Former Ellingtonian and "bronze buckaroo" Herb Jeffries, one of the great ballad singers, died a few days ago. He has been featured here a number of times, most recently as a
100th birthday tribute, and now this post must be a memorial.
What you see above is the cover of a circa 1950 Mercury 10-inch LP, but the contents were recorded in the 1946-48 time frame for the Los Angeles label Exclusive and released as singles. Mercury acquired the Jeffries sides following Exclusive's 1949 collapse.
The discography I consulted insists these all were recorded in 1946, but I believe "Just Naive," done a capella with the Celebrities vocal group, probably dates from the musicians' union recording strike of 1948. (As a bonus, I've included the flip side of the 78 issue of "Just Naive" - a cover of "Nature Boy" - in the download.)
The backing on most other items is by Buddy Baker, an arranger and radio maestro who later worked for Disney.
Jeffries is in superb voice for these records, and the sound is very good, except for one cut, which Mercury must have dubbed from a noisy pressing.
I also will be adding a Jeffries V-Disc to
Buster's Swinging Singles today.
Links (Apple lossless):
ReplyDeletehttps://mega.co.nz/#!PUFSmT5C!CXvR5wCdxLJaeh3UfumqeS8vPf17_fLaImJjf0Ft0aU
http://www6.zippyshare.com/v/13794988/file.html
Thanks so much for this great post. I've tried to download the first two posts you have of Herb Jeffries (on the "NEW LINK") for both and they seem to not be working.
ReplyDeleteearlybird - Living up to your name, I see. Anyway, the earlier efforts were Rapidshare casualties. I'll reup them in the next day or two.
ReplyDeleteAnd here they are, the two earliest Jeffries LPs shared on this blog. These are mp3 only.
ReplyDeleteHerb Jeffries - Flamingo
https://mega.co.nz/#!7QEwmbza!DXCA1ykyz0kEV9ZSTw3InnLHcPJdM6EKX8k39DP7I3g
Herb Jeffries - Magenta Moods
https://mega.co.nz/#!LFUQzL6K!ac3ARQmYarTooumORQZvumZZsGQ7KaxWxM8NrlVUQCI
Thanks very much for your quick attention to my request. The Mega site works wonderfully.
Deletethanks!!!
ReplyDeleteIf it is OK, Buster, I will thank you for all four of your Herb Jeffries posts here. He certainly is no longer a household name, and your fourposts certainly give someone like me the ability to become educated.
ReplyDeleteMorris
Hi Morris - Thanks for your comment!
ReplyDeleteThanks tons!
ReplyDeleteThanks Buster. Indeed exclusive. Great!
ReplyDeletethanks, Buster. He had an unusual voice/style... interesting performer
ReplyDeleteSome might be interested in reading my blog post re: Herb:
ReplyDeletehttp://people-vs-drchilledair.blogspot.com/2014/05/herb-jeffries-rip.html
I have another complete Exclusive album by Herb entitled Magenta Moods. This also came out later on Mercury. Met him a few times.
Thanks all for the comments. And thanks, Bill, for the link. FYI - the Magenta Moods album has appeared here - there is a link in the comments above.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks, Buster, for this tribute to a fascinating singer you introduced me to with your earlier posts.
ReplyDeleteOH MY GOD! I DIDNT KNOW HE DIED! WHAT A BLESSING TO LIVE SO LONG. I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED HIM. GRANTED IM ONLY 25, BUT IVE LOVED HIM SINCE I WAS A CHILD.
ReplyDeleteI've loved the Ellington/Jeffries recording of "Flamingo" since the first time I heard it. I have the wonderful Ellington 3 CD set "Never No Lament" on my ipod and listen to "Flamingo" every time I exercise, without fail. That's nearly every day of my life. You could say I'm quite a fan. Thanks for sharing all these very hard to find Herb Jeffries records. It is greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteLarry - You are welcome. Thanks for your note!
ReplyDelete