“Birmingham Bertha” – Jimmie Noone and his Apex Club Orchestra (1929) w/ May Alix

Chicago jazz vocalist Liza Mae Alix performs “Birmingham Bertha” with the expert accompaniment of Jimmie Noone’s Apex Club Orchestra.

Noone starts off the tune with a mournful but somehow hopeful clarinet line. I feel the band really is in a fine groove on this number – with such a chill vibe.

Some voices need time to grow on you. Others charm you from the get-go. I think Alix is in the latter category, as the first time I heard this recording I was duly impressed with her performance.

Rust lists George Mitchell on cornet and Fayette Williams on trombone, but I sure don’t hear them on this one.

Recorded in Chicago, Illinois on July 11, 1929.
Released as Vocalion 1296.

Credits:
Jimmie Noone – clarinet, director
Joe Poston – clarinet, alto sax
Zinky Cohn – piano
Junie Cobb – banjo, guitar
Bill Newton – tuba
Johnny Wells – drums
May Alix – vocals