Until Mike uploaded the label of the Little Ramblers record of "Play It Red" I was under the impression that there was a comma after "Play It."
The meaning of the phrase changes completely depending on whether the commma is part of the title or not. With the comma, it is an exhortation to an individual that goes by the name of Red (Red Nichols, Steve Brown, or neither) to play the tune. Without the comma, it is an exhortation to all musicians to play the tune in a "red" manner, just like "Play It Hot" or "Play It Slow.". Is there a "red" manner of playing jazz? Could it be an abbreviation for "Play It Red Hot"?
Does anyone have original 78s of the tune? I know that the Original Indiana Five recorded the tune. Michael M, I know you have written the liners for the Original Indiana Five cds issued by Jazz Oracle. Mike, do you have the 78 of the OI5 recording of "Play I, Red" or "Play It Red." Is there a comma?
Anyone has the sheet music? The tune is not listed in ASCAP among the compositions of Harry Barris nor under "Play It, Red" or "Play It Red." Ar there lyrics for the tune?