The Shotgun Jazz Band plays the Kid Thomas Classic 'I Believe I Can Make It By Myself'.

This is a raw, basic 12-bar blues in Bb. Gloriously, Marla plays trumpet and sings a three-chorus vocal. They take it at a tempo that allows space for reflection and counterpoint. The tune was often performed by the Kid Thomas Valentine band back in the 1960s, when drummer Sammy Penn was the singer. A joke within the band was that he would say 'I believe I can make it by myself' when colleagues offered to assist him on the stairs after he had been drinking. This video is part of the legacy of my late friend David Wiseman, who filmed it on 14 April 2017 in New Orleans.

[@MarkWYoung-ky4uc]

I love hearing Marla Dixon sing. I don't know of anyone who sings with as much feeling and emotion. Her trumpet playing is great too. Thanks for sharing Pops!

[@kimberlydeeney5652]

That's what I'm talking about. Thanks for sharing. Made my evening. Love from Philly

[@emiliolopezify]

Thank you so much for posting again Ivan.
Great stuff.
Marla with her Shotgun Jazz Band is always wonderful.
Best wishes to you Dave from Berlin Germany 👋

[@stangetty8166]

Great Stuff, Pops, It’s great to hear Marla, and the gang, a very talented bunch of musicians! Thanks again 👍

[@billbush1270]

Headed back there in December again! So many excellent musicians in one town! Thanks for this one, with its deliberate style.

[@Ivartshiva]

Key of Bb if you're jamming along

[@daleproctor3723]

Marla is so great!

[@robbiethemann]

Thanks for posting pops, that was great