a mixed bag of arists like Alex = Bob Robinson vocal ; Alex Hill piano , Ikey Robinson gtr or banjo or Banjo- guitar . and second vocal who recorded mainly for the Paramount label in 1928 / 29 and other musicians including Casey Bill Weldon and Big Bill Broonzy , Black Bob on piano , Washboard Sam for Vocalion Records in 1935
A fully revised discography is beeing prepared by Bumbleebee 38
Mr. Robinson appeared as vocalist on several recordings, notably "My Senorita" where he is accompanied by Blythe (uncredited) who plays some fantastic piano! Unfortunately the Document CD transfer of this recording is at the wrong speed, so Robinson's voice sounds unnaturally high in that recording.
According to Ms. Dickerson, the Hokum Boys were mainly Alex Hill (who sings lead and plays piano on this record) and Thomas A. Dorsey (who sings backup).
@KawhackitaRag OK, after having listened to several other records by these gentlemen, I'm now convinced that this is Alex Robinson taking the lead vocal in "Gin Mill Blues", with the second voice (and piano) being perhaps James Blythe, or perhaps Alex Hill. The light, almost glib piano touch and delivery is characteristic of Hill, but the actual figures he plays are more characteristic of Blythe, in my opinion. Perhaps Hill was trying to play like Blythe here?
Alex Robinson was was not a guitarist to my knowledge, but rather a popular singer who appeared on the radio with Jimmy Blythe in Chicago in the 1920s. He was also reportedly a talented pianist although (also reportedly) he never recorded on piano. Alex Robinson was also a composer and was married to composer/pianist/agent Aletha Dickerson, who was a staffer at Paramount Records, and also at Brunswick/Vocalion.
Alex " Bob " Robinson was a pianist ...he never played any other instrument ( as per his own wife = Aletha Robinson born Dickerson ) those Docyument CDs are RUBBISH ............listen to what genuine collectors have to SAY .............I have been studying those sessions for more than 40 years !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well Well Well
The hokum boys?
a mixed bag of arists like Alex = Bob Robinson vocal ; Alex Hill piano , Ikey Robinson gtr or banjo or Banjo- guitar . and second vocal who recorded mainly for the Paramount label in 1928 / 29 and other musicians including Casey Bill Weldon and Big Bill Broonzy , Black Bob on piano , Washboard Sam for Vocalion Records in 1935
A fully revised discography is beeing prepared by Bumbleebee 38
05Toamasina1938 1 year ago
Mr. Robinson appeared as vocalist on several recordings, notably "My Senorita" where he is accompanied by Blythe (uncredited) who plays some fantastic piano! Unfortunately the Document CD transfer of this recording is at the wrong speed, so Robinson's voice sounds unnaturally high in that recording.
According to Ms. Dickerson, the Hokum Boys were mainly Alex Hill (who sings lead and plays piano on this record) and Thomas A. Dorsey (who sings backup).
They did use other musicians sometimes.
KawhackitaRag 1 year ago
@KawhackitaRag
On the original recording = Ch 15489 the singer seems to be a WOMAN ( or a female impersonator ) . It doesn't SOUND as IF it was Bob Robinson
05Toamasina1938 1 year ago
@KawhackitaRag OK, after having listened to several other records by these gentlemen, I'm now convinced that this is Alex Robinson taking the lead vocal in "Gin Mill Blues", with the second voice (and piano) being perhaps James Blythe, or perhaps Alex Hill. The light, almost glib piano touch and delivery is characteristic of Hill, but the actual figures he plays are more characteristic of Blythe, in my opinion. Perhaps Hill was trying to play like Blythe here?
KawhackitaRag 1 week ago
Hi, thanks for posting this great clip!
Alex Robinson was was not a guitarist to my knowledge, but rather a popular singer who appeared on the radio with Jimmy Blythe in Chicago in the 1920s. He was also reportedly a talented pianist although (also reportedly) he never recorded on piano. Alex Robinson was also a composer and was married to composer/pianist/agent Aletha Dickerson, who was a staffer at Paramount Records, and also at Brunswick/Vocalion.
KawhackitaRag 1 year ago
Not to be confused with the Famous Hokum boys
Alex " Bob " Robinson was a pianist ...he never played any other instrument ( as per his own wife = Aletha Robinson born Dickerson ) those Docyument CDs are RUBBISH ............listen to what genuine collectors have to SAY .............I have been studying those sessions for more than 40 years !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bumblebee38 1 year ago