Biography
The Arcadian Serenaders were a prominent jazz band active during the 1920s, originally known as the Original Crescent City Jazzers. The group was formed by white musicians from New Orleans and initially performed under their original name before relocating to St. Louis in 1925, where they adopted the Arcadian Serenaders moniker. Their move coincided with regular performances at the Arcadian Ballroom, a major jazz venue in St. Louis at the time, which helped them gain regional popularity and recognition for their energetic style and skilled musicianship.[1][4][5]
The band's musical style was rooted in early New Orleans jazz traditions, characterized by lively ensemble playing, syncopated rhythms, and collective improvisation. Their repertoire included popular jazz standards and original compositions, such as "Christine" and "Sensation Rag," which were recorded in New Orleans in 1925 for the Okeh label. The Arcadian Serenaders contributed to the spread of jazz from its New Orleans origins to other parts of the United States, particularly through their performances and recordings in St. Louis.[4]
Despite their relatively brief period of activity, the Arcadian Serenaders left a lasting legacy as part of the early wave of jazz bands that helped popularize the genre beyond its birthplace. Their recordings are considered valuable examples of 1920s jazz, and the band is remembered for its role in bridging the New Orleans and St. Louis jazz scenes, influencing subsequent generations of musicians who drew inspiration from their spirited performances and arrangements.[1][4][5]
Fun Facts
- The band was originally called the Original Crescent City Jazzers before adopting the Arcadian Serenaders name after moving to St. Louis.
- They performed regularly at the Arcadian Ballroom, one of St. Louis's most famous jazz venues in the 1920s.
- Their 1925 recordings for the Okeh label, including "Christine" and "Sensation Rag," are considered classic examples of early jazz ensemble playing.
- Several band members, such as Stirling Bose and Avery Loposer, went on to have notable careers in jazz beyond their time with the group.
Members
- Felix Guarino - drums (drum set)
- Johnny Riddick - piano
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Original Dixieland Jazz Band - The Arcadian Serenaders were influenced by the pioneering sound and style of the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, which helped define early jazz. (General stylistic influence, not specific albums) [1920s]
Key Collaborators
- Stirling Bose - Cornet player and prominent member of the band. (Arcadian Serenaders recordings (Okeh label)) [1920s]
- Felix Guarino - Drummer and core band member. (Arcadian Serenaders recordings (Okeh label)) [1920s]
- Slim Hall - Banjo player and key contributor. (Arcadian Serenaders recordings (Okeh label)) [1920s]
- Cliff Holman - Clarinet and alto saxophone player. (Arcadian Serenaders recordings (Okeh label)) [1920s]
- Avery Loposer - Alto saxophone player and composer. ("Christine" (recorded 1925)) [1920s]
- Eddie Powers - Tenor saxophone player. (Arcadian Serenaders recordings (Okeh label)) [1920s]
- Johnny Riddick - Pianist. (Arcadian Serenaders recordings (Okeh label)) [1920s]
Artists Influenced
- St. Louis jazz musicians - Inspired local musicians through their performances at the Arcadian Ballroom and recordings. (General influence on regional jazz scene) [Late 1920s onward]
Connection Network
External Links
Tags: #jazz
References
Heard on WWOZ
ARCADIAN SERENADERS has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 12, 2025 | 09:21 | CARRY IT ON DOWNfrom ARCADIAN SERENADERS | Traditional Jazzw/ Tom Saunders |