Odell Rand was a Chicago-based clarinetist who often played the Eb (rather than Bb) clarinet. An erratic player who often slipped out of tune, Rand popped up on many small-group jazz and blues dates in the 1930s. He is best known for his work with the Harlem Hamfats; additionally, he recorded with Big Bill Broonzy and worked with Baby Dodds and Lil Armstrong for a period in the 1950s. Although he led his own band (the Ebonites) for many years, Rand never recorded as a leader. ~ Scott Yanow