I had not listened to this version of Georgia since the 70's, until now. Researching the tune, trying to nail down the melody & changes if possible. This debut version has several changes that are rarely or never used anymore, yet are pretty hip.
That's Ray Lodwig's dreaded "nanny mute" which actually sound less dreary than usual here, Kingoma61. But ignore that and just listen to Venuti, Teagarden, and then Bix's tear-your-heart-out solo.
Georgia, Georgia
The whole day through
Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind
Georgia on my mind
Each day, Georgia
A song of you
Comes as sweet and clear as moonlight through the pines
Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still, in peaceful dreams, I see
The road leads back to you, to you, my beautiful Georgia
Georgia, no peace I find
Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind
Oh, Georgia, Georgia, no peace I find
Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind
The 1930 Hoagy Carmichael original recording on Victor featuring Bix Beiderbecke on cornet was featured in the movie Paper Moon in 1973 starring Ryan and Tatum Oneal. The recording was also on the movie soundtrack album. This is definitely a recording that belongs in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
When first listening I heard way too much vibrato and a bit too much slurring in the first muted trumpet to be Bix.The last sounds like Bix in the phrasing, he usually doesnt hold notes, he ad libs notes in [where others hold them] with masterfull fit that he does so very well. At 2:53 you can hear the trumpet in the back to his solo cornet in the front. I do notice a little less sparkle in his sound even in this sad piece. May I use the word tired? with respect!!
This recording always saddens me. Bix sounds like he has no fire left and I can only assume it was bitter sweet making this recording with him. Venuti sounds, as usual, sublime ;-). I wish they had chosen to include the verse before the chorus. It sets the whole vocal up.
"Georgia On My Mind" was one of the last recordings that Bix Beiderbecke made in 1930. The song became a pop and jazz standard and a landmark work of the 20th century. Many musicians have recorded versions of the song, including Frankie Trumbauer, Louis Armstrong, Mildred Bailey, and Ray Charles. Bix Beiderbecke plays the muted cornet solo in the middle of the song.
Wow. Hoagey Carmichael doing vocals in the original recording, Eddie Lang, Joe Venuti, Dorsey, Jack Teagarden on trombone, and Bud Freeman, tenor saxophone. Bix's last recording before he died--the man whose rif inspired Hoagey to write Stardust and all you have to express is your preferences? Sorry to be a dick, but, Christ, this is why I drink.
This is the way Jean Lion breaks down the solos for the session:
Solos : Hoagy Carmichael, vocal (30) – Joe Venuti, violin (2) – Ray Lodwig, trumpet (16) – Joe Venuti (8) – Jack Teagarden, trombone (6) – Bix Beiderbecke, derby mute cornet (10).
The Bix cornet solo starts at 2:40.
