Razz's Band

The word jazz, it is stated, is a corruption of the word " razz." Years ago a curious New Orleans " coon orchestra " called itself Razz's Band. It was an aggregation of four pieces, a baritone horn, a cornet, a trombone and an instrument something like a clarionet in shape but made out of the wood of the chinaberry tree. This strange instrument can be used only while the sap is in the wood, and after a few weeks of wear it must be thrown away. It is best made by Southern Negroes. The four musicians of Razz's Band made a great name among the small cafes of New Orleans, and finally went on the road, achieving much success in the large cities.