Bluestone's Track of the Day: St. James Infirmary

St. James Infirmary is a "New Orleansy" tune said to be based on an English folk song called The Unfortunate Rake, but has changed and evolved over the years. The real author of the song is unknown, although sometimes Joe Primrose (1894-1985) is credited with its current lyrics. There are, however, many verses which artists pick and choose. The song has been recorded most notably by Louis Armstrong, Allen Toussaint, Cab Calloway, and Bobby Bland. More recently, the Doors and the White Stripes have covered it, as well. A less well known version, but my personal favorite nonetheless, is that of Snooks Eaglin. Eaglin plays a one guitar arrangement of the song, but it can be led by a trumpet, as well, played with a full jazz band, or anything in between. Snooks Eaglin (1936-2009) was a versatile guitarist from New Orleans. Eaglin claimed that he could play some 2,500 songs off the top of his head. Eaglin's version of St. James was published on his New Orleans Street Singer album of 1959. His guitar playing is good and his vocals are even better for the song.

The St. James Hospital in London closed in 1532, but the song is still being recorded today. Here, I have also included a cover by Kane Muir. He plays a one guitar arrangement of the song on a classical guitar. Muir is an Englishman who apparently plays at open mics and does small gigs, but I have come across him on YouTube. Most of his music is not blues, but his rendition of St. James is dark and brilliant.