Jimmy O’Bryant was probably the most close to capturing the sound, if not the genius, of Johnny Dodds among all clarinetists during the 1920s. O’Bryant was a member of the Tennessee Ten (1920-1921), a group that was co-led by Jelly roll Morton and W.C. Handy (1923), and briefly, King Oliver (1924). However, O’Bryant is most well-known for his recordings with Lovie Texas’ Blues Serenaders (and his own Washboard Band); all of these recordings have been reissued on RST CDs. Jimmy O’Bryant’s premature death ended his chances of ever achieving lasting fame. However, one can still see his fine performances as a leader (albeit sometimes primitively recorded), which gives an idea of his capabilities. Allmusic
