The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #572 Message #4110046
Posted By: GUEST,BrianW
13-Jun-21 - 07:11 PM
Thread Name: ADD: In a Shanty in Old Shanty Town
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: In a Shanty in Old Shanty Town
AFAIK the counterpoint lyrics, including the "boots on tall, read the writing on the wall" come from Slim Gaillard's Royal Rhythm Boys recording in 1939. That version also features Slam Stewart bowing his bass and scatting along with with his riff, a signature of his in many recordings. It was copied by Johnny Long in 1945 as a big band arrangement which included Slam Stewart's riff done for orchestra. Both versions are available on Youtube.