"Public Domain is critical to our society. PublicDomain2ten's collection of musical gems is fabulous." Matthew King Kaufman, Fun Fun Fun Recordings
Billie Holiday – “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” (mp3)
You know that an artist is truly iconic when they have the ability to transport the listener to a magical far off place. Billie Holiday does this with “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” Recorded live in the equally iconic Savoy Ballroom on June 30, 1937, she is backed here by another music icon, Count Basie and his Orchestra.
Mississippi Jook Band – “Hittin’ The Bottle Stomp” (mp3)
Blind Roosevelt Graves’ and his brothers work under the moniker The Mississippi Jook Band made recordings that have been cited as among the earliest examples of rock and roll music. They made a number of 78 RPM sides for Paramount Records starting in 1929 and left a far bigger footprint on music and culture than they could have foreseen at the time. The high energy piece, “Hittin’ The Bottle Stomp” may have been conceived during the great depression, but it is anything but depressing. This is a crackling performance that stands the test of time. Enjoy.
Billie Holiday – “I Must Have That Man”
Billie Holiday recorded “I Must Have That Man” with the Teddy Wilson Orchestra on January 25, 1937. She was 21 years old. Ms. Holiday compensated for her lack of formal training by practicing the age old artist axiom that all art is personal. This graceful ballad is about Billie’s longing for love and is sung with such elegance that it gently sweeps you close to the iconic singers heart.
Jelly Roll Morton – “Black Bottom Stomp” (play/download)
The great Jelly Roll Morton and his incredible band ladies and gents. “Black Bottom Stomp” is the lead-off cut from the “Birth Of The Hot” CD, which compiles Morton’s Chicago recordings from 1926-27. During Jelly Roll Morton’s prestigious career he played and mentored some of the greatest masters of jazz. Known for producing songs that fit perfectly onto a 78 RMP pressing, his legendary band and recordings live on in the mp3 format. Pick it up, it’s a real treasure.
