*A Mixed Bag Musical Potpourri-Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Rock And Rockabilly-Jimmie Rushing

Click On Title To Link To YouTube's Film Clip Of Jimmie Rushing Doing "Good Morning Blues". Wow.

Jimmy Rushes In

The Essential Jimmy Rushing, Jimmy Rushing, Vanguard Records, 1974

I admit to a very spotty interest in jazz over my life time and while I have always loved those 1940’s swing bands, like that of Benny Goodman, it was only with the celebration of the centennial of Duke Ellington’s birth in 1999 that I got a little more serious about this genre. Ken Burns’ “Jazz” series for PBS gave me another boost. Still and all there are huge gaps in my knowledge and appreciation of the classic jazz tradition. This is a little odd in that there is a certain convergence between jazz and my favorite musical genre, the blues. The artist under review here, Jimmy Rushing, exemplifies both those traditions. All I know is I like what I hear here.

And what is that? Well, how about a very comfortable version of the classic “See See Rider”. And of course one must pay attention to his work with Count Basie on “Boogie Woogie”, “Goin’ To Chicago” and “Take Me Back Baby” an association which formed the center of Rushing’s achievements musically. And how about a very nice finale with “If This Ain’t The Blues”. I also note that this album was produced by John Hammond, the master musicologist. I might add as well that Jimmy Rushing is the kind of artist that it takes a while to warm up to, and then you don’t want to turn him off. That, my friends, is a high compliment.

Going To Chicago Lyrics

You keep your New York Joys
I'm going to Illinois
Just as fast as I can

You New York women think
You'll make a fool of any man
Play all kinds of games
And you'll cheat if you can

Use love like a tool
Make a man a fool
What a beautiful motto

Got my money, that's it
How can you mind if I split

Going back where a woman
Really knows the way to treat a man
And people are friendly
Without no hidden plan

It's the best in the midwest
It's a real darn city full of
Good folks who come from home

And when I get back
I'll never roam far
From my little Chitown
Goodbye, farewell
I might see you later

Going to Chicago
Sorry but I can't take you
I come from Chitown
Going back to my town

Going to Chicago
Sorry but I can't take you
No use in crying
Tired of your lying

There ain't nothing in Chicago
That a monkey woman can do
I got to quit you
Can't make it with you

When you see me coming, baby
Raise your window high
Hide your window to the sky, yeah

When you see me coming, baby
Raise your window high
Catch me passing on the fly, yeah

But when you see me passing, baby
Hang your head and cry
search your soul and
Wonder why, yeah

Hurry, hurry down sunshine
And see what tomorrow brings
Tomorrow, tomorrow
Hurry, hurry, hurry down sunshine
And see what tomorrow brings
Tomorrow, tomorrow

Well, the sun went down
And tomorrow brought us rain
Tomorrow brought sorrow
Lyrics courtesy Top40db.

You're so mean and evil
You do things you ought not do
My, you're a mean one
first time I've seen one

You're so mean and evil
You do things you ought not do
You used to be cool
Now find a new fool

Got my brand of honey
But I won't have to
Put up with you

Hate you and your town
That's why I got
To put you down
Goodbye