To continue my incessant listening-to of “Virginia Blues” that I started yesterday, here we have a version by the Benson Orchestra of Chicago from early 1922 under the direction of pianist Roy Bargy.
The Benson Orchestra was a very popular dance orchestra in Chicago who recorded countless records for Victor from 1920 – 1925. Under Bargy’s leadership the Benson band put out many great records – and these are fun to hunt for because they sold well and supply seems to be plentiful.
Five takes of this tune were attempted on January 28, we don’t know what happened at this session but all takes were destroyed. The band came back at it to try again on February 2 and recorded four more takes. The 9th take ended up being the winner – and it was pressed and released to the public in April of 1922.
This version begins in an almost stately manner – and you quickly notice the skill of the musicians, who were all top-notch, and the precision of the arrangement. All of which makes you wonder if the eight failed takes of this tune can be attributed to Bargy’s high standards and perfectionism in his craft.
While there are no heated improvised solos to be found here, it is clear that the objective here is getting people on the dance floor. The banjo is quite forward in the mix, and provides a real stomp to the rhythm. Bargy’s bouncy piano starting around 1:36 is quite fun and animated.
You can imagine the dance floor at Marigold Gardens in Chicago was always full when the Benson Orchestra was in the house.
Recorded in Chicago on February 2, 1922.
Released as Victor 18868.
Credits:
Roy Bargy – piano, director
Rick Adkins – trumpet
Guy Carey – trombone
Matthew Amaturo – clarinet, alto sax
Thomas Thatcher – tenor sax
Joe Baum – violin
Joe Miller – banjo
William Foeste – tuba
Arthur Layfield – drums
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 aka “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
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