Dr. Jazz

The earliest reports of Dr. Jazz’s “world tour” indicate he was in Java in mid-1930. He was due to appear at the Adelphi Hotel, Singapore in early August 1930.

The hotel placed advertisements promoting his arrival: Coming shortly: Frank Geo. Shiver “Dr. Jazz” [SFP, 5 August 1930, p.1], but by 14 August new advertisements advise: “Owing to his great success in Java, Dr. Jazz has prolonged his stay, and will thus not be in Singapore as early as expected.” [ST, 14 August. 1930, p.7] He finally began his residency at the Adelphi on 26 August, 1930 which continued until 11 Sep. 1930. Reports mention that “he has had a very successful tour of Java” [Straits Times, 26 Aug. 1930, p.20] and claimed that  “All the town is talking about him” [Straits Times, 10 Sep. 1930, p.7]

Following his residency at the Adelphi, Dr. Jazz was in Penang. He performed at the Carlton Restaurant on 3 Oct. 1930 and later gave two concerts at the Runnymede Hotel.

In early 1931 Dr. Jazz was back in Singapore and had placed advertisements offering his services. “MUSIC IN SPLENDOUR – D. Jazz – American piano and song artist open for engagements – Private parties a specialty [ST, 13 February. 1931, p.7] By June 1931 he was appearing nightly at the Solar cafe, and he seems to have continued this engagement until at least August 1931.

In 1932 he was in India where he made some recordings which were issued on his private Dr. Jazz label. He seems to have remained in India for some time as he broadcast on Calcutta VUB in October 1935 described as a “Rhythm Pianist” and an “American coloured entertainer.” Later he broadcast from Calcutta 10 Oct. 1940 (his repertoire was Twelfth Street Rag- Dinah – Medley of Popular Waltzes – Blue Danube (in swing-time).

DR. JAZZ AT THE RUNNYMEDE – Dr. Jazz, the “Singing Pianist”, is to give two concerts at the Runnymede Hotel. The first will be given tomorrow (Saturday) and the second on Wednesday. Dr. Jazz has played at the Adelphi Hotel, Singapore, the New Monico, Weltevreden and the Cercle Artistique, Surabaya. His programme includes the latest popular dance hits, southern old time favourites and bits of classical selections. An American Negro artist Dr. Jazz is on a world tour. [Pinang Gazette, 3 October 1930, p.7]

“If you are a victim of the Slump Blues consult Dr. Jazz at the Runnymede. Consultation hours: 9.30 to 12 midnight.” [Pinang Gazette, 4 October 1930, p.7]

DR. JAZZ AT THE SOLAR CAFE – There is at present in Singapore and performing every evening at the Solar Cafe, Stamford Road, a pianist of no mean order. A youthful American Negro, Dr. Jazz, to give him his professional name, displays wonderful mastery over his instrument. His technique is perfect, and the curious part of it is that he is just as good on classics as on jazz. In the latter department he excels and it is problematical whether there is any other pianist in Singapore who can beat Dr. Jazz in this type of music. His variations are original and of a very pleasing order. It is worth going out of one’s way to hear Dr. Jazz on the piano. [Malaya Tribune, 11 July 1931, p.10]