In continuing with our series showing you just how great our Dapper DJs are for Cumberland Shuffle, we got a few words out of Christian Frommelt about what he's looking forward to and his unique take on things. Christian has a whole lot of knowledge and appreciation for jazz music in general, and even more for the musical history and future of St. Louis. We're super excited to have him put his talents on display at Cumberland Shuffle!

Cumberland Shuffle: Alright Christian, we've got plenty to ask you, but let's start with this. What are your top 3 old-timey songs featuring animals?
Christian Frommelt: Darn, I was hoping you'd ask me about my favorite old-timey songs featuring aliens, but that's ok. As far as animals are concerned, I'm quite fond of the following recordings:

                 1. James P. Johnson, "Mule Walk," from 1939
                 2. Oliver Cobb and His Rhythm Kings, "The Duck Yas Yas Yas" from 1929
                 3. Jelly Roll Morton's Red Hot Peppers, "Hyena Stomp" from 1927

CS: You have a lot of pride for St. Louis and its history. Are there any facets of St. Louis music that you're planning on showcasing at Cumberland Shuffle?
CF: Absolutely. I have a deep personal connection to the mostly unknown jazz heritage here in St. Louis and it always gives me a lot of pleasure to showcase it alongside more well-known jazz, where it belongs. The cool thing about St. Louis jazz is that it isn't marked by one sound--it's a convergence of styles. Pre-war STL artists I'm most likely to throw in include Dewey Jackson, Red McKenzie, Pee Wee Russell, Oliver Cobb, Lizzie Washington, Peetie Wheatstraw, and Eva Taylor. Also, fun fact: Frankie Trumbauer grew up, musically and otherwise, in St. Louis. He invited Bix Beiderbecke (who was raised in Davenport, Iowa) to join his band at the St. Louis Arcadia Ballroom in September 1925, a 6-month engagement that gave birth to one of the most influential partnerships in jazz history. This type of anecdote--whereby well-known musicians are produced in St. Louis, but lose the significance of their musical upbringing and early success--is pretty common.

CS: Man, you're full of good stories. What are you most excited about for Cumberland Shuffle?
CF: Well, every event hinges on the people and personalities that fill the floor, and this event not only features people who are great at what they do, but also attracts people who know how to have a good time. That's what I loved about last year . . . there was a sense that everyone was sharing a great experience. I'm excited to see familiar faces, but also to be in an environment where you'll likely make a lot of new friends. Bringing back Peter and Mia will contribute to this atmosphere. Both in character and knowledge they add so much to any event. I can't wait to dance to the music selections of fellow DJs Rob Moreland and Conrad Friesen, and to experience the music Michael Gamble and the Rhythm Serenaders, who are totally new to me. And lastly, I'm really excited to take some time to explore Nashville! 


I think it's pretty clear why we're so excited to have Christian in to DJ for Cumberland Shuffle. He's made of awesome! Make sure to read his official bio over on our Music page so that you can get pumped to dance to his music, too.