DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #107: The Spinach Song

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Julia Lee The Spinach Song

American (dirty) blues singer and pianist Julia Lee (Oct. 31, 1902 – Dec. 8, 1958) was best known for her double entendre songs, ”the songs my mother taught me not to sing,” as she stated herself. She began to record for Capitol in 1944. Along with local players from Kansas City, she played on some sessions with Jay McShann, Vic Dickenson, Benny Carter, Red Norvo and Red Nichols. In 1949, she landed a major hit with a song about vegetables – at first sight…! I Didn’t Like It the First Time (The Spinach Song) Now, let’s have a look at the lyrics: [...]

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DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #77: A Viper’s Moan

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DJ Chrisbe's Song of the Week #77: A Viper's Moan by Willie Bryant

Willie Bryant (30.08.1908-09.02.1964), born in New Orleans, grew up in Chicago where he tried to learn trumpet, with little success. In 1926 he made his first steps in show business as a dancer in the Whitman Sister’s Show. For several years, he performed in vaudeville and in 1934 he appeared as a singer with Bessie Smith in the show Chocolate Revue. In late 1934, Willie Bryant formed his big band and from 1935-1938, they had six recording sessions. Among his sidemen were at times: Ted Wilson (piano), Cozy Cole (drums), Johnny Russell (tenor sax), Benny Carter (trumpet), Ben Webster (tenor [...]

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DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #51: Jack, I’m Mellow

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Trixie Smith Complete 1925-1939

Since music has been recorded, there were always songs about drug consumption and its influence. Jack, I’m Mellow This song is a great example. Read the lyrics: I’m so high and so dry, I’m sailin’ in the sky, Just smoke some gage, Come around babe, Jack, I’m mellow. I’m so high and so dry, I’m way up in the sky, The world seems light And I’m so right, Jack, I’m mellow. I’m going to put my nickel in a slot machine And play my solid sender, I’m going to strut, peck and Suzie-Q, Have alone a bender, I’m so high [...]

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DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #2: When I Get Low I Get High

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linnzi zaorski hotsy-totsy

Somewhen in autumn 2006, I signed up for myspace (anyone remember?), it was my first step into social networks. Right from the beginning, I got tons of invitations by musicians and bands to listen to their music and become friends. It was great! It was an amazing source (and probably still is) to discover new and independent bands. When I Get Low I Get High After a short while browsing, I heard this version of the song “When I Get Low I Get High” and I loved it from the very first moment. On the one hand because of the New Orleans [...]

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