Bix Beiderbecke: Davenport Blues
Track
Davenport Blues
Group
Bix Beiderbecke and His Rhythm Jugglers
CD
Bix Restored, Volume 1 (Origin Jazz Library BXCD 01-03 )
Musicians:
Bix Beiderbecke (cornet), Tommy Dorsey (trombone), Don Murray (clarinet), Paul Mertz (piano),
Tommy Gargano (drums)
.Recorded: Richmond, Indiana, January 26, 1925
Rating: 85/100 (learn more)
This is Bix’s first recording under his own name and includes musicians from the Jean Goldkette Orchestra, an organization that had just given Bix the boot for his poor sight-reading skills. On this date, though, sight-reading wasn’t even an option. Bix was composing the piece as he went along and his friends did their best just to keep up. Although Bix’s long, laid-back solo boasts nothing of the martial precision that would mark his best years, his grasp of melody is perfect. Even while improvising, he lends the tune wonderful shape and clarity. Don Murray provides effective counterpoint and, unfortunately, Tommy Dorsey doesn’t have much to do. Still, the dreamy swing of Bix’s playing undoubtedly helped to shape the Sentimental Gentleman’s future.
Reviewer: Brendan Wolfe
If you liked this track, also check out
- Bix Beiderbecke and Frank Trumbauer: Singin' the Blues
- Bix Beiderbecke: Sorry
- Bix Beiderbecke: I'm Coming, Virginia
Related Links
Bixology, an excerpt from a book by Brendan WolfeThe Dozens: Twelve Essential Bix Beiderbecke Performances by Brendan Wolfe
Remembering Bix by Ted Gioia
Bix Beiderbecke from jazz.com’s Encyclopedia of Jazz Musicians
Tags: 1920s jazz · cornet
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