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The Stampede by Benoit Viellefon

From the album

Album Title: New York 1926
Fantastic Records
Released: 2025

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About the Album

These tracks by Benoit Viellefon were commissioned for a feature film released in early 2023. We were asked with one week notice to record a version of "Clarinet Marmalade" and "Fidgety feet" by The Original Dixie land Band (first recorded in 1918), and "Stampede" by the amazing Fletcher Henderson band (recorded in 1926). They wanted the original tempos and keys and asked to rewrite all the arrangements for a line up reduced from 12 to 5 piece. There was only one week to find a suitable recording studio in mid-June in London. We had no choice but to try to source the most knowledgeable musicians in that specific early style, praying they would be available during the busiest period for touring musicians. It was very stressful and nothing short of a miracle. We ironed the arrangements and rehearsed in the morning of the 15 June without any possible rehearsal beforehand and recorded two songs in one take during those three hours. We spent the three hours session of the afternoon on refining and nailing "Stampede" by Fletcher Henderson, which was a lot really challenging so we had to start with slower tempos.

The director was initially very pleased with the sessions, but they realised a few months later in postproduction at the editing stage that the music did not cut it. They had used "I ain't got nobody" by Fats Waller on set for the dancing scenes with actors and lots of extras, and none of the music they commissioned us to record was syncing as a result. Obviously, nobody ever thought about this. We were subsequently asked to the rescue and to record a full version of that classic track at the exact same tempo, and two shorter instrumental versions. The production team were trying to avoid paying publishing rights and get a better sound quality. Alexander Bryson pianist was not available, Graham read was dying, and so I called all the reputable jazz pianists in UK. Everybody turned it down as they thought the track was technically so challenging it was impossible to play, but fortunately the incredibly talented Liam Dunachie accepted and spent days methodically practicing the insane chops of Fats Waller. In the end we managed to record that song in a couple of takes and it fitted perfectly in the film.

Other film soundtracks recorded by Benoit Viellefon: https://benoitviellefon.com/cinema

Tracks

The stampede, I ain't got nobody; Fidgety feet, Clarinet Marmelade, Dance scene take 2;

Personnel

Benoit Viellefon

guitar and vocals

Benoit Viellefon & His Orchestra

band / ensemble / orchestra

Mike Henry

cornet

Trevor Whiting

clarinet

Graham Read

tuba

Alexander Bryson

piano

Additional Personnel

Benoit Viellefon: Acoustic guitar; Magic Mike Henry: Trumpet; Trevor Whiting: Clarinet & Tenor Saxophone; Graham Read: Tuba & Bass Saxophone; Alexander Bryson: Piano; Recorded live at Buffalo Studios in London by J.B Pilon; Mixed and Mastered by Tadashi Masuda in Yokohama Japan; Artwork Benoit Viellefon;

Date featured

July 8, 2025

This song appears by permission of the contributing artist and/or record company. It is for personal use only; no other rights are granted or implied.