close banjo, Victor DeAngeles violin, Harry Rich bass brass, and Art Barnett drums.
*"Who is it? Who?" was composed by Art Barnett (the band's drummer).
Performing a pop song penned by their percussionist "Tommy Christian & His Orchestra" are in top form appearing on the movie screen in their 1928 "talkie" short "Pep & Personality".
The year that this film was shot was a pivotal time in the career of the Tommy Christian Band because beginning in 1928 and every year after through 1933 they would enjoy a well paid gig playing entire Summers in the ballroom of Palisades Amusement Park in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. During the Winter they toured the Vaudeville circuit of Loews theaters located mainly in New York. Many of their Palisades Ballroom appearances were broadcast locally over WPAP radio and by 1932 CBS would broadcast Tommy's band across the East Coast.
If you enjoy 20sJazz.com, Please Share us with your Friends.
Thanks!