Herb Fleming

Herb Flemming was one of the jazz genre's most well-traveled artists from the historic early days of the American music scene. His real name was actually Niccolaiih El-Michelle, so he was really giving typographers something of a break by switching to Flemming with its controversial quota of the letter "m"--this artist is likely to appear credited as Herb Fleming just as often as Herb Flemming, sometimes even both spellings on the same album jacket. He went to music school in New York City beginning in 1910, studying several different brass instruments before settling on the trombone. A few years later his adventures began as he joined up with the 15th New York National Guard Band led by the illustrious Jim Europe in collaboration with Eugene Mikell. Soon, Flemming was sailing off to France with the Jim Europe's 369th U.S. Infantry Band. In 1919 Flemming was out of uniform and back in New York City for further studies, taking trombone, cello and music theory at Frank Damrosch's Conservatory. Near the end of 1921 he made his debut as a trombonist on record with bandleader Johnny Dunn. Prior to his next European trip, this time at the behest of noted expatriate bandleader Sam Wooding, Flemming and partner Bobby Lee fronted a band in Philadelphia. Until 1927 Flemming toured all over Europe with Wooding and even did some gigs in South America. Flemming continued playing with Wooding stateside for a brief period, then became part of Lew Leslie's Blackbirds revue. By the end of the '20s this show had provided an opportunity for more international touring, including popular appearances in London and Paris. The trombonist stayed in Europe and launched his own band in 1930, The International Rhythm Aces, but also continued working with Wooding. He joined the latter leader in...