McKinney's Cotton Pickers - Cherry

Although I've already posted this song by Don Redman & His Orchestra, I wanted to share this version, offering a remarkably different atmosphere. McKinney's Cotton Pickers were founded in Detroit in 1926 by William McKinney, who expanded his Synco Septet to ten pieces. Cuba Austin took over for McKinney early on drums. In 1927 Don Redman left Fletcher Henderson's orchestra to become the Cotton Pickers' musical director and he assembled a band which rivalled Henderson's and Duke Ellington's. Aiding Redman with arrangements and rehearsals with the band was the talented trumpeter-arranger John Nesbitt. Between 1927 and 1931, they were one of the most popular African-American bands. Many of their records were best sellers. In 1931 Redman left to form his own band and was replaced by Benny Carter. The Cotton Pickers disbanded in 1934, unable to make money during the Depression. This lovely record was made in 1928. The vocal is by Jean Napier.