Trouble in Mind
LP Historical Records HLP 27
Bertha “Chippie” Hill was a very good singer, and she had a good accompanist in Louis Armstrong, with the result of some classic numbers. But it’s also interesting to hear another quite different version that she did of this Richard M. Jones tune, now with a trio comprised of possibly Shirley Clay, cornet; Artie Starks, clarinet; and an unknown pianist. It’s recorded in Chicago in 1928, a couple of years after the session with Armstrong.
They start with a slow tempo that is hard to keep, but the simple background is well planned and effective. And in the two instrumental choruses, we hear typical authoritative, heartfelt New Orleans-style trumpet playing supported by a somewhat respectful and sparse clarinet.