Clouds of Joy
A jazz group led by Andy Kirk(b. 1898, Newport, Kentucky, USA), who played saxophone and tuba. They were closely associated with the term Kansas City Jazz. At various times between 1929 and 1948 (when they disbanded) such soloists as Dick Wilson, Ted Donnelly, Harold ‘Shorty’ Baker, Howard McGhee and Mary Lou Williams played with them. Williams was the real star with her eclectic piano virtuosity ranging from ragtime and blues to Earl Hines in approach. The biggest hit for the outfit was Until The Real Thing Comes Along (1936), this featured Pha (Fay) Terrell whose style was something of an acquired taste. Although capable of playing great quality, Clouds Of Joy gained a repuation for inconsistency.