Bruce Yantis.

I was watching a video of an interview of Smith Ballew and Seger Ellis. (both recorded with Bix and Tram).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ku0bId5eiMA

It is fascinating to hear these guys reminisce. One of the topics was Bruce Yantis. He was a violinist who recorded several numbers with Smith Ballew. He also recorded with Seger Ellis, the California Ramblers, and the Mound City Blue Blowers.

Here is the recording with the California Ramblers. (obbligato behind vocal).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x07p-M_6R8I

And here is the recording with the Mound City Blue Blowers (Indiana).

I am sure you are all familiar with the fantastic Capitolians video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwlFTqFF07I

Mark Cantor identifies the four-string violin player as Philippe D'Arcy or Bruce Yantis.

Here is a photo of Smith Ballew's band at Whyte's Restaurant.

The musicians are identified by Ballew's specialist Geoff Orr.

Listing of musicians left to right is

J.D. Wade, trumpet/
Bruce Yantis, violin and viola, (seated)/
Carl Kress, guitar/
Rex Gavitte, bass/
Lyle Owen, alto saxophone, violin/
Bobby Van Eps, piano/
Babe Russin, tenor saxophone/
Smith Ballew/
Dee Orr, drums/
Wally Curtis, alto saxophone/
Bromo Sulser, alto saxophone, violin.

The guy sitting is Bruce Yantis. Compare with the four-string violinist in the Capitolians video (clearly seen at 5:04). Same or different? I am uncertain. Opinions?

Albert