Let’s have a little fun with a few more versions of Duke Ellington’s C‑Jam Blues.
The first couple of non‑Ellington recordings were on V‑Discs, those non‑commercial records made for service men and women.
Hazel Hits It
First up is the wonderful Hazel Scott on piano, backed by legendary drummer “Big Sid” Catlett in 1943:
Hazel is really having a blast, and I always love when a V‑Disc includes a little spoken intro from the artist. It makes the whole thing feel like a postcard from the studio.
The Navy Swings It
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| Glenn Miller greets Sam |
The next V‑Disc is from tenor man Sam Donahue and his Navy band:
Those service bands had some great musicians, and it’s great to hear this swing treatment of the song in an extended arrangement.
The RAF Joins In
Also from 1945, we have a commercial record on British Decca by The Squadronaires:
Drawn from the Royal Air Force Dance Orchestra, the Squadronaires give the Americans a run for their money!
Capitol Cowboys
Definitely inspired by Bob Wills — and that’s always a good thing. The tune wears a cowboy grin here!
A Country Club Curveball
For even more of a wild card, let’s move to 1960 for this version by Homer and Jethro from their RCA Victor album At the Country Club:
That was actually my introduction to the tune way back in the day. Jethro’s astounding mandolin is the highlight for me, as always. Saxist Boots Randolph is also featured. Jethro refers to the band as Boots Randolph and the Carroll County Car‑Strippers at one point!
That’s an absolutely terrific album for Homer and Jethro fans, by the way.
Free, Frantic, Funky
Since we dipped into the 1960s, let’s sneak in one more version — here’s organist Wild Bill Davis with this cut from his 1965 RCA Victor album Free, Frantic and Funky:
That’s definitely all three of those adjectives!
Hope you had fun continuing the jamming!
Warehouse Whispers
I always find title variations of songs to be intriguing. This one started as “C” Blues on the original Barney Bigard recording in 1941, became The “C” Jam Blues for Duke’s 1942 record, then alternately “C” Jam Blues, C Jam Blues, or C‑Jam Blues, having lost the “the” somewhere along the way!
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