[Dixielandjazz] Re: Help update

[Tony Davis]

Mike D. wrote:

> Sobbin' Blues alright! But the intro is original, or borrowed from somewhere
> else..... now can we have the complete #1, please, Dick?

having previously written:

> Tony, it's the verse of Sobbin' Blues to my ears and those of two band
> memebers I played it to (with no prompting). If only we had more of the
> tune, this would speedily be resolved!

and I am left with copious amounts of egg on my face, which at least hides my
blushes!

My only excuse is that in the Oliver CJB version - the only one with which I
was familiar - the verse is played by Dodds in a way which disguises the
melody, except for bars 8 to 12 (the 'middle 4'!).  Having now listened to the
versions by the NORK and the Oliver Dixie Syncopators I realise and humbly
acknowledge my mistake.

I still maintain, however, that the intro to the Pete Daily version is taken
from "Don't Leave Me Daddy".  As for the vocal version of this tune to which I
referred yesterday, I can't do better than quote the esteemed former DJMLer
Norman Field:

"The, ahem, exotic dancer Bee Palmer had already recorded a special version of
SINGING THE BLUES, with lyrics specially written by Ted Koehler that would fit
the solos of Bix and Tram.  This was  recorded for Columbia in New York on
10th. January 1929.  Apparently three takes of this were made, but none were
ever issued, nor its session mate DON'T LEAVE ME DADDY. (Miss Palmer's
attributes as a singer, understandably, came second to her other talents as a
dancer; and when taken in conjunction with her physical appearance at that
time, retrospectively render any criticism of her singing quite
superfluous!)".

More details for those interested at:
http://www.normanfield.fsnet.co.uk/marionharris.htm
and even if you're not interested Norman's website is well worth a visit.

Cheers,

Tony.

--
Tony Davis
Trumpet/Cornet
Harlem/Kaminsky Connection/Zenith Hot Stompers
Aston, Oxfordshire, UK