Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Anderson lost both parents when he was four years old, and was sent to live at the Jenkins Orphanage in Charleston, where he learned to play trumpet. Classmates gave him the nickname "Cat" (which he used all his life) based on his fighting style. He toured and made his first recording with the Carolina Cotton Pickers, a small group based at the orphanage. After leaving the Cotton Pickers, Anderson played with guitarist Hartley Toots, Claude Hopkins' big band, Doc Wheeler's Sunset Orchestra (1938–1942), with whom he also recorded, Lucky Millinder, the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra, Sabby Lewis's Orchestra, and Lionel Hampton, with whom he recorded the classic "Flying Home No. 2".
Anderson's career took off, however, in 1944, when he joined Duke Ellington's orchestra at the Earle Theater in Philadelphia. He quickly became a central part of Ellington's sound. Anderson was capable of playing in a number of jazz styles, but is best remembered as a high-note trumpeter. He had a big sound in all registers, but could play in the extreme high register (up to triple C) with great power (he was able to perform his high-note solos without a microphone, while other members of a big band were individually miked). Wynton Marsalis has called him "one of the best ever" high note trumpeters. More than just a high-note trumpeter, though, Anderson was also a master of half valve and plunger mute playing. He played with Ellington's band from 1944 to 1947, from 1950 to 1959, and from 1961 to 1971, with each break corresponding to a failed attempt to lead his own big band.
After 1971, Anderson settled in the Los Angeles area, where he continued to play studio sessions, to gig with local bands (including Louie Bellson's and Bill Berry's big bands), and occasionally to tour Europe. Although his erratic behavior over the last decade (or more) of his life was well documented, it took many by surprise when he died in 1981 of a brain tumor.
C Jam Blues
Cat Anderson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wildest box in town is Duke's place
Love that piano sound in Duke's place
Saxes do their tricks in Duke's place
Fellas swing their chicks in Duke's place
Come on, get your kicks in Duke's place
You find yourself a seat, and when you want to eat
You fill your cup chock full of dreams and drink it up
You're jetting along with your girlie
It's after three o'clock, but, baby, it's still early
If you've never been to Duke's place
Take your tootsies into Duke's place
Life is in a spin in Duke's place
The opening lines of the song, "Baby, take me down to Duke's place, wildest box in town is Duke's place," suggest that Duke's place is the ultimate destination for entertainment and fun. It's a place where one can lose themselves in music and revel in the lively atmosphere. The reference to the "piano sound" and the "saxes tricks" highlights the energetic and soulful performances that take place in Duke's place. It's a place where people come to swing, dance, and enjoy themselves.
The subsequent lines "Fellas swing their chicks in Duke's place, come on, get your kicks in Duke's place" express everyone's invitation to the festivities. Duke's place is a place where people can let loose, forget their troubles, and enjoy the moment. Another phrase, "You fill your cup chock full of dreams and drink it up" seems to indicate that Duke's place is a place where one can indulge their senses and enjoy the simple things in life. The song suggests that life is good in Duke's place.
Overall, the song C Jam Blues celebrates Duke's place as the ultimate entertainment spot where one can let go of one's troubles and enjoy the lively atmosphere. The song highlights the beauty of music and the community it brings together.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby, take me down to Duke's place
I request you to take me to Duke's place.
Wildest box in town is Duke's place
Duke's place is the most exciting spot in town.
Love that piano sound in Duke's place
I enjoy the sound of the piano in Duke's place.
Saxes do their tricks in Duke's place
The saxophones in Duke's place play their music impressively.
Fellas swing their chicks in Duke's place
Men dance with their partners in Duke's place.
Come on, get your kicks in Duke's place
Let's enjoy ourselves and have fun in Duke's place.
You find yourself a seat, and when you want to eat
Once you locate a seat, you can request food at your convenience.
You look around and yell waiter
You can call the waiter by looking around and shouting their name.
You fill your cup chock full of dreams and drink it up
You indulge in your aspirations, and celebrate them to the fullest in Duke's place.
You're jetting along with your girlie
You and your female companion are moving smoothly and enjoying yourselves.
It's after three o'clock, but, baby, it's still early
Even though it is past 3:00 AM, there is still a lot of time left to enjoy the night.
If you've never been to Duke's place
If you haven't already had the pleasure,
Take your tootsies into Duke's place
You must visit Duke's place and experience it for yourself.
Life is in a spin in Duke's place
Life is moving quickly and chaotically in Duke's place.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind