The Virginians play "Memphis Blues" on Victor 18895, recorded March 22, 1922.<br /><br />Some Paul Whiteman employees had a hand in this recording.<br /><br />Ferde Grofé is the arranger.<br /><br />Banjo player is Mike Pingitore.<br /><br />The Virginians consisted of studio musicians directed by clarinetist Ross Gorman. <br /><br />This studio outfit is not to be confused with an orchestra led by Ace Brigode known on Okeh records as Ace Brigode and His Ten Virginians.<br /><br />The studio group featured such artists as Henry Busse (cornet), Mike Pingitore (banjo), and Ferde Grofé (piano), all of whom were members of Paul Whiteman's orchestra. <br /><br />The group first recorded for Victor on March 8, 1922, which produced "Lonesome Mama Blues" (18895). <br /><br />The first Virginians disc featured two numbers actually recorded two weeks later on March 22, 1922: "My Honey's Lovin' Arms" and "Cuddle Up Blues" (18881). In announcing the disc's release, the June 1922 Victor supplement states, "First records by a new organization, directed by Ross Gorman and sponsored by Paul Whiteman. Both are specially adapted to the slow, easy and whimsical steps of the 'Blues.'"<br /><br />Popular performances include "Why Should I Cry Over You?" (Victor 18933), recorded on July 18, 1922 and issued in October; "I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate" (Victor 18965), recorded on October 2, 1922 and issued in December; and "Apple Sauce" (19032), recorded on February 26, 1923 and issued in May.<br /><br />The band sometimes accompanied singers, including Billy Murray, Aileen Stanley, Belle Baker, and Isabelle Patricola. Vernon Dalhart recorded at least two songs with the Virginians: "Stavin' Change" (Victor 19189) and "Bringin' Home the Bacon" (Victor 19334), the latter's vocal refrain being uncredited.<br /><br />The last Virginians disc to feature Gorman, Busse, Pingitore, and others associated with Whiteman's band was made on July 9, 1924: "Superstitious Blues" and "Sioux City Sue" (Victor 19419). In 1927 and 1928, some Orthophonic records were credited to the Virginians, but this was Victor's house band under Nat Shilkret's direction.<br /><br />Folks I've just been down, down to Memphis town,<br />That's where the people smile, smile on you all the while.<br />Hospitality, they were good to me.<br />I couldn't spend a dime, and had the grandest time.<br /><br />I went out a dancing with a Tennessee dear,<br />They had a fellow there named Handy with a band you should hear<br />And while the folks gently swayed, all the band folks played Real harmony.<br />I never will forget the tune that Handy called the Memphis Blues.<br />Oh yes, them Blues.<br /><br />They've got a fiddler there that always slickens his hair<br />And folks he sure do pull some bow.<br />And when the big Bassoon seconds to the Trombones croon.<br />It moans just like a sinner on Revival Day, on Revival Day.<br /><br />Oh that melody sure appealed to me.<br />Just like a mountain stream rippling on it seemed.<br />Then it slowly died, with a gentle sigh<br />Soft as the breeze that whines high in the summer pines.<br /><br />
