The Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street was a fantastic show that first appeared on NBC's Blue Network in February of 1940. The show ran until 1944 and some of it's later episodes were also carried by Armed Forces Radio Services (AFRS). The show was rebooted in the 1950's, but in my opinion, lacked the appeal of the first run.
Last week, I spent a considerable amount of time "mining" the series: identifying, isolating, and cleaning up the audio of select tracks to add to the Swing City Radio Playlist. And I have to say, I feel that I've uncovered some true gems that I'm sure you will really enjoy, over 50 different tracks. So be sure to listen for them on the station.
As I wrote above, the show itself was fantastic. "The Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street" was a satire of those old, stuffy, highbrow symphonic broadcasts that were so popular on 1930's radio. The show featured Dixieland, Swing, Jazz and Blues music but introduced it in a comedic manner mimicking the dry, snobby way similar to those Classical Music Shows. It was hosted by Gene Hamilton. I rarely ever say this, but I enjoyed Hamilton's introductions just as much as the music itself.
"The Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street" featured two house bands which were both excellent. Henry "Hot Lips" Levine, a former member of the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, led an eight-member combo that handled the Dixieland songs and Paul Laval (who later changed the spelling to Lavalle) led a band that would perform the more swing based material. Both of these bands were tight and talented and many of their show performances have been added to Swing City Radio.
The beautiful voice of Dinah Shore was discovered on this program. Some other vocalists featured were Delores O'Neill, Diane Courtney and Linda Keene. I was also able to capture some very good guest appearances by Erskine Hawkins, Lionel Hampton, John Kirby and Toots Mondello. The John Kirby appearance was especially good which included a great rendition of "Close Shave".
I plan on playing select tracks from this show on The Big Band and Swing Podcast in April, but until then, enjoy these classic Dixieland, Swing and Blues performances on Swing City Radio.
Here are two sides I have in my personal 78rpm Collection for you to enjoy:
The Dixieland Jazz Group Of NBC's Chamber Music Society
Of Lower Basin Street performing East St. Louis Blues from 1941.
The Dixieland Jazz Group Of NBC's Chamber Music Society
Of Lower Basin Street performing Aunt Hagar's Blues from 1941.
