Biography
The University Six was a short-lived but influential American jazz and dance band active in the late 1920s. The group was not a university ensemble, but rather a studio band comprised of some of New York’s finest jazz musicians of the era, assembled to record under the 'University Six' name for various record labels. The band is best known for its lively, syncopated performances that bridged the gap between ragtime, early jazz, and the emerging swing style.
The University Six featured a rotating roster of top musicians, many of whom were associated with the legendary Jean Goldkette and Paul Whiteman orchestras. Notable members included the celebrated cornetist Red Nichols, trombonist Miff Mole, clarinetist Jimmy Dorsey, and drummer Vic Berton. Their recordings, made between 1927 and 1930, showcased intricate arrangements, tight ensemble playing, and virtuosic solos, reflecting both the ragtime roots and the evolving jazz idiom of the period. The group’s output, though limited, is prized by collectors and historians for its high musicianship and as a snapshot of New York’s vibrant studio scene during the Jazz Age.
Though The University Six did not perform live as a touring band, their studio work contributed to the popularization of hot jazz and influenced the development of small-group swing. Their legacy endures in the continued appreciation of their recordings by jazz enthusiasts and in the careers of their illustrious members, many of whom went on to shape American jazz in the decades that followed.
Fun Facts
- Despite the name, The University Six was not affiliated with any university; the name was a marketing invention for record labels.
- Many of the group’s members were prolific studio musicians who played in dozens of other bands under different pseudonyms.
- Their recordings are highly sought after by collectors of early jazz and hot dance music.
- The University Six’s personnel often overlapped with other famous studio groups of the era, such as The Charleston Chasers and The Red Heads.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Jean Goldkette - Several University Six members, including Red Nichols and Miff Mole, worked with Goldkette’s orchestra, which was a training ground for top jazz talent. (Jean Goldkette Orchestra recordings) [mid-1920s]
Key Collaborators
- Red Nichols - Cornetist and frequent bandleader for University Six sessions. (University Six recordings (1927–1930)) [1927–1930]
- Miff Mole - Trombonist and key arranger for the group. (University Six recordings) [1927–1930]
- Jimmy Dorsey - Clarinetist and saxophonist featured on many tracks. (University Six recordings) [1927–1930]
- Vic Berton - Drummer and percussionist for the ensemble. (University Six recordings) [1927–1930]
Artists Influenced
- Benny Goodman - Inspired by the small-group jazz format and arrangements pioneered by University Six members. (Benny Goodman Trio/Quartet recordings) [1930s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The University Six: 1925-1927 | 2007-02-27 | Album |
| Shades of Jazz (University Six) | 2013-11-22 | Album |
| Desdemona | 2000-01-01 | Album |
| University Six | 1925 | Album |
Top Tracks
- I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate (The Roaring 20s: Rare Original 1920s Recordings)
- The Camel Walk (Dimestore 1920's Vol. 1)
- Nobody But My Baby (The University Six: 1925-1927)
- Tiger Rag (Dimestore 1920's Vol. 3)
- So Long Pal (The University Six: 1925-1927)
- Then I'll Be Happy (We Call It Jazz!, Vol. 8)
- Beale Street Blues (My Favorite Songs)
- The Camel Walk (Hot 1920s Harmony Label Recordings)
- Tiger Rag (Hot 1920s Harmony Label Recordings)
- I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate (Adrian Rollini Groups 1924-27)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
THE UNIVERSITY SIX has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 19, 2025 | 10:52 | DUSTIN' THE DONKEYfrom THE UNIVERSITY SIX VOLUME ONE | Traditional Jazzw/ Tom Saunders |