Bing and the Dixieland Bands
Compilation album by
Bing Crosby
Released1951
Recorded1942–1950
GenrePopular, Dixieland
Length23:15
LabelDecca
Bing Crosby chronology
Bing Crosby Sings the Song Hits from...
(1951) 		Bing and the Dixieland Bands
(1951) 		Yours Is My Heart Alone
(1951)

'Bing and the Dixieland Bands is a Decca Records album by Bing Crosby featuring songs with a Dixieland flavour which was issued as a 10” LP with catalog No. DL5323 and as a 4-disc 78rpm box set (A-852)[1] and as a 4-disc 45rpm set (9–232).[2]

Background

Crosby biographer Gary Giddins quotes Artie Shaw in his book who said “(Bing) really is the first American jazz singer in the white world.”[3] However his record producer Jack Kapp gradually moved Crosby away from his jazz influences into the mainstream.[4] Every now and again though, he would have the opportunity to return to his jazz roots at a recording session and this album picks up a selection of such tracks.

Newsweek magazine covered the January 1946 session when two of the songs in the album were recorded and it sounds like a good time was had by all concerned. ‘“Blue and Broken-Hearted”, the first number to be waxed, didn’t go so well. A large blue screen-like sound absorber stood between Bing and the boys. Kicking it aside, he commented: “Got to see if anybody’s alive out there.” Another run-through or two and, at his question: “Will this be the deathless disk? Shall we, men?” the side joined history. “After You’ve Gone,” went rather quickly. Although trouble loomed when Jack Kapp, president of Decca and Crosby-adviser-extraordinary on record policy, walked in and asked if “Wild Bill” Davison’s trumpet ought to stay so dirty. “You go back to the board of directors if you make one more remark,” Crosby said. “I’ve flown these boys in at great expense. Eddie flew in without a plane.”[5]

Reception

The sides had all been previously issued as singles and “Feudin’ and Fightin’” reached No. 9 in the charts in 1947. Reviewers’ comments include:
Walking the Floor Over You – Again brother Bing goes on a Western kick with Bob Crosby’s Bob Cats. And for this trip he has picked a classic that for many weeks has been the top tune favorite at all the grange halls and hoe-down temples along the cattle trails. .. The charm, of course, lies in its naturalness and simplicity, which makes it just right for Crosby.[6]
Feudin’ and Fightin’ – In high order in striking rhythmic style is his vocal fancying for the catchy mountain novelty “Feudin’ and Fightin’,” bringing out all the mountain humor of the lively ditty. The Jesters join their voices with Crosby on the chant with Bob Haggart’s music providing pert rhythmic beats...“Feudin’ and Fightin’” will find its way into jukes.[7]
Jamboree Jones – Wonderfully gay and light-hearted Crosby effort on this collegiate paean of Johnny Mercer’s with superb support from The Tattlers and the Haggart backing.[8]
The Dixieland Band – Another easy-flowing, happy rhythm novelty slicing which falls into the two-beat revival trend. Der Bingle delivers a completely relaxed job to an excellent Haggart backing.[9]

Track listing for 10" LP

Side one
No.TitleWriter(s)Performed withLength
1."The Dixieland Band" (April 8, 1950)Bernie Hanighen, Johnny MercerBob Haggart and His Orchestra2:36
2."Jamboree Jones" (April 8, 1950)Johnny MercerBob Haggart and His Orchestra, and The Tattlers3:02
3."Walking the Floor Over You" (May 27, 1942) Bob Crosby’s Bob Cats3:08
4."When My Dream Boat Comes Home" (May 27, 1942)Dave Franklin, Cliff FriendBob Crosby’s Bob Cats2:24
Side two
No.TitleWriter(s)Performed withLength
1."Blue (and Broken Hearted)" (January 16, 1946)Lou Handman, Grant Clarke, Edgar LeslieEddie Condon and His Orchestra3:03
2."After You’ve Gone" (January 16, 1946)Turner Layton, Henry CreamerEddie Condon and His Orchestra3:10
3."Feudin’ and Fightin’" (May 8, 1947)Burton Lane, Al DubinBob Haggart and His Orchestra, and The Jesters3:15
4."Goodbye, My Lover, Goodbye" (May 8, 1947)T. H. AllenBob Haggart and His Orchestra, and The Jesters2:37

[10]

Personnel

Bob Crosby’s Bob Cats Yank Lawson (trumpet); Floyd O'Brien (trombone); Matty Matlock (Clarinet); Eddie Miller (tenor sax); Jess Stacy (piano); Nappy Lamare (guitar); Bob Haggart (string bass); Ray Bauduc (drums).[11]
Eddie Condon and His Orchestra Wild Bill Davison (trumpet); Brad Gowans (trombone); Joe Dixon (clarinet); Bud Freeman (tenor sax); Gene Schroeder (pianist on “Blue (and Broken Hearted)”); Joe Sullivan (pianist on “After You’ve Gone”); Eddie Condon (guitar).[12]

References

  1. ^ "Billboard". Billboard. June 30, 1951.
  2. ^ "45cat.com". 45cat.com. Retrieved December 18, 2015.
  3. ^ Giddins, Gary (2001). A Pocketful of Dreams. New York: Little, Brown and Company. p. 265. ISBN 0316881880.
  4. ^ Giddins, Gary (2001). A Pocketful of Dreams. New York: Little, Brown and Company. pp. 311-312. ISBN 0316881880.
  5. ^ "Newsweek". Newsweek. January 28, 1946.
  6. ^ "Billboard". Billboard. July 18, 1942.
  7. ^ "Billboard". Billboard. July 26, 1947.
  8. ^ "Billboard". Billboard. May 13, 1950.
  9. ^ "Billboard". Billboard. May 13, 1950.
  10. ^ "A Bing Crosby Discography". A Bing Crosby Discography. Retrieved December 16, 2015.
  11. ^ "The Chronological Bing Crosby". Jonzo CD sleeve notes. 33 (JZCD-33). 2003.
  12. ^ "The Chronological Bing Crosby". Jonzo CD sleeve notes. 45 (JZCD-45). 2006.
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