[Dixielandjazz] Composers

[Bill Haesler]

> I jave just heard  "50 miles of elbow room" and "Evolution mama" by the Turk Murphy  band, compeser credits stating "traditiona."
> Is this true?  The former is a folk song, so it might be, but the second doesn't sound that way.

Dear Marek,
This one was discussed on the DJML about ten years ago.
But I don't recall whether it was resolved at that time.
I don't think so.
However, here is what I have regarding the two songs.
(I too have that Turk Murphy concert LP.)

"Fifty Miles of Elbow Room" (F. W McGee)
Recorded by Rev, F. W McGee for Victor 23401 on 16 July 1930 with unk. t/p/g. 
(Copyrighted on Sept 7, 1933)
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDc-seffbYo

"Evolution Mama" (Dasher - Heywood)
Recorded by Doc Dasher, vocal; with Eddie Heywood, piano for Columbia 14106 on 30 September 1925. 
(Copyrighted on Apr. 14 1926)
I have this on CD and it is the same tune with different lyrics, apart from the line "Don’t you make a monkey out of me." 

"Evolution Mama" was also recorded by Carl 'Deacon' Moore & His Orchestra for Decca 2051 on 9 August 1938 with composer credit to (Terry Shand).
The pianist who recorded with Wingy Manone, Jack Teagarden and composed "I Double Dare You", among others.
(I could not find a copyright for this one under his name. Maybe he was its arranger for the Decca session.)
I have an mp3 copy of this version. And an image of the Decca label.
The lyrics used by Turk are a rough compilation of those sung by Carl Moore including "I've got a knife, and I've got a gun. I'm gonna cut you if you stand still, and shoot you if you run. Evolution Mama, don't you make a monkey out of me!" 

My friend and listmate Dick Baker (the Stomp Off Tunes bloke) would probably not approve, but the credit for the Turk Murphy rendition should probably be:
(Doc Dasher - Eddie Heywood - Carl Moore - Terry Shand).
Very kind regards,
Bill.