DOWN IN DUMPS 1934 and 1955 ... Stand by as I get myself into big trouble with our 'Blues' purist friends. We’ve all done it, met someone who made such an impact on you, they have a very special place in your DNA. I have been fortunate in that over the years there have been a few, but then there was ‘Good time George’ - George Melly, a larger than life character whose immense talent went far beyond Jazz and Blues. 

A meeting with this man left me mesmerised and afterwards, quite certain I had ‘Shot the breeze’ with a legend. But I digress, in 1934 Bessie Smith released (For the first time) this song, 20 odd years later our George had a go with Alex Welsh and His Dixielanders and later on his album Farewell Blues with Digby Fairweather's Half Dozen. 

I’ll now hang my head in shame, but quietly absolutely love George using his own unique style on this classic song.

George Melly - Down in the dumps

Latest update: 22nd October 2026