The unrecognized Bix Beiderbecke #2 - Alabammy Snow

[drummerlead]

Who is that saying "That's all there is!"? Is that Tram or Whiteman saying that?

[harryoakley]

@drummerlead Oliver Hardy from the film "Sons Of The Desert".

[drummerlead]

@harryoakley Thanks--I never would have guessed that!

[alontas]

I think it is an good recording. If it is by Bix or not, I venture a middle agreement: the syncopation and the sound sure sound close to what Bix played. I wouldn't object to say that he plays here, especially when he plays with the rest of the band: there he sound more Bix than in the rest. But, I don't think this is one of his finest recordings. I bet he had not a very good day in this recording. He is much better in other ones. But then, he is also much not better in other than this one.

[czarnikowsky]

Please note that Messrs. Evans and Dean-Myatt in the book Bix Man and Legend from Richard M. Sudhalter discusses this record and stated that "Bix does not appear on this session" (Mason-Dixon Orchestra) and goes on "This is the first Trumbauer date without Bix. From now on, all "hot" cornet work on Trumbauer sessions is by Andy

Secrest. There are no exceptions". I think these remarks should be mentioned. Otherwise this is a very fine record and I thank you that everyone now can listen to it

[harryoakley]

I know that - I have read the book. Messrs. Evans and Dean-Myatt are wrong. Please read my complete comment on the left by clicking "more info" and use your ears.

[msjazzmeblues]

Doesn't anyone hear a muted cornet right after Izzy's solo at 1:20? It sounds very like the rideout to "Baby, Won't You Please Come Home?" which is ascribed to Bix.

I'm no pro, so I could be wrong!

[msjazzmeblues]

Doesn't anyone think the Derby mute heard along with the open horn in the rideout sounds like Bix? It is very like the Derby mute solo on "What A Day!" that has been attributed to Bix here!

[harryoakley]

Bix can be heard throughout the last section - most clearly at 2:29. He does not use a derby mute and his 8 bar solo on What A Day is also open horn.

[msjazzmeblues]

Thanks for your expertise, Harry!

[518West14th]

Bix was not suited for the robotic style required by Paul Whiteman's orchestra.  My take is that his work with Whiteman should be labeled. "Bix in a Cage"......I believe that this gig contributed to his deterioration.

[KawhackitaRag]

I don't agree with you about Whiteman, sorry! I think we'd have to be able to interview Bix, alive, to see what he REALLY thought about the Whiteman band. I think they swing pretty good in this arrangement! Nice arranging regardless of who is playing it, but certainly, the good musicians contribute much to the SWING of this arrangement!

[luvmyrecords]

Mr. Oakley - you are TOO MUCH!! I owe you a beer!

[fromthesidelines]

Due to his growing bout with alcoholism, Bix's ability to play the cornet had deteriorated to the point that he had to have Andy Secrest "share" his solos on his remaining 1929 sessions with Trumbauer and Whiteman. This is one "unknown" example...

[harryoakley]

Actually Bix does not share a solo here - the solo is by Secxrest. But Bix can be heard with a few background phrases from 0:28 and at 2:29. See the text for more details.

[jnhobbs]

The first 8 of the solo WAS Bix I'm bettin. ....the last was Secrest for sure. Bix's time, understatement, intonation, phrasing, sound, vibrato make it him....also note the total change in all those qualities from the lead, which sounds like Secrest, which immediately precendes. It's Bix. The second half of the solo is Secrest who gives him self away with some slightly over the top upper register offenses, as well as the time, sound, intonation, and phrasing.

[harryoakley]

I fear I can't agree. I do not hear Bix in the solo. I am quite certain that it's the same man before and after the 8 bars by Rank - Secrest.

[jnhobbs]

Then who is playing the 4 bar cornet leadin to the solo??

That REALLY sounds like Secrest--definitely NOT Bix. After the leadin a different cornet takes the solo--the sound of the horn is different as his relationship to the mic. It's not Bix at his best granted but sure sounds like him. I've listened to Bix for 50 years and have spent most of my life in recording studios....but I guess we'll never know for sure.....

[harryoakley]

Much as I would like it to be otherwise, to me they sound very much like the same man - Secrest.

The last note of the lead-in is identical to the first one of the solo.