Bix Beiderbecke: Davenport Blues

This is Bixs first recording under his own name and includes musicians from the Jean Goldkette Orchestra, an organization that had just given Bix the boot for his poor sight-reading skills. On this date, though, sight-reading wasnt even an option. Bix was composing the piece as he went along and his friends did their best just to keep up. Although Bixs long, laid-back solo boasts nothing of the martial precision that would mark his best years, his grasp of melody is perfect. Even while improvising, he lends the tune wonderful shape and clarity. Don Murray provides effective counterpoint and, unfortunately, Tommy Dorsey doesnt have much to do. Still, the dreamy swing of Bixs playing undoubtedly helped to shape the Sentimental Gentlemans future.