Eddie Lang (October 25, 1902 – March 26, 1933) was an American jazz guitarist, regarded by some as the Father of Jazz Guitar.
Giuseppe "Joe" Venuti, considered the father of jazz violin, pioneered the use of string instruments in jazz along with the guitarist Eddie Lang, a childhood friend of his. Through the 1920s and early 1930s, Venuti and Lang made many recordings, as leader and as featured soloists. He and Lang became so well known for their 'hot' violin and guitar solos that on many commercial dance recordings they were hired to do 12- or 24-bar duos towards the end of otherwise stock dance arrangements. In 1926, Venuti and Lang started recording for the OKeh label as a duet (after a solitary duet issued on Columbia), followed by "Blue Four" combinations, which are considered milestone jazz recordings. Venuti also recorded a number of larger, more commercial dance records for OKeh under the name "New Yorkers".
Eddie Lang was born Salvatore Massaro, the son of an Italian-American instrument maker in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At first, he took violin lessons for 11 years. In school he became friends with Joe Venuti, with whom he would work for much of his career. He was playing professionally by about 1918, playing violin, banjo, and guitar. He worked with various bands in the USA's north-east, worked in London (late 1924 to early 1925), then settled in New York City.
He played a Gibson L-4 and L-5 guitar, providing great influence for many guitarists, including Django Reinhardt.
Bugle Call Rag
Joe Venuti & Eddie Lang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag.
Thin or fat, young or old;
Shake their shoulders bold.
You're bound to fall for the bugle call;
You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag.
Hold me baby; Let's syncopate to that blue melody;
Just hesitate while a break they take Shh!
The lyrics in Joe Venuti & Eddie Lang's song "Bugle Call Rag" speak about the infectious nature of the bugle call and the excitement it brings. The song's opening line, "You're bound to fall for the bugle call," sets the tone for the lyrics that follow as the listener is immediately drawn into the music. The phrase "Bugle Call Rag" is repeated several times, almost as a chant or mantra, inviting the audience to join in and revel in the celebratory, upbeat melody. The lyrics make it clear that the bugle call transcends all differences, be it age, size, or physical ability, as everyone is encouraged to dance along with the syncopated rhythm. The song culminates in the plea, "Hold me baby; let's syncopate to that blue melody; just hesitate while a break they take Shh! While we're dancing please hold me tight; step lively don't lag," which highlights the song's joyous and lively nature, urging everyone to join in the revelry of the moment.
Line by Line Meaning
You're bound to fall for the bugle call;
It's inevitable that you'll be drawn to the catchy bugle tune;
You're gonna brag 'bout the Bugle Call Rag.
You'll boast about how great the Bugle Call Rag is to others;
Thin or fat, young or old;
Regardless of your physical appearance or age;
Shake their shoulders bold.
You'll confidently move your shoulders;
Hold me baby; Let's syncopate to that blue melody;
Embrace me and let's dance to the syncopated, bluesy rhythm;
Just hesitate while a break they take Shh!
Pause momentarily when the music momentarily stops or takes a break;
While we're dancing please hold me tight; step lively don't lag.
Maintain a close hold on me as we dance energetically without falling behind;
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BILLY MEYERS, ELMER SCHOEBEL, JOHN PETTIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind