THE SAVOY BEARCATS

Biography

The Savoy Bearcats were formed in late 1925 in Charleston, South Carolina, by pianist Duncan Mayers under the initial name Charleston Bearcats. The band quickly rose to prominence as one of the first colored Harlem big bands recorded by RCA Victor Talking Machine Company, capturing their energetic ragtime and early jazz sound in sessions starting August 1926 in New York. They became a house band at the newly opened Savoy Ballroom—known as the 'Home of Happy Feet'—inaugurating the venue on March 12, 1926, alongside Fess Williams and his Royal Flush Orchestra and Fletcher Henderson Orchestra.[1][2][4]

Under leaders like Leon Abbey and Duncan Mayers, the Savoy Bearcats developed a hot, driving style characterized by strong trumpet leads, expert reed sections, and rhythmic precision suited to Harlem's dance scene. After a year at the Savoy, they toured South America extensively from May 1927 to year's end as Leon Abbey and his Orchestra, releasing notable Victor records like 'How Could I Be Blue?' Their lineup evolved, featuring talents such as Gilbert Paris and Demas Dean on trumpet, James Reevy on trombone, and reed players Carmelo Jari, Otto Mikell, and Ramon Hernandez.[1][2]

The band continued performing possibly until 1932, maintaining ties to the Savoy Ballroom and other Harlem spots, with later personnel including Rex Stewart, Charlie Green, and Tiny Bradshaw. As pioneers of the Harlem big band era, they bridged ragtime dance music with emerging swing, influencing the vibrant ballroom scene despite limited discography.[1]

Fun Facts

• They were one of the inaugural acts at the Savoy Ballroom's opening on March 12, 1926, sharing the stage with Fletcher Henderson, earning the venue's nickname 'Home of Happy Feet'.[1][2][4]
• Ramon Hernandez, a key reed player, was recruited to Harlem by James Reese Europe for the 369th Infantry Band during World War I.[1]
• The band toured South America under the alias 'Leon Abbey and his Orchestra' from May to December 1927 after their Savoy residency.[1]
• Their 1926 Victor recordings featured an 'antiquated' but strong trumpet style from Gilbert Paris, marking them as early Harlem big band pioneers.[1][2]

Musical Connections

Key Collaborators

• Leon Abbey - leader and director during key recordings and South America tour (Victor sessions Aug-Oct 1926 including 'How Could I Be Blue?') [1926-1927]
• Duncan Mayers - pianist and founder/contractor (formed band as Charleston Bearcats; directed Victor 20307) [1925-1932]
• Gilbert Paris - lead trumpet player (Savoy Bearcats recordings 1926) [1926]
• Demas Dean - trumpet (Savoy Bearcats recordings 1926) [1926]
• James Reevy - trombone (Savoy Bearcats recordings 1926) [1926]
• Carmelo Jari (Jejo) - alto sax, clarinet, baritone sax (Savoy Bearcats recordings 1926) [1926-1927]
• Otto Mikell - alto sax, clarinet, baritone sax, violin (Savoy Bearcats recordings 1926-1927) [1926-1927]
• Ramon Hernandez - tenor sax, clarinet; recruited to Harlem by Jim Europe (Savoy Bearcats recordings 1926) [1926]
• Rex Stewart - trumpet in later lineup (Savoy Bearcats early 1927) [1927]
• Charlie Green - trombone in later lineup (Savoy Bearcats early 1927) [1927]
• Tiny Bradshaw - drums in final lineup (Savoy Bearcats 1932) [1932]

External Links

• Spotify