Berigan Made Me Do the Boswells

[PDEE]

Berigan, the one who could never get started, and BeRiGaN, the one who can never get finished changing his name, made me think of doing the Boswell Sisters.

In my early listening days I wasn’t much into Bunny Berigan. My reading caused me to buy a 12” 78 of I Can’t Get Started ( b/w The Prisoner’s Song), but I really couldn’t get into it.. Too much like Mom and Pop music, romantic balladeering, Saxophones.. I was heavy into Armstrong Hot Fives / Sevens, Morton’s Peppers and The Bechet Feetwarmers . Berigan just didn’t seem to be a good fit. I ended up giving the disc to a friend across the street.

Years later, when my horizons expanded, I came back to Berigan. Time Life issued their Giants series ( we discussed them in a previous life as early Mosaics).. I didn’t subscribe, but somehow picked up the Berigan… it seemed like, and most definitely was, a good cross section of his music. My attention however kept being drawn to the version of Everybody Loves my Baby, not so much for the trumpet solo, but for the vocal group.

At first my ears had passed them up, too much Andrews Sisters..Beer Barrel Polka type stuff. But After awhile I got Hooked… and became a Boswells addict.

Their vocals are clever, interesting and pure jazz. Each 3 min recording is packed with shifting rhythms, tempos and harmonies. They bend and slur notes with the skill and execution of a Sidney Bechet solo making it seem the Human Thing to Do ( that’s for the other Berigan)

They take liberties with the formats, for example their version of There’ll be Some Changes Made, where they convert the song to a 12 bar blues and then back to it’s original format. They often use the verse to set up the songs, or build connecting structure between the different parts of their arrangements, always grabbing your attenion, making you eager to see what they'll do next.

An added plus is that they were often supported by key Jazz musicians of the day.. Berigan, the Dorsey’s, Eddie Lang… which is as I pointed out led me to them.

For those perhaps interested in sticking their toe into Boswell Bay to test the waters, perhaps one of the single cds like those on ASV might be the best place to start.For complete coverage there are 5 Cds on Nostalgia Arts / Storyville which you’ll want if you get hooked.. Maybe disc 1 of these is a good starter just in case. The rest of the set have the Boswells in some more varied settings, that make you feel like you are sitting through Whiteman waiting for a few bars of Bix… but when they come, the Boswells, Like Bix put a new twist on the arrangement. There are some Medleys that I suspect a Boswell Beginner will find tedious as they are matched up with more “POP’ singers of the time… you do get a taste of the Mills Brothers though.

The Boswells were immensely popular in their day, but never seemed to gain the international stature of the Andrews sisters.. who via the Boswells, I have come to appreciate more.. but never see them as equals, I have ideas why, but maybe Berigan, the name shifting one, can offer some ideas

So if you want to hear some great singing.. the avante garde of girl groups of their time, backed up by some great jazz musicians…. And you are not afraid of being accused of being a NECROPHILIAC … Give the Ladies a whirl.

Maybe my next expedition into the jazz graveyard will be to dig up the Mills Bros. :D

[brownie]

(quote from PDEE)
Maybe my next expedition into the jazz graveyard will be to dig up the Mills Bros.

Will be waiting for this.
The Mills Bros. are unknown territory to me (except for their sides with Louis Armstrong).
As for the Boswell Sisters, I stumbled on them by accident. And it was love at first sight.
Beautiful happy music for necrophiliacs.

[BeRiGaN]

Originally posted by PDEE
Berigan, the one who could never get started, and BeRiGaN, the one who can never get finished changing his name, made me think of doing the Boswell Sisters.....

You NECROPHILIAC!!!:D
Of course, I have thought of doing the Boswell sisters as well, but back when they were alive!:mad:

[BeRiGaN]

PD, you worded it better than I can....
Funny, I liked Bunny just fine, but was not impressed with I can't get started when I heard it the first few times..in fact, I thought his sound was kinda pinched, for wont of a better term...used to skip it on cds all the time, then I had it on a tape I made for the car, didn't feel like fast forwarding, and grew to like it. Do you still not care for it?
Anyway, back to the Boswells...I like the intro for them at allmusic.com....Definitely the most talented and arguably the all-around best jazz vocal group of all time I could see hearing one or 2 tracks, and thinking, oh cute novelty group, (Like I did when I taped the 1932 film Big Broadcast, with Crosby and they popped up to sing a couple of short songs-I taped over the movie soon after seeing it, it never shows anymore on TV, and is not on VHS or DVD!:mad: ) but once you listen to a entire cd, and instead of feeling fatigued from listening to an hour of one performer or group, you want to find all you can, you will then know you are hooked!
Like PD said, the ASV is a good start, or the Columbia/Sony cd "That's how Rhythm was Born" I have only the first 2 volumes of the Nostalgia Arts / Storyville series, so can't comment on the later ones, but not nearly as hard to take as other Complete series I have heard, but I am quite biased.....And to think, Jack Kapp, was always telling them to slow it down, where is the melody? Imagine what they might have been able to record, if they could have even let down there hair even more than they were able to????
PD, Brownie, have youze guys heard the cd with "Vet" Boswell cd from the Redmond Nostalgia Company? Fairly interesting, with her reminiscing...if you don't have it, and care to, PM and I'll make ya a copy...I don't think it is still in print, I got this copy a few years ago on ebay, but they are a small company, perhaps they are not on the web yet????

[PDEE]

Berigan... I listen to I can't get started with better feelings these days.. both the studio versions ( yeah you're gonna correct me and tell me there's more). Still reminds me a bit of the "big band era... one day I'll try to explain what I mean by that,,, but it might be construed as too much necrophilia

I guess I did this Boswells bit because of the dreaded AAJ "N" word.
Reading between the lines of posts I see that there are many who approach musicans with the kind of critical evaluation I, and as you have stated, you also have experienced. It's understandable but you miss a lot, and the pleasure you get when you discover the error of your ways is just great.

This board is Called ALL ABOUT JAZZ the Boswells are right dead center of that category

Lots have looked, few have contributed, maybe the lookers thught we were heading for True Confessions

Roll on Mouldde Fygge, Roll on.

[BeRiGaN]

Where's Ghost? Can't believe he didn't drop by to say something? Yes, as I am sure you are aware of, there are 2 versions with Berigan singing, the more famous 12 inch version, and the earlier shorter version,and one with Red McKenzie singing...I think that is it...unless the Mosiac has some alternates...from Victor on it, I can dream, can't I?
I won't give up dammit!;)
If you haven't heard them before, a 60 second sound bite won't convince you about the Boswells , but might intrigue you to listen some more, someday....
--->click here if you have media player, to hear "Everybody Loves my Baby"<--- (http://mfile.akamai.com/6546/wm2/muze.download.akamai.com/2890/us/uswm2/172/395172_1_10.asx)

[PDEE]

If you haven't heard them before, a 60 second sound bite won't convince you about the Boswells , but might intrigue you to listen some more, someday....
--->click here if you have media player, to hear "Everybody Loves my Baby"<--- (http://mfile.akamai.com/6546/wm2/muze.download.akamai.com/2890/us/uswm2/172/395172_1_10.asx)

Damn wish I'd done that... that is definitely:cool: :cool: :cool:

[Deep "Get Me Out Of My Skull"]

I have a question for you Dueling Banjos.

If the Boswell Sisters, The Andrew Sisters, The Lennon Sisters and the McGuire Sisters all came to a 4 way stop intersection
simultaneously.....who the hell would have the right of way??

I know...THE KIM SISTERS (That North Korean connection now that they're nuclear ..or as Dubbya Bush says "NUKULER"...DUH!)

DEEP:confused:

[Rocket #9]

Originally posted by BeRiGaN
Yes, as I am sure you are aware of, there are 2 versions with Berigan singing, the more famous 12 inch version, and the earlier shorter version,and one with Red McKenzie singing...I think that is it...unless the Mosiac has some alternates...from Victor on it, I can dream, can't I?
I won't give up dammit!;)
[/URL]

Are you somehow including the 1936 version with Chick Bullock singing? Just curious, where's the early version on disc now? I'm sure it'll be on the Mosaic, but I may not be able to wait.

Ed

[Harold_Z]

Originally posted by Rocket #9
... where's the early version on disc now?

I have a CD on Pro Arte that has both the '36 and '37 versions of I CAN'T GET STARTED. It's PRO ARTE CDD 544 "I CAN'T GET STARTED" aptly enough.

Wait for the Mosaic. I'm sure there will be no comparison soundwise.

[andersf]

I discovered Connie (on her own late 1930s recordings) before I discovered the Boswell Sisters; then I read Sudhalter's "Lost Chords", where, if I remember correctly, the Boswell Sisters are portrayed as part of a (New Orleans) jazz community. Very interesting, and reason enough to see the Boswell Sisters as more than another Andrews Sisters type group.

[BeRiGaN]

Originally posted by Rocket #9


Are you somehow including the 1936 version with Chick Bullock singing? Just curious, where's the early version on disc now? I'm sure it'll be on the Mosaic, but I may not be able to wait.

Ed
Hey, It is on the Timeless label cd, Red McKenzie....it is listed on allmusic.com ....I have another Red McKenzie cd from Timeless, it is called Mound City Blue Blowers: 1935-1936...so don't confuse them if you see it in a bin!
I hope/assume this will be on the Mosaic set...time will tell!

IS there a Chick Bullock recording? I read somewhere (New Grove Jazz Dictionary?) That he was on over 3000 recordings!:eek:

[BeRiGaN]

Originally posted by Harold_Z


I have a CD on Pro Arte that has both the '36 and '37 versions of I CAN'T GET STARTED. It's PRO ARTE CDD 544 "I CAN'T GET STARTED" aptly enough.

Wait for the Mosaic. I'm sure there will be no comparison soundwise.
Pro Arte put out some nice cds, didn't they?
Well, I can't find mine right now....checking out my Classics cd, they show the 1936 version coming out on Vocalion....do you know if Sony owns their stuff, or not? I think Ghost asked Mosaic if any of the RCA material was goin to be on the set, they said no...and no live tracks either...it will be interesting to see how they fill 7-8 cds without RCA....a lot of recordings we all have not heard before I assume!:)

[PDEE]

When I wrote the starter to this I was sure I had three versions of I can't get Started... studio versions... there's obviously broadcasts... this was from my vinyl days.. pre 40 days 40 nights... I checked but only could find two.. changed it in my post figuring bErIgAn would set my rear end on fire... got to check further but I do believe there are three studio renditions by Bunny

[Rocket #9]

Originally posted by BeRiGaN

Hey, It is on the Timeless label cd, Red McKenzie....it is listed on allmusic.com ....I have another Red McKenzie cd from Timeless, it is called Mound City Blue Blowers: 1935-1936...so don't confuse them if you see it in a bin!
I hope/assume this will be on the Mosaic set...time will tell!

IS there a Chick Bullock recording? I read somewhere (New Grove Jazz Dictionary?) That he was on over 3000 recordings!:eek:

The Chick Bullock vocal is on Classics 734 "Bunny Berigan and his Boys 1935-1936".

Yeah, I have that McKenzie disc, too, so I guess I have all the currently available versions of "I Can't Get Started" (the famous later version on "The Pied Piper"). I think that when you refer to an "earlier, shorter version" with Bunny singing, you actually mean the Chick Bullock vocal. If there's another Bunny vocal I'd like to hear it.

Of course, when the Mosaic appears this whole discussion will be even more pedantic than it is now.:D

Ed
I wasted time/Now time wastes me.

[PDEE]

Originally posted by Rocket #9


The Chick Bullock vocal is on Classics 734 "Bunny Berigan and his Boys 1935-1936".


but I believe Berigan is credited with the vocal on that one....

So isthere a Bullock?.. with Bunny on trumpet of course..

[BeRiGaN]

Originally posted by Rocket #9


The Chick Bullock vocal is on Classics 734 "Bunny Berigan and his Boys 1935-1936".

Yeah, I have that McKenzie disc, too, so I guess I have all the currently available versions of "I Can't Get Started" (the famous later version on "The Pied Piper"). I think that when you refer to an "earlier, shorter version" with Bunny singing, you actually mean the Chick Bullock vocal. If there's another Bunny vocal I'd like to hear it.

Of course, when the Mosaic appears this whole discussion will be even more pedantic than it is now.:D

Ed
I wasted time/Now time wastes me.
Rocket #9, I just double checked my copy of "734" and Chick sings all around this song, but it is Bunny singing on track 10...they put a BB next to it on the discography...but other than track 10, Chick sings on tracks 5 thru 12(well, just heard track 12, and even though he is given credit, no one sings! Crap! No one sings on tracks, 5, 6, or 7. Bastards! If your job is to write a discography, shouldn't you at least have to listen the damn songs?:mad: )
Anyway, listen to track 10 again, it is Berigan

[Rocket #9]

Thanks, Berigan,

You are absolutely correct. Silly me, I was just reading (and that not too closely) instead of listening. I just got the JSP Cab Calloway set, so I hope I can be forgiven for not taking it off to give Bunny a well-deserved spin. Bunny will rule the house again when the Mosaic appears. I'm very much looking forward to better sound and a more accurate discography.

Ed

[Harold_Z]

OK ..so there ARE three studio versions with Bunny. In chronological order it goes THE MOUND CITY BLUE BLOWERS >>BUNNY BERIGAN AND HIS BOYS>> BUNNY BERIGAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA (the hit on RCA).

[Lonson]

Boswells rock. So does Red.

[Jim R]

Good to see you here, Lonson! :cool:

[clandy44]

Thanks to PD, who makes many valuable contributions to this and other BBs, I got reacquainted with the Sisters (I was into Connee's work and the Sisters a long time ago, but not since the fall of Mesopotamia) with Vol 1 of the Nostalgia Arts series. Unbelievable music-the Sisters are superb and the Dorsey Orch, Bunny, etc behind them aren't too shabby. Naturally, I did the only righteous thing that any member of the jazz BBs set could do-I ordered the other 4 cds. But, I deny that I am now, or have ever been, a completist.

[PDEE]

Thanks for thr nice comment....

Mouldee Fyggedom for all

And hers me listening to Pharoah Danders live with some impressive John Hicks while I type

Don't have TV so I can't watch the war.

[Rocket #9]

Has anyone heard this yet? Five more versions of "I Can't Get Started". Also, I hadn't realized Joe DiMaggio's talents extended so far: the Yankees, Marilyn Monroe, Mr. Coffee, and now (well, then, actually) Bunny!

N.B. All this is from the Storyville Records website.

Released March 2003
Bunny Berigan "The Radio Years" 1937-1940
Bunny Berigan, Steve Lipkins, Irving Goodman, John Fallstich, Truman Quigley - trumpet / Sonny Lee, Morey Samuel, Bobby Jenny, Max Smith - trombone / Joe Dixon, alto saxophone & clarinet / Sid Perlmutter, Charlie & Joe DiMaggio - alto saxophone / George Auld, Larry Walsh, Johnny Castaldi, Clyde Rounds - tenor saxophone / Joe Lipman, Buddy Kloss - piano / Tommy Morgan, guitar / Arnold Fishkind, Mort Stulmaker - string bass / George Wetlling, Paul Collins - drums / Ruth Bradley, Danny Richards - vocal.
1. I Can’t Get Started - 2. You Can’t Run Away From Love Tonight - 3.Swanee River - 4. I Can’t Get Started - 5. Ay Ay Ay - 6. I Poured My Heart Into A Song 7. Caravan - 8. Night Song - 9. Swingin´ And Jumpin´ - 10. Little Gate´s Special - 11. I Can’t Get Started - 12. I Can’t Get Started - 13. Swingin´ On The Campus - 14. Maybe - 15. Rhumboogie - 16. There I Go - 17. Tuxedo Junction - 18. A Million Dreams Ago - 19. Marcheta - 20. I Can’t Get Started


This 56-minute CD contains 20 tunes recorded live for radio broadcast during three sessions in New York between 1937-1940.
This previously unreleased music is from the brief five-year period where Berigan led a big band.
The music consists of popular swing standards and a few original tunes.
The personnel is almost totally different on each of these three live sessions.
The sound quality is very high, and there is brilliant, explosive trumpet playing throughout by Bunny Berigan, as well as other fine soloists.
As can clearly be heard, Berigan was capable of bringing out the best in his musicians.


LABEL: Jazz Unlimited
CATALOG NUMBER: 201 2077
GENRE: big band swing jazz
BARCODE: 717101207725

[peter rh]

I think our Berigan will be here shortly...............

[Tony G]

I've long been a huge fan of the Boswell Sisters. I must have 20 various CDs featuring the girls and 10 LPs. I've collected Bozzies for years now, ever looking for better quality recordings and obscure takes. There's alot available out there.
Connie was the real genius of the three, though Martha played a rocking left hand and held her own with the orchestras regularly. Connie arranged everything by simply sketching it out on paper and Martha would demonstrate to the "boys" the arrangement.
The sisters were limited in what they could do as far as Hollywood is concerned because Connie couldn't walk. She had a childhood accident or a fall, and became paralyzed somewhat...some say she contracted polio when she was 4.
I suspect Martha and Vet would go "out" at times in the evenings and Connie would remain in the studio carving out her own solo career as sweet as icing...with her luscious southern drawl. I can picture Connie convincing Jack Kapp to listen to her arrangements of popular songs with those Dorsey "boys" hangin' round...and Jack saying "We've got to record this".
Connie Boswell actually recorded some 40 sides as a "solo" act during the "sisters" tenure between 1931-1936. She forged on after Martha and Vet retired, and continued to have hits. She appeared on radio regularly and had her own show in 1941 at which time she legally respelled her name to Connee because of "shoulder pain"...dotting the "i" hurt.
The Boswell Sisters have never gotten the credit they deserve. They were really quite influential and shouldn't be overlooked. Sometimes they sound "impossibly" good.
Nostalgia Arts' five CD set covers about 60% everything recorded and are readily available on line in several places.
Yoawzah !!!

[peter rh]

Any ideas on Mosaic's plans for the Boswell's ?

[Tony G]

Hey BeRiGaN, I've heard that Redmond Nostalgia CD you mentioned...I thought it interesting how Vet and Martha carried Connie onto the train and then came back for the instruments and bags...and vaudevilled Oklahoma Indians...
Redmond also has a five CD set of Bozzie sides that includes some really obscure early Connie jazz not available anywhere else. Two titles on CD-467 are "You'll Never Get To Heaven That Way" and "I Couldn't Tell Them What To Do", both Connie "solo" efforts, that simply must be heard...
Helvetia mentions Bunny Berigan and Manny...Joe Venuti...
Vet liked the upper 5th note...or the 7th harmony...or the 9th...a sadsack?
The girls often changed vocal positions in the middle of chorus...but rarely sang in unison. They sang so low down and southern...smooth...jazzy...
The Andrews Sisters sang differently...much differently...of course, times changed, and swing was in, and the war was on...but in terms of true jazz innovation, The Bozzies brought it...
To Peter RH, I'm not savvy to "Mosaic"...?
Yoawzah...!!!

[PDEE]

wot's this...... you trying to resurrect an OF.. I was surprised to see this up after having been away for a mini vacation..

[WestCoast Ghost]

The Berigan big-band radio broadcast CD is definitely a worthy pickup if you're a Berigan fan (as I am).

Only early rumblings about the Mosaic Boswell set... it's said to be in the "planning stages," and I'm assuming it's Scott Wenzel's baby (since he oversees most of their early/big-band projects).

[peter rh]

To Peter RH, I'm not savvy to "Mosaic"...?
Yoawzah...!!!
Details on Mosaics at : http://www.mosaicrecords.com/

[Tony G]

Thanks for the link...and presto...
Clearly the Berigan #219 set is a must have...thx...
Yoawzah !!!

[kenny weir]

Just wait ... your thanks may become bittersweet. :eek2:

[LAL]

Cute picture of the sisters

http://www.offbeat.com/2004/obapril2004/images/april2004/boswell_main.jpg

[LAL]

More info on the Mosaic (from BB of www.bigband-era.com).


**************************************************
Posted by Fran on February 03, 2005 at 12:36:16

In Reply to: Re: Mosaic Records- Complete Boswell Sisters/Connie Boswell Set?? posted by Randall Riley on February 02, 2005 at 11:47:03

I understand that the Connie Boswell/Boswell Sisters that Mosaic is contemplating are the Brunswick sides owned by Sony. These probably include the sides issued in the early 40's on the Columbia and Okeh labels.

**************************************************
Posted by Randall Riley on February 03, 2005 at 15:33:02

In Reply to: Re: Mosaic Records- Complete Boswell Sisters/Connie Boswell Set?? posted by Fran on February 03, 2005 at 12:36:16

You are right, Fran. I was able to track down information and it looks like the set will be about three CD's, having about 80 tracks, mostly the material by the Sisters and those wonderful early sides by Miss Constance. The BAD news is that the Decca/Coral/Apollo sides aren't in this assortment...
A 4-disc set perhaps? How much overlap is there with the Nostalgia Arts sets?

[WestCoast Ghost]

Thanks much for that update. I'll get the Mosaic, but I have a feeling I'll need to hang on to the Nostalgia Arts releases...

[Tony G]

Necrophiliacs...
Hopefully more sweet than bitter...
Sweet pic LAL...What's Martha doing? Keeping their heads together...?

Nostalgia Arts five CD set includes almost everything the "sisters as a trio" recorded in studio session for Brunswick...the "important stuff".

It's those Connie "solo" sides mucking up the works here...

Also alot of radio transcriptions exist dating to 1930 CBS California...
As well as their later regular broadcasts for Fleischman with Bing Crosby, Rudy Vallee and The Mills Brothers...

I'm intrigued with the Mosaic set...I'd like to see a complete discography like Scott Wenzel posted for the Berigan set.

I'm a newbee to All About Jazz forums...so thanks to all for active responses.
It's a clearly a great site with friendly participants. Bozzie on...

Yoawzah...!!!

[PDEE]

It would be nice to have a well organised Boswell Sister set.. presumably if Mosaic do produce one, it will be. As for now the Nostalgia Arts seems to be the best comphrehensive collection.

[LAL]

Latest from Jazzmatazz is that the Mosaic would be a 40s Columbia/Okeh. An e-mail from Scott Wenzel reads as follows:

As for Boswells, this would be Columbia and OKeh (Sony owned) sides. I'm still researching and don't know how we're going to proceed with this. If and when we do this it will probably be next year. So, looks like the set is still (highly) uncertain. Any experts would like to offer some help/suggestions to Scott? :light:

[Tony G]

At issue with record labels...I submit...
Columbia/Okeh purchased the rights to only the Brunswick sides and re-issued some of them in boxed 78 sets in the mid-forties...the recordings themselves were produced in the girls' heyday...1931-1935. They signed with the newly formed DECCA label in late '35 and recorded only one more year...1936. Martha and Vet gave it up and disappeared from show business in 1936 as completely as Annette Hanshaw !!! They were not to be heard on records again.

Connie, of course, "CONNIE THE BRILLIANT" forged on...jump started by her own studio career begun in 1931. She was a true artist with a passion for jazz. Here lies my interest in the Mosaic set...

PDEE, you are well covered with the Nostalgia Arts set...its got everything unless you want the Connie songs. They're scattered everywhere.

LAL, I'm (highly) certain that the Mosiac Set will NOT contain "Boswell Sisters" sides that the Nostalgia Arts set does not...savvy ? Anyway, the "trio" didn't record after 1936.

Connie sides...?...maybe...we'll see...I'm a student...not an expert.

Yoawzah...!!!

[PDEE]

PDEE, you are well covered with the Nostalgia Arts set...its got everything unless you want the Connie songs. They're scattered everywhere.



This I know... it's a bit of a beef I have with Mosaic.. once they used to issue stuff that was"rare" and hard to find.. but the reissue market is such that it is obviously difficult to come up with recordings that are not currently available elsewhere ( though I'm sure I and others could give them huge lists)...


now watch that screw up the thread

As for the Boswells.. I suspect that most of us really into the Sisters.. have the Nostalgia set.. it was a major reissue.. so to some extent I question Mosaics wisdom in pursuing this project.... however there are plenty with Mosaic Mania that will no doubt buy it because it's a Mosaic, whether they have any inkling of the music contained or not.. ( Similar thoughts about the proposed Basie Clef etc....)

[LAL]

.... however there are plenty with Mosaic Mania that will no doubt buy it because it's a Mosaic
http://www.organissimo.org/forum/html/emoticons/whistling.gif







...but I suspect/hope this one will eventually be abandoned. Now wouldn't that be a relief on the pockets of the Mosaic-maniac?! :D

[Tony G]

I'd like to see Mosaic go through with the Boswell set anyway (which they probably will regardless of our opinions)...but I'm an advocate for the better restoration of old recordings...Wenzel just might have access to a very pristine set of 78s. I'm not entirely in tune with "Mosaic-Mania" as I've yet to order the Berigan #219 set...but when I do...I'll be listening for sound quality remastering as well as the music...

I checked my Annette Hanshaw CD collection for Bunny on trumpet but no go...Alot of Phil Napoleon, Manny Klein, Bob Effros and even Tommy Dorsey...where was Berigan in 1928-1929 ? Never a New England Yankee as everyone else was...it seems...

...Well...Anyhow...

All I have for Redmond Nostalgia is P.O. Box 82, Redmond, WA 98073 and ph: 425-774-1819. They don't seem to be on the web...They make their own very comprehensive CD sets of early jazz recordings and alot of radio shows. Just in case your curious...

Yoawzah...!!!

[gabegabrielsky]

For hardcore hot jazz fans, perhaps the best Berrigan to start with is his back up of Billie Holiday in the original version of Billie's Blues

[Tony G]

http://www.geocities.com/captaincobol@sbcglobal.net/Boswellswingy.jpg

The Boswell Sisters in 1932...Yoawzah...!!!

[Jazznik]

Great thread! Now I hope my dumb question doesn't deep-six it...

Is the version of "I Can't Get Started" as heard in the movie Chinatown the Berigan vocal?

[shawn·m]

As it happens, I just picked up Mosaic’s Berigan set. I had a good idea of what I’d be getting from the online sessionography (featureing some dreadfully awful singers, in my opinion) and from the single Pied Piper disk I’ve had for some time. Make no mistake, there’s some wonderful playing on these disks, especially the slightly more traditional bent of the earlier disks with the clarinet weaving counter melodies around Berigan’s dynamo trumpet… but jeez, for those cruddy singers…

I couldn’t help notice that later dates, actually under Berigan’s name as a leader, included a slightly better, though a still swooningly icky variety of singers. As a sideman you don’t call the big-picture shots but when you’re recording as a leader, why would you stand downwind from second-rate warbling? No, no, I’m certainly not referring to the handful of sides cut with Billie Holiday.

What’s more, Berigan’s bravura was undoubtedly inspired by Armstrong and if he was familiar Louis’ playing, then he was also exposed to Satchmo’s singular singing. Was he so smitten with Armstrong’s cornet/trumpet advancements that he was blinded to the implications of Louis’ vocal stylings? Did Berigan somehow prefer lilly-livered fop vocals? Or was it more a case of calling even more attention to his exceptional abilities by placing them amidst corn-pone mediocrity. The benefit of contrast?

However you look at it, the set makes for an odd not-to-be-missed, just-can’t-turn-away experience. Huh. Boswells or no, now I’m gonna have to revisit my Red Allen disk.