Jimmie Lunceford (featuring Trummy Young): Margie
Track
Margie
Group
Jimmie Lunceford & His Orchestra
CD
Jumpin' With The Big Swing Bands (Savoy 17182)
Musicians:
Jimmie Lunceford (alto sax, bandleader), Trummy Young (trombone, vocals),
Eddie Tompkins, Paul Webster, Sy Oliver (trumpets), Elmer Crumbley, Russell Bowles (trombones), Willie Smith, Earl Carruthers, Dan Grissom, Ted Buckner (reeds); Edwin Wilcox (piano); Al Norris (guitar); Moses Allen (bass); Jimmy Crawford (drums)
.Composed by Con Conrad & J. Russell Robinson. Arranged by Sy Oliver
.Recorded: New York, January 6, 1938
Rating: 95/100 (learn more)
Although he is best-known for his work with Louis Armstrong in the 1950s and 1960s, trombonist Trummy Young made his name with Jimmie Lunceford in the 1930s. “Margie”was his most prominent feature as well as one of the band's biggest hits. Young both sings and plays on this swinging arrangement by Sy Oliver. Young's singing style is breathy and joking, his high-pitched tenor a perfect match for the light, jaunty feel of the piece. However, what really stands out is his trombone work. Young plays with unrivaled control of his instrument, staying mostly in the upper register, where he produces a smooth, bright tone. His breaks feature large leaps in pitch, which are very difficult to execute. To top it off, he ends the tune on a high F#, near the absolute top of the instrument's range. The overall effect is one of infectious, danceable swing as well as musical virtuosity. Young was a perfect fit with the Lunceford band and his exposure there helped him launch a long and successful career in jazz.
Reviewer: Alex W. Rodriguez
Tags: 1930s jazz · big band · trombone
Comments are closed.