With «Rexatious» [SOTW #89] we have learned, that Rex Stewart was famous for his talkative style (among other styles). This week I would like to feature a song where this technique is more hearable.
But before, I need to introduce another jazz musician who had perfected a similar sound but with a different instrument.
Dickie Wells
William «Dickie» Wells (10.06.1907/09 – 12.11.1985) was a leading black American trombonist noted, especially in the swing era, for his melodic creativity and expressive techniques.
Scott Yanow on allmusic.com describes Wells as follows: «One of the more adventurous trombonists of the swing era, the distinctive Dicky Wells was somewhat innovative, playing his horn in a speech-like style filled with a great deal of color, humor, and swing.»
Wells worked over the years with many well known musicians as Fletcher Henderson, Benny Carter, Teddy Hill, Count Basie (his longest engagement, from 1938-1945 and 1947-1950) and Jimmie Rushing, just to name a few. For most of the rest of his career he was a freelance trombonist.
Little Sir Echo
Little Sir Echo is a nicely swinging tune with call-and-response and solo parts by Stewart and Wells. The song is especially suitable for less experienced dancers, as it is comfortably slow and relaxed.
Title: Little Sir Echo
Artist: Rex Stewart & Dickie Wells
Recorded: 1959
Tempo: 132 bpm
Dance: Lindy Hop
I couldn't find this song as download so far!* Buy the CD here
Amazon.de ･ Amazon.com
*Let me know if you have any informations!
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Every Monday, I post a new «Song of the Week«. You can find the songs also on my Spotify playlist.
Related Posts:
Song of the Week #91: «‘Tain’t What You Do» by Jimmie Lunceford
Song of the Week #90: «Stompin’ At The Riverside» by Spade Cooley
Song of the Week #89: «Rexatious» by Rex Stewart
. The book was published after his death and is still available.
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