St. James Infirmary is a classic Orleans number of unknown origin — although some attribute it to Irving Mills through his alias Joe Primrose. It was made a hit by Louis Armstrong, but has been loved long before that. Based on ”The Unfortunate Rake” it tells the tale of a woman who met an unfortunate end: “I went down to St. James Infirmary, Saw my baby there, Set down on a long white table, So sweet, so cold, so fair.” We deck it out in typical Orleans style with a short intro, Trumpet on the melody then the story unfolds with the Vocalist. Solos are open and the Trumpet leads us home.
St James Infirmary (PHDS)
