Search - Half Pint Frankie Jaxon :: Volume 1

Amazing, raunchy Frankie "Half-Pint" Jaxon at his best!

Brenna E. Lorenz | State College, PA United States | 08/29/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Frankie is one of my favorite artists, and this is my favorite compilation of his work. He was a vaudevillian, a female impersonator, actor, singer, and band leader. He performed bit parts in both Bessie Smith's film short (St. Louis Blues) and Duke Ellington's (Black and Tan Fantasy), which were filmed on the same day, with the same set, same supporting cast and same supporting band (James P. Johnson's). Frankie also performed with Tampa Red and David Cross.



These pieces are in the hokum style, sexually suggestive and jaunty, often performed with truly remarkable jug accompaniment. Frankie is an energetic and enthusiastic performer, accompanying his pieces with yips and cackles. In some of them, he takes on the female role, in others the male, and in some, both. You can hear the vaudeville influence in some of his song's introductions: "I'm going to sing you a song entitled, "Roses are red, violets are black; if your pants are too loose, pull in the slack" and then proceed to sing something totally unrelated.



He does great renditions of "Corinne," "My Four Reasons," and "I"ll Dance With the Guy Wot Brung Me." "Down at Jasper's Bar-B-Q" will make you hungry. The most remarkable piece is the previously unreleased "Operation Blues," probably the one piece on here that would get you in trouble if you played it on air at the radio station.



If you are a fan of pre-WWII recorded music, this artist and CD are a must for your collection."