Blues In My Heart : Bert Lown's Orch & Martin Lewis-graphics

Bert Lown & His Biltmore Hotel Orchestra v. Elmer Feldkamp - Blues In My Heart (King Carter- Irving Mills), Victor 1931
-----------------------------------

Bert LOWN (1903 -- 1962) led a series of superior jazz-oriented dance bands during 1929-33. He was one of the composers (with Hamm, Chauncy Gray and Dave Bennett) of the standard "Bye Bye Blues" which they first recorded on May 1, 1925. As a violinist Lown worked for a time with cornetist Fred Hamm's band. In 1929 Lown began his series of recordings and among his sidemen were (at various times) trombonist Miff Mole, drummer Stan King and bass saxophonist Adrian Rollini (who was succeeded by Spencer Clark in 1931). During 1930-31, Lown's band was employed regularly at the Biltmore Hotel in New York, frequently broadcasting on the radio. During this period Lown also composed "You're The One I Care For" and "Tired." His orchestra only recorded two sessions apiece in 1932 and 1933 and by the mid-30's Lown was no longer leading a band, instead booking and managing orchestras before dropping out of music altogether. In later years, Bert Lown held executive positions in CBS tv until suffering a heart attack in 1962.
--------------------------------

Martin LEWIS (1881 - 1962) born in Castlemaine, Australia. He lived in New York City most of his life, with the exception of several years during the Depression when he moved to Connecticut. But in 1933, missing the city, he returned to New York. Martin Lewis became in the 1920s and 1930s one of the major printmakers in the United States, completing between 1915 and 1945 about 143 prints. On canvas, he also explored human activity and relationships, but his graphics are regarded as superior to his paintings.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Jazz
• Age
• Great
• depression
• American
• dance
• band
• Thirties
• Martin
• Lewis
• graphics
• New
• York
• City
• painter

[RatPfink66]

I hadn't heard of Lewis, but what great work he did. It really complements the sound of the Lown band, whose music is so totally of that place, as well as time.

Sadly, Wikipedia tells me that once Lewis had to leave NYC, his reputation died and couldn't be revived. :( Maybe he too was of that place, and only that place.

[JCJasion]

It's just a good song. The "King Carter" (Mills Blue Rhythm Band, which didn't have Benny Carter in it! ) and Chick Webb (w Benny Carter as a sideman in the band ) versions were also just as distinctive, each in their own way. All 4 versions are fierce!!

[JCJasion]

Bert Lown! One of the most unsung "Sweet AND Hot" orchestras!!!.

[78timothy]

This is really swell and sweet sounding. This has that beautiful Lown /Felkdkamp sound that we have all grown to love, but if you want to compare it to a visceral, sensual, kick ass version, then the Fletcher Henderson on Columbia from the same period is a good candidate, w/vocal by Harlan Lattimore - WOW

[Carterofmars]

Without a doubt, Martin Lewis is one of the greatest print makers of all time. they way he captured scenes is remarkable; unequaled really.

[03452091001]

loeny? check me out!

I am single. iE

[barbcard]

I,too, just returned from a short holiday--in Hungary and Krakow, where they have very handsome waiters! Already I'm ready to go back...

[kspm01]

With this personnel the record had to be special, and it definitely is... superb! Wonderful images as well.

[85scampi]

Very nice!!.

[guitaress1]

one of my favorite songs, my understanding it was written by Benny Carter