George E. Lee's Novelty Singing Orch. - St James Infirmary

From Wikipedia:

St James Infirmary -- American folksong, made famous by Louis Armstrong recording from 1928. (Many records credit it to Joe Primrose, which is a pseudonim of Irving Mills - agent and songwriter, probably an autor of an original arrangement).

George E. Lee Singing Novelty Orchestra steadily grew in number and sophistication throughout all the 1920s. George and his sister Julia's showmanship and strong vocals made the band a hit with the audiences in the 18th and Vine area. In August, 1923, the six-piece Lee band recorded for the OKeh label, becoming the first African American band from Kansas City to record. Unfortunately, Okeh judged the result of the session unsatisfactory and declined to release the two selections, "Just Wait Until I'm gone" and "Waco Blues." Having missed an opportunity for national exposure, the Lee band continued playing the dance halls and cabarets in the 18th and Vine community.

In November, 1929, the Lee band recorded six selections for the Brunswick label, including "St James Infirmary." Louis Armstrong had recorded an up-tempo version of "Saint James Infirmary" a year earlier, but it failed to catch on with the record-buying public. Lee's slower-tempo version better matched the solemn lyrics describing a gambler meditating on his own mortality while viewing his dead sweetheart's body in Saint James Infirmary. The record sold well locally, but Brunswick did not promote it nationally in the advent of the Great Depression. Cab Calloway's cover of Lee's version of "Saint James Infirmary," recorded the next year, created a national sensation.

Recording: George E. Lee & His Novelty Singing Orch., voc. George E. Lee - St James Infirmary, Brunswick 1929

Category:

Music

Tags:

• St
• James
• Infirmary
• George
• Lee
• Louis
• Armstrong
• 1920s
• blues
• jazz
• black
• New
• Orleans

[trydreamin]

This couldn't express any more sorrow. I'm crying and didn't even know who this is about. My wife heard this and wants it at her funeral (just joking with me). The determined rhythm of the guitar makes it for me. No piano could get this expression. This kind of talent doesn't get a chance to show itself - today's show business is too commercial. Love this and thanks for the post. Learning this on the clarinet with some of Pete Fountains licks but this feel.

[snapcracklepop54]

wonderful. an education! thanks

[ToweringInfernoOrch]

btw; charles russo was the banjo player. the trumpets were sam utterbach and harold knox but i have no idea which did the solo.

[trydreamin]

@galaxyrock Thanks for the information, I didn't know this was a banjo so thanks for the information.

[galaxyrock]

@trydreamin

Not to detract from the beautiful sentiment of your post, but there is no guitar in this song. The rhythm instrument you're hearing is a tenor banjo.

[joseesblanco]

Beautiful pure natural version .Thanks from Spain.

[diagoML]

que entrañable !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[davidemiron]

Bravo - opened my eyes.

[ateleia]

Excellent recording. THANKS FOR SHARING!

[SinisterReality420]

Wow....

[cleanmrbroadway]

go to the other end of the spectrum and hear the zephyr version 1969