Nat Gonella and His Georgians - Georgia On My Mind 1934

Nat Gonella, trumpet and vocal, playing his theme song, Georgia On My Mind. London. May 15, 1934. Accompanying Nat are Brian Lawrence, violin; Monia Liter, piano & accordion; Eddie Carroll, piano; Harry Wilson, bass; Bob Dryden, drums.
Unfortunately the test pressing pictured is a later version...

[@tommyhall5010]

I knew Nat personally, after his demise he played at a pub called the Spndlemakers in Preston Lancs, I saw him regularly, then he moved into sheltered near where I lived, a sweet guy, a real gentleman who regretted nothing...

[@james-flynn1938]

Tommy Hall Thanks interesting for the story

[@tommyhall5010]

To expand on the pub story, I was from a young age interested in Jazz, in fact, I remember, aged about 12 or 13 while my friends swam in the local river I sat on the bank reading a book, I remember the title, it was 'Jazz, its evolution and essence', I cannot recall its author, so as I got old enough to go and visit a local pub, I went, it started of normally, then in would drift a chap with a saxophone, followed by a guy with a trumpet, [I remember a buddy Bunny Berrigan accompanied by his dad, I know not what happened to him, then a friend of mine would seat himself behind the drums and the show would begin, one by one they would walk in and unleash their instruments, [Stan Rothwell who ran a successful band was one of he players], then in would walk Nat, there were only about 20 of us in the pub but he played for 20,000, thanks Nat. you will never be forgotten.

[@tommyhall5010]

Mush sold as music, the problem is that if you were to play to them Benny at Carnegie Hall they would go all glassy eyed and wander off, it is the same with all things today, art, literature, films, [with a few exceptions], comedy, fashion, all artistic life has been reduced to one sleazy, commercial product, the advertising people, agents and their ilk should hang their heads in shame.

[@tommyhall5010]

How lovely to hear from you Victoria, if you would like to know more about Nat I suggest you purchase a copy of 'Nat Gonella, A life in Jazz' by Ron Brown with a preface by Humphrey Lyttelton, Nat was a one-off, a great musician and a lovely chap, it was an honour to have known him.

[@gennettor8915]

That Parlophone "test record" label is from a different recording of "Georgia On MY Mind". This one was recorded for Decca on May 15th, 1934, just two weeks after that East Ham Town Hall Jubilee Ball.

[@johngarside4063]

My Mum and Dad went dancing in London in the 30's to Nat and his Georgians. They had a 78 rpm disc of this song with Sweet Sue on the other side. In my early teens I played it until there was no groove left! Many thanks for making this available, it brings back such wonderful (sad) memories of them.

[@tommyhall5010]

Nat was a great musician and an even greater gentleman. I know, I knew him.

[@worldchess2082]

What a romantic Story!Beautiful!

[@FLo-jc7ig]

@@tommyhall5010
Really? So about 80 years ago??? How's that possible Tommy???

[@adamhowemusic283]

@@FLo-jc7ig He only died 20 or so years ago

[@dave5650ful]

Bob Dryden was my great uncle. Unfortunatly never met him but I know where I get my interest in drumming from.

[@worldchess2082]

Beautiful!!Thanks!

[@johnstephenson01]

From the 𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘥 of 1st July 1939 -
"Never before in the history of Spilsby [Lincs] has any public function achieved the success that attended the 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 promoted by the Spilsby Hospital Carnival Committee, held in the Drill Hall on Tuesday. Nearly 800 people flocked to the event, attracted by the guest stars, 𝗡𝗮𝘁 𝗚𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗶𝘀 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀, one of the country's best-known broadcasting bands. It was the world-famed trumpeter and his band's first appearance in this part of the country."

[@thebannedgreenman8939]

Thank you for posting that.

[@Chuckinca]

Wonderful

[@tommyhall5010]

tI love the side of the mouth playing that Nat used, ir
t was unusual but effective...

[@peteratkinson922]

Digby Fairweather does similarly

[@JonnokNZ]

Excellent recording quality. Is it just me or did the Brits generally have better sound quality in the 30's compared to the US?

[@antoniod]

The British recorded in bigger studios then US recording companies did. American companies recorded in little boxes, hence the cramped sound quality.

[@gennettor8915]

@@antoniod Bullshit.

[@gennettor8915]

No.

[@Matt78collector]

Britain had recording technology that was a lot more simple than the US, but they had bigger recording studios which gave it more acoustics

[@themanfrommi5]

pat smuts on sax