Jan Akkerman & Claus Ogerman: Aranjuez (1978)

Music therapy for you lot that often suffer from the "hard day at the office" syndrome. When you arrive home have a hot shower, slip into something comfortable, grab a generous-size glass of Pinot Noir and start listening. Should work wonders.

Side 1:

01) Adagio From Concerto de Aranjuez

02) Nightwings

03) Modhina (Preludio)

04) Espanoleta

Side 2:

01) Pavane For A Dead Infant

02) The Seed Of God

03) Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5

[Side 2 Tk 2 on vinyl ("Love Remembered") damaged. Sorry]

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Mel Torme With Rob McConnell & The Boss Brass (1986)

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Sarah Vaughan: It's A Man's World (1967)

Sarah Vaughan is heard in a series of ballads that are often heard in a jazz setting, but the somewhat heavy-handed arrangements by Hal Mooney, Bob James (long before smooth
jazz existed as a genre), and Bob Freedman lean more toward easy listening, with frequently stiff rhythm accompaniment and often overbearing strings. The singer’s lovely voice, which is in great form, is full of the adventurous spirit, as is the sole improviser on the date, stretching the boundaries of ten strong compositions, including oldies like “Danny Boy” and “I’m Just Wild About Harry,” to pop songs of the day such as the huge hit “Alfie". There are also several gems by songwriters who were still active at the time, including Alec Wilder’s “Trouble Is a Man", as well as a trio of timeless standards by Harold Arlen. The sound on this 24-bit limited-edition CD reissue, which is available only until May 2005, is impeccable, with a perfect mix between the singer and the orchestra, so anyone who enjoys Sarah Vaughan’s vocals should pick up this CD. ~ Ken Dryden.

Personnel: Sarah Vaughan (Vocals) Freddie Hubbard (Trumpet) Joe Newman (Trumpet) Clark Terry (Trumpet) Charlie Shavers (Trumpet) J.J. Johnson (Trombone) Kai Winding (Trombone) Benny Golson (Reeds) Phil Woods (Reeds) Bob James (Piano) Hal Mooney (Arranger) Bob Freedman (Arranger)

Tracks:

01) Alfie

02) The Man That Got Away

03) Trouble Is A Man

04) Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe

05) For Every Man There's A Woman

06) I Got A Man Crazy For Me

07) My Man

08) I'm Just Wild About Harry

09) Jim

10) Danny Boy

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Notice Board

Have re-ripped and re-uploaded the two Glenn Miller soundtrack albums ("Sun Valley Serenade" & "Orchestra Wives"). Have improved the sound on both. For me the latest rip is streets ahead of the first one. If you're not too critical about sound quality you probably won't bother re-downloading. But if you do would be intrigued to get your feedback, that is, if you notice any difference. The first rip lacked mid-range and was too heavy at either end of the spectrum. The second rip is flatter and better balanced. I'm not a sound whizz by any means, but my ears usually tell me when there's improvement needed.

Bette Midler: Rosemary Clooney Songbook

It's nice to see Bette Midler putting her spin on an American classic after less-than-convincing detours through adult-contemporary cheese. This tribute focuses on Rosemary Clooney in the early to mid-1950s--so we don't get any of the fabulous Nelson Riddle material--but it's a fairly strong offering. It was produced and arranged by Midler's old musical director, Barry Manilow--who actually dueted with Clooney on a couple of songs in the 1990s and here replaces Bing Crosby on the duet "On a Slow Boat to China". Mostly, the CD is about hits: "Hey There" and "White Christmas" are done in straightforward manner, while Linda Ronstadt fills in for Rosemary's actual sister Betty on a slinky version of "Sisters". Happily, Midler plays "Come On-A My House" down instead of up (the old Bette would have milked its comic aspect) but the singer lets loose on "Mambo Italiano". That's pretty much the only time the Divine Miss M peeks out from behind Clooney's elegant persona, and it's a delight. ~ Elisabeth Vincentelli

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Rolf Kuhn: Big Band Connection

Here's another one for you big band buffs out there.

Rolf Kuhn's style has evolved through the years. The clarinetist started out playing in German dance bands in the late '40s. He worked with radio orchestras starting in 1952 and moved to the U.S. in 1956. Kuhn subbed for Benny Goodman on a few occasions during 1957-1958, played in the Tommy Dorsey ghost band (1958), and worked in a big band led by Urbie Green (1958-1960). In 1962, Kuhn returned to Germany, where he has explored more adventurous styles of jazz (including dates with his younger brother, keyboardist Joachim Kuhn) but still occasionally shows off his ties to swing. Kuhn recorded with an all-star group called Winner's Circle (1957), Toshiko Akiyoshi (1958), and as a leader starting in 1953,
including a 1956 New York quartet date for Vanguard. — Scott Yanow , All Music Guide

Tracks:

01) Sweet Georgia Brown

02) On Green Dolphin Street

03) Autumn Leaves

04) Get Me To The Church On Time

05) As The Lonely Years Went By

06) Satin Doll

07) Sister Sadie

08) Cabaret

09) Don't Be That Way

10) Stella By Starlight

11) Yesterdays

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Notice Board

Have been surprised and encouraged by the number of downloads for the two Glenn Miller soundtrack albums ("Sun Valley Serenade" and "Orchestra Wives"). Burned a CD of my two rips and played them both back last night. Was not very happy with the sound quality. I got the equalization wrong. Highs and lows a bit too prominent at the expense of mid-range. Because there seems more interest than expected I plan to re-up both shares with better sound. Obviously if you're happy with my initial rip you won't be bothered re-downloading and I won't bother myself unless I'm sure it's an improvement. Cheers. :-)

Wild Bill Davison & Eddie Condon's All Stars: Live! Miami Beach (1955)

"And now ladies and gentlemen ... Pumpkin Productions present ... " etc etc. What marvellous names some record companies lumbered themselves with back in the '50s and '60s. "Fat Cat's Jazz" is another one and there are dozens more. "Pumpkin", apart from it's association with trick and treating, is used as a term of affection and endearment where I come from down under. A super cute wee 3-year-old Chinese girl, after being abandoned by her father at the Melbourne, Australia, airport was named "Pumpkin" by her caregivers until her real identity was discovered.

But what's this got to do with Wild Bill Davison and the Condon All Stars? Absolutely nothing. So I'll stop rabbiting on and let you get your downloading done, that is, if this sort of stuff grabs you. If not, who knows what I'll come up with next. Maybe it'll be more your bag. But in the meantime, here's a bunch of jazz pro's wowing the Miami Beach crowd back in 1955.

Lineup is: Wild Bill Davison[cornet], Lou McGarity[trombone], Pee Wee Russell[clarinet], Gene Schroeder[piano], Walter Page[bass], George Wettling[drums].

Side 1:

01) Beale St Blues

02) Ballad Medley

03) I Ain't Gonna Give Nobody None Of My Jelly Roll

04) Struttin' With Some Barbecue

Side 2:

01) Singin' The Blues

02) Dippermouth Blues

03) Squeeze Me

04) I Want To Be Happy

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Artie Kane: Best Of Big Hits (1972)

If Hank Mancini gives the nod to an organist (or whatever) for me it's as good as sold. I have a huge respect for Mancini and his music. When I saw his imprimatur on this album had to buy it and have a listen. Artie's style is professional and he can swing. The presence of Shelly Manne on drums and Ray Brown on bass confirmes this. Vocal backings are by "The Swingers 5" group. Hope you enjoy.

Side 1:
01) Days Of Wine And Roses
02) Shadow Of Your Smile
03) More
04) I Will Wait For You
05) Secret Love

Side 2:
01) Charade
02) Moon River
03) What Now My Love
04) Mr Lucky

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Glenn Miller: Orchestra Wives (1942)

Side 1:

01) American Patrol

02) Serenade In Blue

03) That's Sabotage

04) Moonlight Sonata

Side 2:

01) I've Got A Gal In Kalamazoo

02) People Like You And Me

03) Bugle Call Rag

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Glenn Miller: Sun Valley Serenade (1941)

Side 1:

01) It Happened In Sun Valley

02) In The Mood

03) At Last

04) Chattanooga Choo Choo

Side 2:

01) I Know Why

02) Sun Valley Jump

03) Measure For Measure

04) The Spirit Is Willing

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Sergio Mendes & Brasil 86 (1986)

According to the following review, this share will bring a considerable buzz to some Sergio Mendes fans:

"I'm so glad I finally got to review this amazing CD by Master Sergio Mendes. This CD originally released in 1986 will go on to history as a very rare release; you name the format; CD, Album, Cassette, this recording did not hit the markets massively, so now is
as hard to get it, almost as it was back then. Three special features make this CD very special;

1. The great collaboration Dori Caymmi brought to the recording (compositional-wise and performance-wise)

2. Three super hits in almost all Jazz radio stations from 1986 to mid 90's by three different vocalists in this same album: - "Daylight" / Performed by Siedah Garrett - "Your Smile" / Performed by Gracinha Leporace - "No Place to Hide" / Performed by Lani Hall and...

3. A great pop hit from the 80's that you can only find in this album: "Take This Love".

And finally I'd like to point out as customery, all the great musicians in this historical recording:

- Sergio Mendes / Piano, Keyboards, Sinclavier, Compositions, Arrangements, Production

- Jeff Porcaro / Drums

- Paulinho Da Costa / Percussions

- Gracinha Leporace / Vocals

- Siedah Garrett / Vocals

- Lani Hall / Vocals

- Joe Pizzulo / Vocals

- Dori Caymmi / Vocals, Guitars

- Peter Wolf / Keyboards, Sinclavier, Compositions, Production

- Michael McDonald / Additional Vocals

- Dann Huff / Guitars

- Ernie Watts / Saxophone

- Alphonso Johnson / Bass

- Nathan East / Bass

- Phil Perry / Additional Vocals - etc. etc.

If you can find it, purchase it at once since it's almost impossible to find; own a piece of history."

The reviewer was "Papetti" of Mexico City.

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Glenn Miller Orch: Live In Europe (1980)

Acquired the audio only for this album some time ago. It was minus cover and any relevant production details. Have always liked it though so decided to share it with you. It's obviously one of the Miller "re-formed" bands led by the gentleman above, trombonist Jimmy Henderson. Google didn't come up with very much except for these two bits of info:

"On March 31st, 1975, Jimmy Henderson was engaged by Glenn Miller Productions, Inc. as the new director of the Glenn Miller Orchestra, opening at the Riverboat in New York City. Under his aegis the orchestra achieved new heights in musical performance and received great national and international acclaim, including an appearance at President Ronald Reagan's first inaugural ball in January 1981. Jimmy retired from the Glenn Miller Orchestra on May 31, 1981. He passed away in New York City in June
1998."

And this one listing the band's personnel:
The Glenn Miller Orchestra
ORCHESTRA PERSONNEL:
Leader: Jimmy Henderson
Trombone: John Middleton, Larry Leone, Gary Langhorst, Wayne Hiller
Trumpet: Ken Brader, Jeff Parke, Larry Davidson, Kevin Moore
Saxophone: Dick Gerhart, John Alpeter, Mark Yannie, John Viavattine, Mark Vinci
Rhythm: Jimmy Rupp-Drums, Larry Pecorella-Piano, John Babich-Bass
Vocalist: Anita DiLiberto and Taylor Tronzo
Moonlight Serenaders: Jimmy Henderson, Anita DiLiberto, Taylor Tronzo, Ken Brader, John Middleton, Larry Leone

The Europe gig must have been almost a farewell tour for Jimmy as he retired soon after.

Tracks:
01) Stars And Stripes
02) American Patrol
03) St Louis Blues March
04) If Ever I Would Leave You
05) New York, New York
06) Pennsylvania 6500
07) I Wish I Were In Love Again
08) I Can't get Started
09) Chattanooga Choo Choo
10) Amazing Grace
11) Moonlight Serenade
12) Cherokee

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Ella Fitzgerald: Live In Berlin (1960)

Ella at her brilliant best. In my book she didn't get much better than this. Ella didn't just have a voice -- it was a jazz instrument!

Tracks:
01) Gone With The Wind
02) Misty
03) The Lady Is A Tramp
04) The Man I Love
05) Summertime
06) Too Darn Hot
07) Lorelei
08) Mack The Knife
09) How High The Moon

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Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66: Crystal Illusions (1969)

Acquired this for two reasons: Dave Grusin arrangements and Lani Hall vocals.

Tracks:
01) Dock Of The Bay
02) Viola
03) Song Of No Regrets
04) Salt Sea
05) Empty Faces
06) Pretty World
07) Dois Dias
08) You Stepped Out Of A Dream
09) Crystal Illusions

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Julie Andrews & Carol Burnett: At Lincoln Center (1971)

Here's part two of my mini Julie fest. Not much to say about this. The original Tv special featuring these two stars was staged at Carnegie Hall in 1962. This was by way of a reunion in front of almost 3000 at the Lincoln Center's Philharmonic Hall on July 1, 1971. If there's a problem with these recordings it is that the actual staged shows comprise about 75% visual and 25% audio. To redress this I've embedded a clip from the earlier Carnegie Hall special (You're So London) and two from the later Lincoln Center show (Girls In The Band and Finale). Interesting to note the technical advances made in the period between the two productions. Amused to see the conductor's hand and baton intruding into the bottom of the frame on the Carnegie clip. Don't know who the writers of "You're So London" were, but think the lyrics are brilliant.

This is hours after my initial YouTube download. My second attempt went on ... and on ... and on ... and on ... There's obviously a hiccup in the works somewhere. So we'll cut our losses and post with just one of the Carnegie videos embedded. Not too convinced that many would bother watching the other two anyway. Pity, but there's some delightful clips from the girls' two shows waiting for your viewing on YouTube. Type in "Fratelliyo" for a start. He/she has dozens of clips from '60s/'70s Tv shows. I was fascinated because when the two Andrews/Burnett shows screened on our local networks, Tv was a relative novelty in our country. I and my three girls would watch all the specials, usually on a Saturday evening, seduced by the magic that these spectaculars served up.

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Julie Andrews: Star! (1968)

Never been a big fan of Julie Andrews. Her prissy "Englishness" has put some folk off. This is sad really as she was a superb entertainer in her own type-cast way. I realise that this and the following post are not my usual style, but as I have only two Andrews albums had a sudden idea to present them together as a kind of tribute. They're both soundtracks -- one movie and the other Tv. This '68 film "Star!" released in Todd-AO 70mm widescreen frame was a box office lemon. It is a biopic of the great British Music Hall star Gertrude Lawrence ("Private Lives", "Lady In The Dark", and the original Anna in the "King & I" co-starring Yul Brynner). Why did it bomb? Lots of reasons. One was the flood of screen musicals which preceded it. The popularity of the genre was on the wane by the late '60s when this pic appeared. An exception was Barbra Striesand's portrayal of Fanny Brice in "Funny Girl". This was a roaring success no doubt boosted by the US box office. But how many theatre-goers would have personal recall of Gertrude or even Fanny by the late '60s? 20th Century Fox really believed in their film and desperately tried to salvage it by some fairly drastic re-editing. They trimmed the original 3-hour playing time to 2h 35m, devised a new ad campaign and even renamed it to "Those Were The Happy Times". But it ultimately sank almost without trace. But just last year I understand a New York screening sold out and a new print in 70mm was recently shown in the UK so there has been a recent revival, albeit a small one. The original concept was huge -- director Robert Wise abandoned the sensible approach he used to award-winning effect in "West Side Story" and "Sound Of Music" in favour of an all-out extravaganza. The Donald Brooks costuming was magnificent and the sets spectacular. Been described as "a three-hour fashion show with a bunch of old ladies". But not even the excellent cast led by the much loved Julie (following on from "Mary Poppins" and "Sound Of Music") saved the day. However, after all that gloom, here we have the original soundtrack music released on this Fox Lp and if you're into movie music you'll probably enjoy it. Lennie Hayton directed the 20th Century Fox Studio Orchestra.

Just as a postscript: Included the two photo clips of Julie and Carol Burnett just to whet your appetite for my next sensational share! (just kidding). Can you guess? Also used the DVD cover as the main image 'cos I like it.

Side 1:

01) Overture

02) Star! [Julie Andrews]

03) Piccadilly [Julie, Bruce Forsyth, Beryl Reid]

04) In My Garden Of Joy [The Daffodils]

05) Oh, It's A Lovely War [Julie, The Daffodils]

06) 'N' Everything [Garrett Lewis]

07) Burlington Bertie From Bow [Julie]

08) Parisian Pierrot [Julie]

09) Limehouse Blues [Julie & Male Chorus]

Side 2:

01) Someone To Watch Over Me [Julie]

02) Do, Do, Do [Julie]

03) Dear Little Boy [Julie & Daniel Massey as Noel Coward]

04) Has Anybody Seen Our Ship [Julie, Daniel]

05) Someday I'll Find You [Julie]

06) The Physician [Julie & Girl Chorus]

07) My Ship [Julie]

08) Jenny [Julie & Chorus]

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Doris Day & Andre Previn: Duet (1961)

When I first saw this in the rack some years ago I thought: "Huh? -- Andre Previn and Doris Day?" Mentally I had them sitting in their own neat little compartments: Doris Day -- "Secret Love", "Pillow Talk", "Move Over Darling" etc.. Andre Previn -- London Symphony Orch, film scores, jazz piano etc.. Couldn't wait to get it home for a listen. Happy to report that the formula worked and needless to say is still working even after almost 50 years since the album was issued by CBS. It's been posted on several other blogs, but if you haven't picked it up yet, take a listen. "Control Yourself", "Yes" and "Daydreaming" are Previn originals.

Tracks:
01) Falling In Love Again
02) Give Me Time
03) My One And Only Love
04) Remind Me
05) Wait 'Till You See Him
06) Close Your Eyes
07) Fools Rush In
08) Control Yourself
09) Who Are We To Say
10) Yes
11) Nobody's Heart
12) Daydreaming

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Buddy Greco: Let's Love (1962)

A relatively rare Buddy Greco for you. On this 1962 session he fronts not only as singer, but also as organist and song writer. He slips onto the organ seat for "Teach Me Tonight" and "Hallelujah I Love Her So", and track 4 side 2 ("You're Something Else") is a ballad he penned himself. He's aided and abetted by some pretty robust band backings. Arrangements here are by Al Cohn of Herman's "Four Brothers" fame. Unusual acoustics don't you think? On first play through I thought it may have been recorded on location. But no it's a studio job alright. The blond on the cover is Buddy's wife. He should be so lucky.

Side 1:
01) The Song Is You
02) Let's Love
03) Teach Me Tonight
04) A Lot Of Livin' To Do
05) Everything I've Got

Side 2:
01) Roses Of Picardy
02) To Each His Own
03) You Better Know It
04) You're Something Else
05) Hallelujah I Love Her So

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Bob Crosby's Bobcats: Petite Fleur (1959)

Bought this album out of curiosity. Like an idiot I sold my only Bob Crosby CD a few years ago and have regretted it ever since so, as Bobcat vinyls seem scarce these days, added it to my collection. Turned out to be a Dot "Advance Promotional Copy". The back cover is a blank and Google hasn't offered much more by way of disc info. As the Crosby band broke up in 1942 this is probably one of the Bobcat reunions formed in the '50s. Who's on clarinet? My guess is that it's Eddie Miller. He was one of the original group that deserted the Ben Pollack band and formed the new Crosby org under Gil Rodin. Irving Fazola died 10 years earlier and Matty Matlock had moved on after the '42 breakup. So by process of elimination probably Miller. Anyhow it's pleasant enough without being overwhelming.

A small tidbit re the title tune: "Petite Fleur" has an ironic history. Though the late Sidney Bechet had composed and recorded it several years earlier, it went almost unnoticed until Monty Sunshine, a British musician, took it up in 1956. His recording with Chris Barber's band became a sensation, first in West Germany, then in Britain and finally in 1959 in the US. It was through this freak chain of events that Bechet, just before his death, found himself the composer of a song on the Hit Parade!

Side 1:
01) Petite Fleur
02) Sweet Lorraine
03) Creole Love Call
04) South
05) Smoke Rings
06) Star Dust

Side 2:
01) Pretend
02) Peg O' My Heart
03) Out Of Nowhere
04) Poinciana
05) Moonglow
o6) My Foolish Heart

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Dave Grusin: Two For The Road

This is a heartfelt homage to Henry Mancini. While he was still with us, "Hank" as he was known to his colleagues, acted as a friend and mentor to the younger Dave Grusin. So it figures that one of the Grusin albums would be a tribute to his much admired buddy. This is it. Diana Krall takes the vocals on "Dreamsville" and "Soldier In The Rain".

Tracks:
01) Peter Gunn
02) Dreamsville
03) Mr Lucky
04) Moment To Moment
05) Baby Elephant Walk
06) Two For The Road
07) Days Of Wine And Roses
08) Hatari
09) Whistling Away The Dark
10) Soldier In The Rain

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Jan Savitt & His Orch: The Top Hatters (1939/41)

School's in. Hands up if you've never heard of Jan Savitt? A sea of hands. Not surprised. He began his musical career as a violinist. Hailed as a child prodigy he won several scholarships and became the youngest person to perform with the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Leopold Stowkowsky. In 1926 he organized his own string quartet which eventually earned a spot on a national radio series earning him top awards. These achievements caught the attention of two Philly radio stations where Savitt was offered work as musical director. It was while directing the studio orchestra that he switched to swing and formed his Top Hatters band. His use of a musical device called "shuffle rhythm" which was a kind of oompah beat played with the left hand on the piano, gave the band a relatively fresh new sound and earned it engagements at some of the country's top spots. Principal vocalists in the early days were Carlotta Dale and George "Bon Bon" Tunnell. Carlotta's career was tragically cut short when she fell from a moving car that Savitt was driving. Tunnell, known simply as "Bon Bon", was one of the first African-Americans to work with a white band. This of course triggered the inevitable colour discrimination but audiences came to love him. After both the singers departed, Savitt employed popular movie star Gloria DeHaven as vocalist. In the late '40s he became heavily indebted to the tax department so to earn extra money he scheduled a series of one-night performances. His life was cut short during that tour however when he suffered a cerebral haemorrhage while travelling to a show in Sacramento.

Side 1:

01) That's A Plenty

02) When Buddha Smiles

03) I'll Always Be In Love With You

04) Vol Vistu Gaily Star

05) 720 In The Books

06) Alla En El Rancho Grande

07) It's A Wonderful World

Side 2:

01) Rose Of The Rio Grande

02) Blues In The Groove

03) It's Time To Jump And Shout

04) Green Goon Jive

05) My Heart At Thy Sweet Voice

06) Meadowbrook Shuffle

07) Big Beaver

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Diana Krall: Stepping Out (1993)

When I saw this CD in my local friendly music store 16 years ago I thought: "Wow -- who's she?". At that point I'd not heard of Ms Krall nor had I caught up with any previews that may have been around of this her first album. Surprising really as I think it was recorded in '92. Anyhow I bought it. Always been drawn to pretty blond women. Funny that. Even more so if they can play above average jazz piano. Was quite chuffed when I got home and slapped it into the player. I liked it. According to Ray Brown's liner notes, he (Ray) met Di in her home town of Nanaimo in Canada when she was (as he describes her) "a teenage piano wiz". Doesn't say how or why he met her, but they must have kept in touch as later she called him to ask who she should study piano with. He recommended either Jimmie Rowles or Hank Jones. Apparently Jimmie was available. Result was a debut album which showed as much promise instrumentally as vocally.

The 11 tracks comprise both originals and covers. John Clayton on bass and Jeff Hamilton on drums lay down some excellent rhythm tracks. This debut caught the ear (and probably the eye) of producer Tommy LiPuma who produced her next and a number of her succeeding albums. Producer of this first one was Jim West. Recordings were done at Kingsound, North Hollywood and Group IV Recording also in Hollywood. It was digitally remastered in 1999 and an additional track was included ("On The Sunny Side Of The Street").

Tracks:
01) This Can't Be Love
02) Straighten Up And Fly RightAs Long As I Live
03) Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea
04) I'm Just A Lucky So And So
05) Body And Soul
06) 42nd Street
07) Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me
08) Big Foot
09) Frim Fram Sauce
10) Jimmie
11) As Long As I Live

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Louis Armstrong: Concert In Paris (1965)

Read recently that Louis owned a large library of 7 inch reel-to-reel tapes on which he archived the music of artists ranging from Glenn Miller to Jelly Roll Morton to Tchaikovsky. He also taped his own performances. What intrigued me was that this collection of 500 or so tapes became a "visual outlet for his improvisational genius". In other words he decided to decorate each tape box in the form of a collage. They featured himself with family, friends and fans, clippings from reviews, even a blessing from the Vatican. In a 1953 letter he wrote: “Well, you know, my hobbie (one of them anyway) is using a lot of scotch tape . . . My hobbie is to pick out the different things during what I read and piece them together and [make] a little story of my own.” These "little stories" now reside in the Louis Armstrong Archives at Queens College in Flushing, New York. They show how this very public man could turn his irrepressible creativity to the service of private amusement; the collages, one senses, were chiefly for Armstrong’s own enjoyment, like the tapes they housed. It seems equally clear that they took on a documentary significance for him—no more poignantly so than in the final collage, made after his return from the hospital following a serious illness in June of 1971. Armstrong died on July 6 of that year, at the age of sixty-nine. But one of the headlines he clipped, from the June 24 edition of the Orange County Register, quotes him as saying: “Tell all the cats the Choirmaster up there in Heaven will have to wait for old Louis.”

Used one of these collages for the header on this share. Have uploaded a concert he gave in Paris on June 4, 1965, at the Palais des Sports. The Parisians treated Louis like an artist instead of looking down on him as a mere entertainer. He loved that. In fact as the recording progresses it becomes obvious that there is a love affair going on here between Louis and the Parisians.

Personnel were: Louis (trumpet), Tyree Glenn (trombone), Eddie Shu (clarinet), Billy Kyle (piano), Buddy Catlett (bass), Danny Barcelona (drums) and Jewel Brown (vocals).

Disc 1:

Disc 2:

Buddy Rich: Big Swing Face (1967)

First, just a word re the James Last post yesterday. Popped it in just for old time's sake really. Back in the '70s I and my Aussie workmate had a permanent date ( if you can call it that) every Friday night. We'd meet at one of the city bars, drink beer and take a few bets on the harness race meeting usually held in one of our major cities on Fridays. Just to divert for a moment: Have just heard a radio news item reporting the death of one of our top race callers, Darren Tyquin. His car ran off the road and he was killed instantly. A big gap to fill for the New Zealand racing industry. He was only 41. But back to ABBA. As Peter and I sat in that bar each Friday the jukebox was constantly serenading us with ABBA. The bar patrons obviously loved them. Whenever I hear their music now my thoughts always return to those evenings with my mate Peter. He eventually returned to Australia and I haven't heard from him for some years now. So that's why I've a soft spot for ABBA songs. While I have CDs and videos of them performing their own stuff, I quite like the Last arrangements also.

Now a brief word about this share. Whenever big band enthusiasts get together and Buddy Rich comes up in conversation, there's usually agreement that this 1967 release is a classic. I bought the Lp and almost wore it out especially "Love For Sale". When they reissued on CD I bought that too. Bonus tracks bumped up the value. The playing is generally described as "super tight" with dynamic solos from Ernie Watts on alto and young horn player, Chuck Findley. The latter by the way (as with Arturo Sandoval) was a guest soloist with our Roger Fox Big Band for a series of concerts some years ago. Most of the tracks on this CD issue were done on location.

Tracks:
01) Norwegian Wood
02) Big Swing Face
03) Monitor Theme
04) Wack Wack
05) Love For Sale
06) Mexicali Nose
07) Willowcrest
08) The Beat Goes On
09) Bugle Call Rag
10) Standing Up In A Hammock
11) Chicago
12) Lament For Lester
13) Machine
14) Silver Threads Among The Blues
15) New Blues
16) Old Timey
17) Loose
18) Apples

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James Last: James Last Plays ABBA

Tracks:
01) Dancing Queen
02) Gimme Gimme Gimme
03) Winner Takes All
04) Mamma Mia/ Name Of The Game
05) S.O.S.
06) Lay All Your Love On Me
07) Money Money Money
08) Knowing Me, Knowing You
09) Super Trouper
10) One Of Us Is Crying
11) Take A Chance On me
12) Fernando
13) Waterloo

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George Benson & Count Basie Band: Big Boss Band

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Clancy Bros & Tommy Makem: In Person At Carnegie Hall (1962)

If this blog marked the birth of Barbie (what were we thinking!!) it sure can give a nod to this special day celebrated by the Irish the world over. Scrapped the idea of bathing our pages in a veil of clover green making the text almost unreadable. Instead decided to note this Paddy's Day by sharing a concert given by the Clancy Brothers with Tommy Makem in Manhattan's Carnegie Hall on the evening of November 3, 1962. In the '60s and '70s these guys from County Tipperary and County Armagh were Ireland's leading musical exports. With their songs of love, patriotism, childhood and drinking they charmed their way all round the globe. They appeared on the Ed Sullivan Tv show, were guests at a UN party, Playboy clubs and a score of nightclubs all over the US. Not surprisingly they stirred strong feelings of Irish nationalism wherever and whenever they appeared. This blog, by the way, takes a non-partisan stance on all matters of religion and politics.

I spent a holiday in Southern Ireland (Eire) about three years ago. My memories are of a beautiful, brooding landscape populated by warm, caring people. While in Dublin one night I became disorientated (no, I wasn't floating in a barrel of Guinness). As I stood on the sidewalk studying a street map, a male figure appeared out of nowhere and asked if I needed any help. He offered to walk with me to my destination even though it was right out of his way. When we finally got there he just disappeared into the crowd and I was left to meet up with my wife and daughter. My helper was either a benign leprechaun in human form or an angel. I favour the latter. Then again, he may just have been a kindly, caring Dubliner.

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Sound Of Movies: The Great Ziegfeld & Ziegfeld Follies Of 1946

Disc 1

Disc 2

Arturo Sandoval & George Shearing: Two Rare Concert Performances (1994)

These are separate performances and no way related except that they were both recorded by 'yours truly' on cassette tape about 15 years ago. First re the Sandoval. New Zealand's foremost big band lead by tombonist Roger Fox held a 20th anniversary concert in 1994 at the Michael Fowler Center, Wellington. It was part of an arts festival held frequently in that city. For this concert Roger invited Arturo to come 'down under' as the band's featured guest. To his amazement Arturo accepted and the rest is history. A delayed broadcast of Arturo's performance caught me unprepared for taping, but I just managed to grab a cassette, throw it into the player and lunge at the record button. What I managed to capture is first part of the download. Thankful that the program was transmitted via an FM network. Quality's quite good -- at least on my equipment. Considering the band comprised part-time pro and amateur players, the guys excelled themselves and described the experience of accompaning Sandoval as "a bit scary but awesome". They made a huge effort and I was pretty proud of them.

Taping the Shearing concert was similar, but in this case I had no warning at all. Just turned my radio on and there he was so threw a cassette in but just managed to grab probably only about the last third of the concert given at Bath, a city not far from London, England. I decided to include this snippet -- first, because as far as I know sadly it's not recorded commercially, and second, George was in an impish, chatty mood that night and the guy's charm really comes through. Got this from our AM network so the sound's not as clean as with the Sandoval clip. The pic of George by the way is a lovely one with his wife, Ellie, taken at their home in Lee, Massachusetts, last year. Hope you big band nuts enjoy the Sandoval. That's Roger Fox taking the trombone solo on "Groovin' High".

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Sound Of Movies: Fleet's In & Thank Your Lucky Stars

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Diane Schuur & The Basie Band (1987)

Tracks:
01) Deedle's Blues
02) Caught A Touch Of Your Love
03) Travelin' Light
04) I Just Found Out About Love
05) Travelin' Blues
06) I Loves You Porgy
07) You Can Have It
08) Only You
09) Everyday
10) We'll Be Together Again
11) Until I Met You
12) Climbing Higher Mountains

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Bob James Big Band: Hooked On Swing

Hooked? Probably not unless you're a fish. Bob James Band swings through this lot pretty well. The sound's good too. Some arrangements were by a non-sighted (as in George Shearing) pianist, Julian Lee. Amazing!

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Rob McConnell & The Boss Brass: Big Band Jazz (1977)

The Boss Brass, a Toronto jazz orchestra led by Rob McConnell was formed in 1968 as a 16-piece band comprising the city's leading studio musicians to record arrangements of pop songs of the day for CTL. It took its name from its instrumentation at that time - trumpets, trombones, french horns, and a rhythm section. Five saxophones were added in 1970, and a fifth trumpet in 1976. The Boss Brass made its first public appearance in January, 1969, at a Toronto nightclub, the Savarin. Having built a challenging and largely original repertoire of jazz compositions and arrangements by McConnell and band members Ian McDougall and Rick Wilkins, by the mid-1970s the Boss Brass had become the leading big band in Canada, and one of the finest in the world. The band made its US debut in 1981 at the Monterey Jazz Festival in California and performed in Hackensack, NJ, with Mel Tormé in 1983, on tour in California in 1984, at the Concord and Mt Hood jazz festivals in 1984, and at the Playboy Jazz Festival with Tormé in 1986. It also gave annual concerts 1983-8 at McComb College, Mount Clemens, Mich. After a hiatus between 1988-90, the Boss Brass resumed its club and concert schedule as before. The band's name has been carried much further afield on record. The Boss Brass won a (US) Grammy Award in 1984 for best jazz big band recording ("All in Good Time") and had Grammy nominations in similar categories annually 1978-80 and again in 1982. It received Juno awards for best jazz album in 1978 ("Big Band Jazz"), 1981 ("Present Perfect"), and 1984 ("All in Good Time").

Side 1:

01) Just Friends

02) Keep Me In Your Heart

03) Runaway Hormones

Side 2:

01) Street Of Dreams

02) Dirty Man

03) A Tribute To Art Fern

Side 3:

01) Fred

02) Good Morning Irene

03) No More Blues

Side 4:

01) Porgy & Bess Suite

Disc 1

Disc 2

Count Basie: Basie's In The Bag (1967)

Side 1:

01) Mercy, Mercy, Mercy

02) Hang On Sloopy

03) Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying

04) Ain't Too Proud To Beg

05) Goin' Out Of My Head

06) In The Heat Of The Night

Side 2:

01) Green Onions

02) Knock On Wood

03) Let The Good Times Roll

04) Bright Lights, Big City

05) Reach Out I'll Be There

06) Memphis Tennessee

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Ted Heath & His Music: Pow! (1966)

The album title says it all!!

Side 1:
01) Baubles, Bangles & Beads
02) Cotton Fields
03) Rags To Riches
04) Worksong
05) The Man That Got Away
06) It's Not Unusual

Side 2:
01) Michael Row The Boat Ashore
02) Hit The Road Jack
03) Poppa Don't Preach To Me
04) Yes Indeed
05) Night And Day
06) Blame It On The Bossa Nova

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The Johnny Keating All Stars: English Jazz (1956)

THIS ROCKS!!

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Woody Herman's Second Herd: Early Autumn (1948/50)

Let's do the Lemon Drop bop!

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Hal McIntyre & His Orchestra: Ecstasy (1945)

Hal McIntyre, who played with Glenn Miller in the early '40s, broke away to form his own big band, recording 27 titles for Victor in 1942. His orchestra was also captured on many radio broadcasts during the next five years, enough to fill up at least eight LPs. "Ecstasy", which unfortunately does not list performance dates or personnel, is mostly from later in '42 except for five selections from '45. The personnel has no major names except for McIntyre (who is heard on clarinet and alto) and bassist Ed Safranski. Gloria Van takes two vocals, and Al Noble has one, but otherwise the soloists are anyone's guess. The McIntyre big band was excellent, as can be heard on concise versions of such tunes as "The Sheik of Araby," "Push It Off," "Margie," and "Ecstasy," making this an album worth picking up by swing collectors. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

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Happy Birthday Barbie!

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=HKF7ND36

Barbra Streisand: The Way We Were ( 1974)

All I can say is ... WOW! Great cover and the music? Been described as: "Actually just a bunch of previously released non-LP singles and B-sides thrown together with some unreleased tracks and her then current #1 hit, 'The Way We Were'." This is true of course. The album was cobbled together from unused tracks from the aborted '70s album "The Singer" and some songs from her never-released-on-CD-or-vinyl ,"Belle Of Fourteenth Street" TV special. But this is Barbara at her best. Arrangers were Marty Paich, Nick DeCaro, Peter Matz and Claus Ogerman.

Tracks:
01) Being At War With Each Other
02) Something So Right
03) The Best Thing You've Ever Done
04) The Way We Were
05) All In Love Is Fair
06) What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life
07) Summer Me, Winter Me
08) Pieces Of Dreams
09) I've Never Been A Woman Before
10) My Buddy
11) The Way We Were (Soundtrack Version)

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Mike Sammes Singers: Sounds Sensational (1965)

Yae ... The Mike Sammes Singers. Love 'em!

Side 1:
01) The Mood I'm In
02) The Telephone Song
03) When The World Was Young
04) The Fortune Teller
05) Tip Toe Thru The Tulips
06) Here's To The Losers

Side 2:
01) Something's Coming
02) How Much Of The Dream Comes True
03) Matchmaker, Matchmaker
04) Soon It's Gonna Rain
05) I'm All Smiles
06) Wouldn't It Be Loverly

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Boyd Raeburn: Rare Broadcast Performances (1944/46)

This share is mainly for Roger and of course anyone else with an interest in the swing band music of the mid '40s. As the cover says, the material is rare and I must say sound-wise a bit rough. Reason for this is that most of the recordings were dubbed from airchecks or radio broadcasts lovingly transferred onto tape or discs by devoted Raeburn fans. Radio reception and tape quality -- these are the two variables we're up against here. But at least they've been collected and committed to vinyl for us swing band nuts to enjoy, that is if you can ignore the hiss and crackle. I spent some time trying to clean 'em up a bit, but much of the "noise" was inherent on the original tapes and there's not much we can do about that.

If you click on the back cover image to bring it up to full screen size you'll get all the info you need about the diminutive, unstoppable, ebullient Boyd Raeburn. For a band leader with very limited musical talent, he managed to front a nice band boasting some great soloists -- Roy Eldridge, Johnny Mandel, George Handy, Dodo Marmarosa to name just four. He recruited a few top arrangers too like Ralph Flanagan. Vocalists are Roberta James (later Roberta James Mandel), and Ginnie Powell.

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Laurindo Almeida: New Broadway - Hollywood Hits (1965)

As I bargain hunt through vinyl cheapie bins a few names often pop up which require a closer look. Laurindo Almeida is one of these names. I first became aware of him when he was recruited into the Kenton band in 1947 after touring the US with Carmen Miranda. After that stint (3 years) he played a big role in setting the stage for the bossa nova craze by his fusion of Brazilian rhythms with cool jazz ("Brazilliance" albums with Bud Shank). He made around 40 albums and this one didn't reach top billing, but I found it interesting all the same. I was intrigued about the group that accompanied him -- The San Fernando Guitars. Google drew a blank except that, along with Laurindo, they all came from that area on the edge of Hollywood called San Fernando Valley (surprise! surprise!). Anyhow, it comes from his mid-60s period with Capitol. He made about 20 albums for that label. This is just one of them. It's quite commercial but good easy listening. In each of the selections Laurindo plays one of the lead instruments using both electric and unamplified guitars. He's plays alto guitar on "On A Clear Day". Then on "The Reward" and "Zorba The Greek" he uses a "tiple", a small mandolin-type instrument with four sets of double strings. Also heard is a "cavaquinho", a Brazilian guitar about the size of a ukulele. (These are depicted on the cover image above). The ensemble is rounded out with a 12-string, a Fender bass, conventional guitars plus harmonica, drums and percussion. So that's all I can tell you about this group from the valley.

Side 1:
01) "Skyscraper" Theme
02) Forget Domani
03) The Cincinnati Kid
04) Pancho's Guitar
05) Moment To Moment
06) "The Reward" Theme

Side 2:
01) "Zorba The Greek" Theme
02) On A Clear Day
03) Guitar Tristesse
04) Juarez Street Walk
05) "Morituri" Theme

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Fred Astaire: The Astaire Story (1952)

BELOW: Alvin Stoller (drums), Ray Brown (bass), Oscar Peterson (piano & celeste), Barney Kessel (guitar). RIGHT: Flip Phillips (tenor) & Charlie Shavers (trumpet).

Fifty-seven years ago Norman Granz founder of Jazz At The Philharmonic series of concerts was inspired with a great idea. He had always been an admirer of dancer/singer Fred Astaire. He was hip and he could "swing" so why not place him in a studio with some of the "Jazz At The Philharmonic" stars and let them go for it. Fred was reluctant at first, but finally agreed and this album is a record of those sessions which took place at Radio Recorders, LA, in December 1952. This is a re-issue by DRG records (1978). The Mercury original was a limited edition restricted to 1384 copies. Any of these remaining in mint condition will be rare and probably quite sought after.

Have tracked the final side (Disc 3, Side B) on which the boys, released from the strictures of accompanying Fred, let rip with three jam sessions. The rest of the sides are untracked. Have run through ClickRepair utility.

Disc 1

Disc 2

Disc 3

Manny Albam and the Jazz Greats: Steve's Songs (1958)

This share excites me. It comes through the courtesy and generosity of Bob. Check out his website: www.dixieswing.com. Very grateful for it. It's rare.

Side 1:

01) Mister Moon

02) South Dakota

03) An Old Piano Plays The Blues

04) Spring Is Where You Are

05) Indubitably

06) There She Goes

Side 2:

01) You're The One For Me

02) Spring In Maine

03) I Guess I Never Had A Chance

04) Baby

05) That's What They Always Say

06) Monday

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Sound Of Movies: Gene Kelly

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Sound Of Movies: Fred Astaire

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Bobby Hackett Sextet: Strike Up The Band (1975)

Lot to like about this romp through a selection of originals (penned by Bob Thiele & Glenn Osser) and four standards from Bobby Hackett, Zoot Sims, Buckey Pizzarelli, Hank Jones, Mel Lewis and Richard Davis. Wasn't familiar with the album but took a second look when I saw the lineup and also the fact that this was recorded in 1975 just a year before Bobby died from a severe heart attack after suffering from chronic diabetes for some time . I also noted that one of the standards played was "Embraceable You". This became a big hit for Bobby about 34 years earlier (above). His solo on this session was the last time he recorded the song. I wasn't always a big fan of Zoot, but I'd have to say on this session he redeems himself. In fact they all swing through the numbers pretty well and that includes Hank Jones with that economical style of his. Always felt he was slightly under-rated. Years ago I owned a vinyl of duets he recorded with George Shearing. It would be a share on this blog had I not sold it. Darn!!


Side 1:
01) Strike Up The Band
02) Blue Moment
03) Full Circle
04) Embraceable You
05) Zoot's Toot


Side 2:
01) Ken's Song
02) These Foolish Things
03) Teresa Be (written for Teresa Brewer)
04) Bobby's Tune
05) What Is This Thing Called Love


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Manhattan Transfer: Pastiche (1978)

This is an English pressing and was bought for 3 pounds and 79 pence at Hampstead Hi-Fi in 1979. How do I know? I'm clairvoyant. Former boss of mine hosted a nation-wide radio jazz session for many years using this version of "In A Mellow Tone" as his opener and closer. He passed away last year.

Side 1:

01) Four Brothers

02) A Gal In Calico

03) Love For Sale

04) Je Voulais

05) On A Little Street In Singapore

06) In A Mellow Tone

Side 2:

01) Walk In Love

02) Who, What, When, Where, Why

03) It's Not The Spotlight

04) Pieces Of Dreams

05) Where Did Our Love Go

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Klaus Wunderlich: Rendezvous (1982)

Lovely Wunderlich album. My ClickRepair software trial period has just finished and I must wait about 2-3 days before I can purchase. Decided to post this vinyl without de-clicking. Don't think it will worry you as it's in quite good condition.

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Sound Of Movies: Judy Garland

Sorry for mix-up (see chatbox).

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Carmen McRae: CM Sings Lover Man And Other Billie Holiday Classics (1961)

This tribute to Billie Holiday ranks among McRae's top 5 albums. Will Friedwald writes in his liner notes: "More than any other artist, Carmen McRae captured the majesty and magic of Billy Holiday ...". This is praise indeed because many tried to do the same but with mixed results. But Lady Day was Carmen's idol, friend and mentor. She "swings" a little more than Billie did, but it figures that this intense devotion shows through. Her then all-star backers were Nat Adderly (cornet), Eddie Lockjaw Davis (tenor), Mundell Lowe (guitar), Norman Simmons (keyboard), Bob Cranshaw (bass), and Walter Perkins (drums).

Side 1:

01) Them There Eyes

02) Yesterdays

03) I'm Gonna Lock My Heart

04) Strange Fruit

05) Miss Brown To You

06) My Man

Side 2:

01) I Cried For You

02) Lover Man

03) Trav'lin' Light

04) Some Other Spring

05) What A Little Moonlight Can Do

06) God Bless The Child

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Sound Of The Movies: Betty Grable

More movie music. This time from a couple of Betty Grable films, "The Dolly Sisters" and "Mother Wore Tights". Betty was actually more famous for the shape of her legs than her ability to act. She was one of the famous "pin-up"girls adored by the US troops during World War II. She was born Elisabeth Grasle in 1916 and appeared for the first time on screen at the age of 13 in the chorus of musicals from the studios of Fox, MGM and RKO. Her career made slow progress in the '30s but films like "Million Dollar Legs" (1939), "Down Argentine Way" (1940), and "Coney Island" (1943) lifted her profile especially with the armed forces. The two movies represented here were the last she made of any consequence although there was a short-lived comeback in '53 when she appeared in "How To Marry A Millionaire" with Marilyn Monroe. She died of cancer in '73 at the age of 56.

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Charles Aznavour: Jazznavour

Have just two Aznavour albums, this one and "The Best Of ...". I'm not a great fan, but wanted him represented in my library. Not too clued up on Charles's background other than that he was born to Armenian parents in Paris (1924). The family lived in an atmosphere of music, theatre and poetry as dad was a singer and mum an actress. At about age 9 Charles had a series of child roles in many theatrical productions. The years passed and he hit hard times as the critics found his appearance and voice "unappealing". But his breakthrough came when he teamed up with a young pianist/composer, Pierre Roche, who worked the Club de la Chanson. They formed a duo. Under the name "Roche and Aznavour" they appeared in cabarets in France and Belgium. Charles became Roche's lyricist and eventually wrote songs for Edith Piaf.

According to my calculations Charles was about 74 when he recorded this album (extraordinaire!). This is a kind of celebration of his career as he gets back to his roots revisiting the swing sound of the '40s. He records duets with Jacky Terrasson, Michel Petruccianni and Diana Reeves. The opener "J'Aime Paris au Mois de Mai" features Diana. They team up again on "Yesterday When I Was Young".

Tracks:

01) J'Aime Paris au Mois Mai

02) Ce Sacre Piano

03) De T'Avoir Aimee

04) Tu T'laisses Aller

05) Mes Emmerdes

06) Yesterday When I Was Young

07) Les Plaisirs Demodes

08) Me Voila Seul

09) A T'regarder

10) Lucie

11) She

12) Dormir Avec Vous Madame

13) Au Creux de Mon Epaule

14) For me Formidable

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Erroll Garner: Concert By The Sea (1955)

"Concert by the Sea" was arguably the finest record pianist Erroll Garner ever made, and he made many — a few outstanding — good recordings. But this "live" recording (September 19, 1955) with his trio (Eddie Calhoun, bass; Denzil Best, drums) presented a typical Garner program of standards, originals and show biz tunes. The recording was made in a converted church (even buildings get born again?) in Carmel, California. The sonics weren't that hot. Likewise the piano, but this album has become an all-time favourite with collectors and jazz buffs for over half a century. His style was quite unique. Has been described as "two-fisted". His left hand input was as much rhythmic as harmonic, and those audible grunts and rambling intros!

This is the original mono album released by CBS in '65. A few years ago Columbia reissued a new re-channelled version. Haven't heard it but believe it gives the performance a new close-up immediacy not evident in the mono.

Side 1:
01) I'll Remember April
02) Teach Me Tonight
03) Mambo Carmel
04) Autumn Leaves
05) It's All Right With Me
06) Red Top

Side 2:
01) April In Paris
02) They Can't Take That Away From Me
03) How Could You Do A Thing Like That To Me?
04) Where Or When
05) Erroll's Theme

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