Early blues on Grey Gull? Yes, apparently so.
The identity of Miss Frankie is unknown. While Jane Howard used the pseudonym on some labels, her participation in this release has not been fully confirmed – and Dixon & Godrich note that the cuts from this session “reportedly sounds very unlike Jane Howard.”
So this is likely an unknown vocalist whose identity has completely disappeared – my guess from her crisp enunciation is that she was likely an actress in the vein of Ethel Waters.
Eubie Blake has been listed as the accompanist, but in every source it was cited, there was a question mark as to whether it was definitively confirmed as Eubie.
At normal running speed, this record was pitched in the key of B – which is an unusual key for a piano blues. Slowing to about 73-74 rpm delivered what I believe is the correct key of B flat.
Recorded in New York City in December, 1926.
Released as Radiex 7021.
Credits:
Miss Frankie – vocals
Eubie Blake (?) – piano