DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #29: When I Take My Sugar To Tea

Now, this week’s song by the Boswell Sisters is a challenge!

The experts are generally agreed, this was the most talented and one of the all-time greatest jazz vocal groups ever. The Boswell Sisters, Martha, Helvetia “Vet” and Connee, began their career in the vaudeville houses of New Orleans. Gifted musicians as well as singers, the sisters started to work at a local radio station by 1925. At first, they only played classical and semi-classical instrumentals. Their career took off when the station began featuring them as singers. The sisters’ harmonic vocals, dotted with scatting and numerous tempo and key changes, quickly made them popular in New Orleans and beyond. Between 1930 and 1936 they were the hottest vocal group in the country. They appeared in several movies and were regulars on Bing Crosby‘s radio program. Many of their hit recordings were made with the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra. In 1936, Vet and Martha retired from show business, while Connee continued her solo career.

Why is this song a challenge? Well, it’s one for dancers. The song starts with a mellow feeling, swinging softly, when the tempo doubles at 1:50. Lindy Hop AND Balboa in one song is required, how great is that!?

Title: When I Take My Sugar To Tea
Artist: The Boswell Sisters w/ Dorsey Brothers Orchestra
Recorded: 1931
Album: The Very Best Of
Tempo: 122/244 bpm
Dance: Lindy Hop, Balboa