Thursday 19 February 2009
Julia Lee & Her Boyfriends
I love American R&B of the 50's and this record just about sums up that era and why I love it so much. Terrific risque lyrics and wonderful piano playing and tight rythym section. Fabulous voice too. What was even nicer was I found this for a few pence in a flea market in the East End of London a few years ago. It had no sleeve but intrigued by the song tiles "King Size Papa", "Snatch And Grab It" etc. How could I resist!
"A popular entertainer who recorded frequently for Capitol during 1944-1950, Julia Lee's double-entendre songs and rocking piano made her a major attraction in Kansas City. She played piano and sang in her brother George E. Lee's Orchestra during 1920-1934, recording with him in 1927 and 1929 (including "If I Could Be with You One Hour Tonight") and cutting two titles of her own in 1929 ("He's Tall, He's Dark and He's Handsome" and "Won't You Come Over to My House"). Lee worked regularly as a single in Kansas City after her brother's band broke up. In 1944, she started recording for Capitol and among her sidemen on some sessions were Jay McShann, Vic Dickenson, Benny Carter, Red Norvo, and Red Nichols, along with many local players. After 1952, Julia Lee only recorded four further songs, but she was active up until her death in 1958. "
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4 comments:
Oddly, for such an obviously American work of art (and yes it is) this has a lovely ribald and very English, via Henry Fielding quality to it. As you say, risque, but then again so are the Brits by naure and tradtionand I think, as much as it may be denied by many Americans, it is the British and European folk influence that unites both us and the USA in our love of a similar music.
This is fantastic and brings to mind those incredible Bob Dylan Theme hour things that he does for the bee.
Yes, those Bob Dylan themed hours are pure joy. You can get them all HERE.
FANTASTIC!!
I was going to stick that Raiod show up here sometime soon.
Maybe we should and then include this link?
Absolutely essential I would say!
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