MAXIN TRIO, The
Homebase: Seattle, WA
Stats: 1948-1950
Misc Notes: The Maxin Trio – also (inaccurately) noted elsewhere as the “Maxine” or “Maxim” Trio – held a regular gig throughout 1948 and into ’49 at the Rocking Chair, one of the many afterhours jazz rooms that contributed to Seattle’s infamous Jackson Street jazz scene in the postwar period. The combo was originally named the McSon Trio - for two member's names Garcia McKee (guitar) and R. C. Robinson (piano/vocals) -- and their bassist was Milton Garred. At the time, there were numerous other ensembles comprised of African-American musicians working the scene, including the Oscar Holden Quintet, the Zak Harris Combo and bands led by Pops Buford, Joe Gauff, and Roberts “Bumps” Blackwell. But, because they dosed their sets with a heapin’ helpin’ of down-home blues, the Maxin Trio stood out from the pack and became a remarkably influential musical force in the area. Eventually the trio would cut about 40 tracks for a Los-Angeles–based label including a happy blues that was written for, or about, their friends in Seattle. It’s title? “Rockin’ Chair Blues.” By ’52 the Maxin Trio’s pianist/singer R.C. Robinson had gone solo, signed with Atlantic Records, and proceeded to cut a string of innovative hits that would essentially redefine R&B/ Soul music. Those later accomplishments were, of course, made his new stage name: Ray Charles. [This essay by Pete Blecha was adapted from his "That's Tough" feature published by DISCoveries magazine in 1990.]
MISC NOTES: This can be considered the very first R&B recording ever released commercially from a Northwest studio. The singer/pianist, Ray Charles Robinson, moved to LA in mid-1950 and launched a mega-successful career under the stage name of Ray Charles - but this was his debut recording.
LOCATION: Seattle, WA.
RECORDING PERSONNEL: R. C. Robinson (vocals/piano); G.D. McKee (guitar), Milton Garred (bass).
RECORDING STUDIO: Unverified, but possibly at Western Studios / KOL radio in the Northern Life Tower.
RECORDING ENGINEER: Possibly Jimmy Linden.
FORMAT: disc
SIZE: 10"
SPEED: 78 rpm
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A-SIDE COMPOSER: R. C. Robinson
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B-SIDE COMPOSER: R. C. Robinson
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FORMAT: disc
SIZE: 10"
SPEED: 78 rpm
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Misc Notes: Band was originally named the McSon Trio - for two members names Gosady McKee (guitar) and Ray Charles Robinson (piano/vocals). Their bassist was Milton Garred. First recordings cut in Seattle for Downbeat Records (later renamed Swingbeat Records). In mid-1950 Robinson broke away and began recording as Ray Charles. A-side song was written with lyrics about characters the band met playing gigs at Seattle's Old Rocking Chair nightclub.
LOCATION: LA
RECORDING PERSONNEL: Ray Charles Robinson (piano/vocals); Garcia McKee (guitar); Milton Garred (bass)
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FORMAT: disc
SIZE: 10"
SPEED: 78 rpm
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A-SIDE COMPOSER: G.D. McKee
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B-SIDE COMPOSER: ? Norris
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