For some reason this past week I’ve been listening to various versions of “Virginia Blues” composed by Fred Meinken so thought I’d post a few and have fun comparing them.
First up is a quaint recording from April of 1922 by a mysterious band called “Superior Jazz Band” on the Bell label. A fairly straightforward version of the tune – though the clarinetist seems a bit more adventurous than the other band members.
Recorded in New York City on April 18, 1922.
The only thing we know for certain about the personnel is that we don’t know who they are. We know the session was booked and directed by Ed Kirkeby – but that is where the conjecture begins.
Rust lists no definitive personnel, but guesses the clarinetist could be Jimmy Lytell and pianist could be Frank Signorelli. Based on what evidence we’ll have to guess.
A number of years ago on a message board someone suggested it could be an early incarnation of Original Memphis Five, but this seems to have been vigorously refuted by multiple knowledgable parties, including Mark Berresford and Ralph Wondraschek.
In any case, give it a listen and check out some of the other versions I’ve posted. I find it quite instructive to listen to various versions back-to-back in order to really hear the differences between arrangements, bands, and players.
If you’re interested in comparing these recordings – here are links to the other transfers from my collection:
1. “Virginia Blues” – Superior Jazz Band
https://youtu.be/DBf3buba9-A
2. “Virginia Blues” – Ladd’s Black Aces (featuring Cliff Edwards “Ukulele Ike”)
https://youtu.be/5hr-_9LwhhM
3. “Virginia Blues” – The Benson Orchestra of Chicago
https://youtu.be/zdqQ9C5m-yM
4. “Virginia Blues” – Lanin’s Southern Serenaders
https://youtu.be/uwP8JeaMNYg
Leave a Reply