Basin Street Six

Biography

The Basin Street Six was a prominent Dixieland jazz group formed in 1950 in New Orleans, Louisiana, at a time when traditional jazz was experiencing a revival in the city. The original lineup included George Girard (trumpet), Joe Rotis (trombone), Pete Fountain (clarinet), Roy Zimmerman (piano), Bunny Franks (bass), and Charlie Duke (drums). The group quickly became known for their energetic performances, playful stage antics, and commitment to the classic New Orleans jazz sound, often performing in Mardi Gras costumes and engaging audiences with humor and showmanship.

The band found early success performing at local venues such as L'Enfants on Canal Boulevard and the Silver Slipper Club on Bourbon Street, and they soon became a staple of the burgeoning Dixieland revival. Their popularity was boosted by regular radio and television appearances, including broadcasts on WWL Radio and TV, which helped them reach a national audience. The Basin Street Six recorded for Circle and Mercury Records, producing a number of singles and LPs that captured the lively spirit of their live shows. Although the group underwent several personnel changes and eventually disbanded, its members, particularly Pete Fountain and George Girard, went on to have influential careers in jazz. The Basin Street Six is remembered for its role in revitalizing Dixieland jazz in the postwar era and for launching the careers of some of New Orleans' most celebrated musicians.

Fun Facts

• The Basin Street Six was once signed to a 'ninety-nine year contract' by Blaise D'Antoni, president of the Standard Fruit Company, but the arrangement ended amicably after only three months.
• The band was known for their playful stage presence, often performing in Mardi Gras costumes and switching instruments during shows.
• Their first major recording session was for Circle Records, followed by a contract with Mercury Records, helping to spread their music beyond New Orleans.
• The group performed on a banana boat cruise to Honduras as part of their brief contract with the Standard Fruit Company.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Older New Orleans jazz musicians - The band members, as young musicians, regularly jammed with more experienced local jazz players at venues like the Parisian Room, gaining valuable mentorship and acceptance into the city's jazz scene. (Sunday afternoon jam sessions at the Parisian Room) [late 1940s–early 1950s]

Key Collaborators

• George Girard - Trumpet player and co-founder, central to the band's sound and leadership. (All Basin Street Six recordings and performances) [1950–1954]
• Pete Fountain - Clarinetist and co-founder, later became a jazz legend in his own right. (All Basin Street Six recordings and performances) [1950–1954]
• Joe Rotis - Trombonist and original member, contributed to the group's signature Dixieland sound. (All Basin Street Six recordings and performances) [1950–1954]
• Roy Zimmerman - Pianist and original member, part of the core rhythm section. (All Basin Street Six recordings and performances) [1950–1954]
• Bunny Franks - Bassist and original member. (All Basin Street Six recordings and performances) [1950–1954]
• Charlie Duke - Drummer and original member. (All Basin Street Six recordings and performances) [1950–1951]
• Johnny Edwards - Replaced Charlie Duke on drums during the band's later period. (Live performances and later recordings) [1951–1954]

Artists Influenced

• Pete Fountain - The Basin Street Six was foundational in launching Fountain's career, who went on to become one of the most famous clarinetists in jazz. (Solo albums and performances after leaving the band) [1950s–2000s]
• George Girard - The band's success helped establish Girard as a leading trumpeter in New Orleans jazz. (Subsequent work with the George Girard & the New Orleans Five) [1950s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. My Inspiration (Pete Fountain Presents The Best Of Dixieland: Pete Fountain)
2. Tin Roof Blues (Pete Fountain Presents The Best Of Dixieland: Pete Fountain)
3. Margie (The Complete Circle Recordings)
4. Farewell Blues (The Complete Circle Recordings)
5. That's a Plenty #1 (The Complete Circle Recordings)
6. That's a Plenty #2 (The Complete Circle Recordings)
7. Up a Lazy River (The Complete Circle Recordings)
8. Jazz Me Blues (The Complete Circle Recordings)
9. I'm Going Home (The Complete Circle Recordings)
10. High Society (The Complete Circle Recordings)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia