One of my favorite Clara Smith songs: “Whip it to a Jelly”
“Jelly Roll”, among other things, is a jazz-age euphemism for sexual intercourse, and one can imagine what Smith must mean when she sings:
“Whip it to a Jelly
and stir it in a bowl
Now you whip it to a jelly
if you like good jelly roll.”
“Whip it to a Jelly” is a slow burner – and Clara is taking her time with this one. Jazzer Lem Fowler is right there with her, whipping up the perfect bluesy piano accompaniment.
Recorded in New York City on May 25, 1926.
Released as Columbia 14150-D.
Credits
Clara Smith – vocals
Lemuel Fowler – piano