New Orleans Rhythm Kings/Halfway House Orchestra - 1923-25

This is the second of two shows covering the recorded history of the band known variously as the Friars' Society Orchestra and New Orleans Rhythm Kings.  This program features the last two sessions for Gennett (including a saxophone section and a guest appearance by Jelly Roll Morton) as well as two reunion dates in New Orleans and the first two tunes recorded by the Halfway House Orchestra, which was made up primarily of NORK alumni.  Paul Mares, George Brunies, Santo Pecora, Charlie Cordilla, Jack Pettis, Chink Martin, Ben Pollack, Leon Adde and others are featured, but the real star is clarinetist Leon Roppolo, who is present on all but two tracks.