Message Board Archive: Thread Number 61

I have a pre-war 78 on the Mirical label and the player/singers name is
St. Louis Jimmy. Side one is called Biscuit Roller and side 2 is called
I'm Sorry Now. Just guitar and vocal -- unfortunately, I haven't
listened to this record in about 5 years or so 'cause I got rid of my
turntable that can play at 78 speed. Anyone know of this artist?

Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 08:15:31 -0500 (EST)
From: abalfour@dial.pipex.com (Alan Balfour)
Subject: Feedback: Can't help much however.....
Message Number: 61.1

I've no idea who that wonderful guitarist is, however, the question has
been asked many times before elsewhere and I think the general consensus
of opinion was that it's the same person as can be heard on Eddie
Chamblee's Miracle sessions. Another option I think was that it's a
session musician. The two tracks can be heard on the second CD of the
complete St Louis Jimmy (Document DOCD 5235). The discography in the
booklet gives the following information.

V with Eddie Chamblee, ts; Roosevelt Sykes, p; unk g; b; d. Chicago,
1948

UB 9242 Biscuit roller UB 9243 I'm sorry now (Miracle 134)

Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 13:29:35 -0500 (EST)
From: Owner-HyperNews@ComCAT.COM (Tom)
Subject: Untitled
Message Number: 61.1.1

Alan, thanks for the info on St. Louis Jimmy, I'll check out that
Document CD. One question, what do you mean by the session musician
possibility, I think it's just guitar and vocal on the 78. My idea of
session musician would be that he wouldn't have recorded solo. Would he
have been a session musician in the employ of the label/studio to
provide backup for other singers, etc. and one day cut a solo or two?
Where else on the internet could I continue this search?

Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 14:52:35 -0500 (EST)
From: Owner-HyperNews@ComCAT.COM (Tom)
Subject: more on st. louis jimmy
Message Number: 61.1.1.1

I just read a short bit of info. from one of the CD vendors on the
internet that St. Louis Jimmy (1903-1977) was James Burke Oden. He has a
CD on Orig. Blues Classics #584, and one on Story of the Blues #3508, as
well as the two Document volumes.

Ari, are you familiar with any of his music? Want to comment on his
guitar playing?

Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 14:56:23 -0500 (EST)
From: Owner-HyperNews@ComCAT.COM (Tom)
Subject: more on st. louis jimmy
Message Number: 61.1.1.2

I found some bio informatin on st. louis jimmy on one of the CD vendors
web page. He is reported to be James Burke Oden (1903-1977) and has CD's
on Story of Blues #3508 and Orig. Blues Classic # 584, as well as the
two Document volumes.

Ari, are you familiar with this person's work? Any comment on his guitar
playing?

Date: Sat, 21 Feb 1998 02:23:04 -0500 (EST)
From: abalfour@dial.pipex.com (Alan Balfour)
Subject: Feedback: He was a vocalist
Message Number: 61.1.1.3

St Louis Jimmy was solely a vocalist and composer, his most famous song
being Goin' Down Slow. He was never recorded playing an instrument
though he did fool around on the piano. His session discography
(1932-1964) and the CDs of his complete works show only the Miracle 78
with that coupling. In fact all his work was with small combos or bands.
I've played the two tracks in question once again and the line-up is
definitely as given, ie, guitar (electric at that), tenor, piano, bass
and drums.The guitarist is a member of the accompaniment. Could you have
something different? You've now got to find a way to play that 78!

Date: Mon, 23 Feb 1998 09:47:21 -0500 (EST)
From: Owner-HyperNews@ComCAT.COM (tom)
Subject: your correct
Message Number: 61.1.1.3.1

Now that you mention it, without even listening, I remember it was a
combo playing behind the singer. I remember being a little disappointed
because when I first came across the record I was hoping for a more
country type blues singer. I looked at the record last night and it just
says inst. accomp.-- not guitarist and singer. Thanks for the
information.

Date: Sat, 21 Feb 1998 11:16:07 -0500 (EST)
From: ari@secondmind.com (Ari Eisinger)
Subject: Feedback: Re: More on St. Louis Jimmy
Message Number: 61.1.1.4

I'm not familiar with him. Most of the recordings I listen to are from
1932 or earlier. I wonder if there would be any copyright issues
involved if you posted the music on your 78.