This particular radio program from the notable "Riverwalk, Live from the Landing" series features the Jim Cullum Jazz band (a septet which at the time featured cornetist Cullum, clarinetist Brian Oglivie, trombonist Mike Pittsley and pianist John Sheridan) paying tribute to the empress of the blues, Bessie Smith. David Holt's narration is intelligent and concise, but most notable is the singing of guest Topsy Chapman. Chapman emulates Bessie on such numbers as "Down Hearted Blues," "You've Been a Good Old Wagon But You Done ...
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This particular radio program from the notable "Riverwalk, Live from the Landing" series features the Jim Cullum Jazz band (a septet which at the time featured cornetist Cullum, clarinetist Brian Oglivie, trombonist Mike Pittsley and pianist John Sheridan) paying tribute to the empress of the blues, Bessie Smith. David Holt's narration is intelligent and concise, but most notable is the singing of guest Topsy Chapman. Chapman emulates Bessie on such numbers as "Down Hearted Blues," "You've Been a Good Old Wagon But You Done Broke Down," "Gimme a Pigfoot" and "St. Louis Blues." There are also a couple of instrumentals for the band ("At a Georgia Camp Meeting" and the out-of-place but enjoyable "West End Blues"). Recommended for trad jazz and early blues fans. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi
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