Nappy Lamare

Nappy Lamare became famous for his occasional vocals with <a href="spotify:artist:5lP4FZO4ThhC9glGDwlgrV">Bob Crosby's Bobcats</a> and, although he rarely soloed, he appeared on many hot recording sessions. Lamare was part of the very viable jazz scene in 1920s New Orleans, playing with <a href="spotify:artist:3vTrGL15evSFz7lgV39cZl">Monk Hazel</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:4o2zkCpWF0zLf7NNpm7ZJM">Sharkey Bonano</a>, and <a href="spotify:artist:746GhtSR2sMbO1EeYz8FNH">Johnny Bayersdorffer Jazzola Novelty Orchestra</a>, among others. Lamare, who made his recording debut with John Hyman's Bayou Stompers in 1927, went up North and joined <a href="spotify:artist:4hQaUh9IelwGiurvBz4Dwh">Ben Pollack</a> in 1930. When <a href="spotify:artist:4hQaUh9IelwGiurvBz4Dwh">Pollack</a>'s band was taken over by <a href="spotify:artist:5lP4FZO4ThhC9glGDwlgrV">Bob Crosby</a> in 1935, Lamare was part of the personnel, staying with <a href="spotify:artist:5lP4FZO4ThhC9glGDwlgrV">Crosby</a> until 1942 and appearing on scores of recordings. The guitarist (who was known for his humorous novelty vocals) was with <a href="spotify:artist:0e1jJi30tgwjWTSrt6CJZT">Eddie Miller</a>'s short-lived big band in 1943 and took over its nucleus the following year when <a href="spotify:artist:0e1jJi30tgwjWTSrt6CJZT">Miller</a> was drafted. Lamare settled in Los Angeles where he was a part of the local Dixieland scene for decades. During 1945-1950, Lamare led sessions for Capitol, Mercury, Dixieland Jubilee, and a full LP (put out by Fairmont) that documented live appearances from 1947. In later years, Lamare often had reunions with <a href="spotify:artist:5lP4FZO4ThhC9glGDwlgrV">Crosby</a> and frequently co-led a Dixieland band with <a href="spotify:artist:4ylWW97tTAKWZFvhNM4MLg">Ray Bauduc</a>. Although he rarely ever soloed, and his vocals are today rather dated, Nappy Lamare remains a famous name in Dixieland circles. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi