Biography:

Clifford “Boots” Douglas (* possibly September 7 , 1908 in Temple (Texas) ; † unknown) was an American jazz musician ( drums ) and bandleader who toured with a territory band in Texas in the 1930s and together during this time with Don Albert ‘s band was one of the most popular bands in the San Antonio swing scene . ^[1]

Life and work

Douglas started playing drums at the age of 15. He initially worked in central Texas before moving to San Antonio, where he became active in the local jazz scene. He accompanied Millard McNeal’s Southern Melody Boys and, after his first own show in 1926 at Turner’s Park, San Antonio, founded his own band, Boots and His Buddies , in 1932, which cultivated an eclectic style and toured successfully as far away as the states around Texas. In 1935 Douglas and his band were given the opportunity to record for Bluebird Records ; A total of 42 record sides were created between 1935 and 1938, including the songs “ Ain’t Misbehavin’ ” and “Blues of Avalon”. Around 1935, Lloyd Glenn played with Douglas, ^[2] in 1937/38 the trombonist George Corley . ^[3] [4]

After the band reached the peak of their success in the 1930s, their popularity waned in the following years. In 1950, Douglas left the band and moved to Los Angeles, where he worked as a part-time musician; His main job was in the district administration. ^[5] In the field of jazz he was involved in six recording sessions between 1935 and 1938. ^[6]

Appreciation

In Ross Russell ‘s view , Boots and His Buddies ” lacked the cohesion and originality of later bands, such as those of Bennie Moten or Count Basie .” She often played incorrectly and the solos were of poor quality.” ^[7] Thomas J. Hennessey states that some of her recorded songs were in the Southwest Territoy tradition, while others imitated every style existing nationwide. This showed how much the territory bands after 1929 struggled with the dominance of national bands and the tastes of their own regional audiences. ^[8] Gunther Schuller counts the early releases among her better recordings; “Douglas seems to be a really capable drummer – a sort of Western Chick Webb – who carries and drives his band musically, generating good swing and sharply balanced ensemble playing. On the other hand, it’s hard to stand hearing rhythmically lackluster work in some recordings like The Vamp, Sleepy Gal, Coquette and even Blues of Avalon , not to mention later recordings like The Raggle Taggle, Lonely Moments, Lonesome Road Stomp . It’s like he’s following the band instead of leading it .” ^[9]

Credits: