Review

Nathaniel C. Davis
Mr. Trombonology: 1917: A Characteristic Trombone Smear: The Son of “Oh Slip It Man”

Arranged by Aaron Hettinga

Solo trombone, piano, vocal quartet, audience shout

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2020
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with other instruments

This is a real ragtime period piece, complete with smears galore, and has nothing to do with the famous Tommy Dorsey ‘Tromboneology.’ It is in F major, trio section in B-flat. The trombone part is given in bass clef, range is c-f¹. I think this will be at its best played on a small or medium-bore trombone. The arranger has included an independent part for SATB voices in the final chorus; not all of its notes are in the piano part.

Nathaniel Cleophas Davis was born in Tennessee in 1888. In 1917, he was enlisted in a ‘Black Infantry Regiment’ (commanded by white officers), giving his occupation as ‘self-employed bandleader and school teacher;’ from 1918 to 1919 he served in France. He resumed his musical career in 1919 and died in Atlanta, Georgia in 1972. I think some of his influence may be heard in the jazz style of Honoré Dutrey playing with King Oliver’s band in 1923.

This composer should not be confused with Nathaniel Davis Ayer (1887-1952), who is best known for his ‘hit’ song of 1916, ‘If you were the only girl in the world.’

Aaron Hettinga is a trombonist and arranger based in Western Michigan. Arrangements of other pieces by this composer are available on his website.