Sidney Bechet

This is the third time I'm featuring “Four Or Five Times”, one of my all-time favorite songs. This version sounds differently, though.

Listen yourself:

Four Or Five Times

Personnel: Muggsy Spanier – trumpet, Sidney Bechet – soprano sax, Carmen Mastren – guitar, Wellman Braud – bass.

Muggsy Spanier

Francis Joseph Julian “Muggsy” Spanier (Nov. 9, 1906 – Feb. 12, 1967) was a solid cornet player cultivating the Dixieland style. Some say he was a bit predictable but always enthusiastic and expressive.

He started playing the drums, switching to cornet at age 13. Two years later, he started playing professionally. His style was influenced by King Oliver and Louis Armstrong.

In the 1920s, he was part of the Chicago jazz scene, then he played with Ted Lewis for seven years (1929-1936), before joining Ben Pollack‘s big band from 1936-1938.

He became seriously ill and had to stay in hospital for three months. After recovering, he formed his octet, the Ragtimers. They recorded 16 sides in 1939. The band was set up too early, although they inspired the Dixieland revival a few years later, they didn't get enough jobs.

Spanier joined Bob Crosby‘s orchestra in 1940 and one year later, he led his own big band during 1941-1943. After breaking up the band, he spent the rest of his career in Dixieland settings, mostly as a leader.

[easyazon-image align=”left” asin=”B000R00K58″ locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/612uDAPXZHL._SL160_.jpg” width=”160″]Title: [easyazon-link asin=”B000QOLR3E” locale=”us”]Four Or Five Times[/easyazon-link]
Artist: Muggsy Spanier feat. Sidney Bechet
Recorded: 1940
Album: [easyazon-link asin=”B000R00K58″ locale=”us”]All Star Jazz Quartets 1928-1940 – Disc A[/easyazon-link]
Tempo: 116 bpm
Dance: Lindy Hop

Click the link to download the song at
iTunes EU ･ iTunes US ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B001S75RH0″ locale=”de”]Amazon DE[/easyazon-link] ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B000QOLR3E” locale=”us”]Amazon US[/easyazon-link] ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B001GJ0BYE” locale=”uk”]Amazon UK[/easyazon-link] ･ emusic

What do you think about this version? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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Every Monday, I post a new “Song of the Week“.
You can find the songs also on my Spotify playlist or on 8tracks.

Related Songs:

Song of the Week #145: “Organ Grinder's Swing” by The Mills Brothers
Song of the Week #144: “Swingin' In The Promised Land” by Edgar Hayes
Song of the Week #143: “Splanky” by George Gee Swing Orchestra
Song of the Week #142: “Zormpas' Story” by The Speakeasies' Swing Band!
Song of the Week #141: “Summit Ridge Drive” by Billy Jack Wills & His Western Swing Band