Bessie & The Blues: Riverwalk Live, Vol. 3

by Jim Cullum, Jr.

Overview

This particular radio program from the notable "Riverwalk, Live from the Landing" series features the Jim Cullum Jazz band (a septet which at the time featured cornetist Cullum, clarinetist Brian Oglivie, trombonist Mike Pittsley and pianist John Sheridan) paying tribute to the empress of the blues, Bessie Smith. David Holt's narration is intelligent and concise, but most notable is the singing of guest Topsy Chapman. Chapman emulates Bessie on such numbers as "Down Hearted Blues," "You've Been a Good Old Wagon But You Done Broke Down," "Gimme a Pigfoot" and "St. Louis Blues." There are also a couple of instrumentals for the band ("At a Georgia Camp Meeting" and the out-of-place but enjoyable "West End Blues"). Recommended for trad jazz and early blues fans. ~ Scott Yanow

Product Details

Release Date:	06/26/2000
Label:	River Walk
UPC:	0705417950329
Rank:	126140

Tracks

1. Nightspell / Introduction
2. Downhearted Blues
3. 'Tain't Nobody's Bizness If I Do
4. At a Georgia Camp Meeting
5. Narrative
6. Good Old Wagon
7. On Revival Day
8. Baby Won't You Please Come Home
9. West End Blues
10. St. Louis Gal
11. Gimme a Pigfoot (And a Bottle of Beer)
12. Narrative
13. St. Louis Blues

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Jim Cullum, Jr.   Primary Artist,Cornet
Jim Cullum Jazz Band   Primary Artist
David Holt   Guest Artist
Clarence Williams   Piano
Topsy Chapman   Vocals
Brian Ogilvie   Clarinet
Bessie Smith   Vocals
Mike Pittsley   Trombone
Don Mopsick   String Bass
Howard Elkins   Banjo,Guitar
John Sheridan   Piano
Ed Torres   Drums

Technical Credits

Clarence Williams   Composer
Ed Greene   Post Producer
Porter Grainger   Composer
Alberta Hunter   Composer
Malcolm Harper   Mixing,Technical Director
Andy Razaf   Composer
King Oliver   Composer
W.C. Handy   Composer
Charles Warfield   Composer
John Sheridan   Arranger
Lovie Austin   Composer
George H. Buck, Jr.   Arranger
K. Mills   Composer
W. Wilson   Composer
Lynne Cruise   Producer
John Robinson   Composer
Robert Prince   Composer
Margaret Pick   Producer
Jim Cullum, Jr.   Producer
Jim Cullum Jazz Band   Performer
David Holt   Narrator