Roebie Kirk With Tab Smith's Orchestra - I Dont Want To Play In The Kitchen Roebies Blues

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Review by Andrew Lewis

Album Review: "I Don't Want To Play In The Kitchen / Roebie's Blues" by Roebie Kirk with Tab Smith's Orchestra Released in 1947 on Harlem Records, this bluesy gem from Roebie Kirk remains a timeless slice of American vocal artistry. Backed by Tab Smith's Orchestra, the album delivers raw emotion and a gritty charm that’s hard to shake off once you’ve heard it. It’s not some overproduced masterpiece but rather an authentic snapshot of post-war blues—a genre that thrives on simplicity and soul. The standout track, Roebie's Blues, is where Kirk truly shines. His voice feels like it’s been dipped in whiskey and heartbreak, yet there’s an undeniable warmth that draws you in. The lyrics are straightforward, almost conversational, but they carry weight—like he’s sharing secrets only you’re privy to. Paired with Tab Smith's tight orchestration, the song grooves along without ever feeling forced. You remember this one because it doesn’t try too hard; it just is. And sometimes, that’s all you need. Then there’s I Don’t Want To Play In The Kitchen (Let’s Go Upstairs)—a playful yet slightly cheeky tune that sticks in your head for days. This track has a sly undertone, as if Kirk is winking at the listener while delivering his lines. It’s less about deep emotions and more about having fun, which makes it a perfect counterbalance to the heavier tone of Roebie's Blues. The interplay between Kirk’s vocals and the band gives the whole thing a lively bounce that’s impossible not to tap your foot to. What strikes me most about this record isn’t just its musical quality—it’s how human it feels. These aren’t polished studio professionals trying to impress critics; these are real people playing music that matters to them. There’s a certain roughness around the edges that reminds us we’re listening to history, not just another album. And here’s the kicker—it’s wild to think this came out in 1947. Listening today, it still feels fresh, even though everything about it screams “vintage.” Maybe that’s the magic of blues—it never really gets old. Or maybe I’m just a sucker for records that sound like late-night conversations. Either way, give this one a spin. Trust me, it’ll stick with ya longer than you expect.

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Artist: Roebie Kirk With Tab Smith's Orchestra
Album: I Dont Want To Play In The Kitchen Roebies Blues

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: roebie-kirk-with-tab-smiths-orchestra-i-dont-want-to-play-in.zip
  • MP3 size: 7.6 mb
  • FLAC size: 116.8 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
I Don't Want To Play In The Kitchen (Let's Go Upstairs)
Roebie's Blues

Images

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Catalog Numbers

1024

Labels

Harlem Records

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Formats

  • Shellac
  • 10"
  • 78 RPM

Credits

RoleCredit
VocalsRoebie Kirk

Notes

A & B recorded August 1945

Barcodes

  • Matrix / Runout (Side A label): BEL 18
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B label): BEL 17
  • Matrix / Runout (Side A runout etched): BEL-18 14
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B runout etched): BEL-17 14

About Roebie Kirk With Tab Smith's Orchestra

US singer, songwriter from Chicago, IL. Born in 1920 - Died on October 26, 2015 (age 95)

Real Name

    • Richard Kirk

Name Vars

  • Kirk
  • R. Kirk
  • Robie Kirk

Aliases

  • Winfield Scott

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s a fun fact: Back in 1947, Roebie Kirk released an album with a track called *I Don’t Want To Play In The Kitchen (Let’s Go Upstairs)*. It’s bluesy, soulful, and full of character. The song’s title alone tells a story—imagine the sass and humor behind it! Recorded with Tab Smith’s Orchestra, this Harlem Records release gives us a little peek into the vibrant post-war music scene in the U.S. Blues lovers still dig Roebie’s vocal style—it’s timeless.