“Nobody knows the trouble I've seen, nobody knows my sorrow” sings Georgia Lee, and she's probably right. I can't imagine what it would have been like to be an Aboriginal woman growing up in North Queensland in the 30s and 40s, but those first poignant words are burnt into your heart with the wail and whip of this amazing jazz singer. Unknown to most, Dulcie Pitt who assumed the stage name Georgia Lee, was probably the first Aboriginal person to release a record. This album was recorded and released in 1962 on Melbourne's tiny Crest imprint, home to a few other essential Australian jazz releases, such as Alan Lee's fantastic Moanin' EP.
Georgia Lee was a regular performer at jazz and blues nightclubs in Sydney and Melbourne during the 1950s, and also spent time overseas performing in the UK and Europe with the cream of the crop of jazz musicians. But with such a hectic lifestyle and tour schedule (perhaps she was the Amy Winehouse of Australian Jazz?), Georgia suffered a nervous breakdown in 1958. After taking a break from public life, Georgia returned to her singing but with a much more manageable schedule.
Four years later Georgia was finally in the studio recording this album, her only known album. Arranged by Brian Martin, the album features Raph Melevende on trumpet, Jack Glenn on trombone, Alec Hutchison on clarinet and tenor sax, Ron Rosenberg on piano, John Frederick on bass, Horrie Weems on guitar and Alan Turnbull playing drums.
For those of you interested in hearing this incredibly rare record, the guys at Aztec have recently reissued this album on CD.
For those of you interested in hearing this incredibly rare record, the guys at Aztec have recently reissued this album on CD.
Georgia Lee - Sings The Blues Down Under (Crest, 1962)
Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out
