Cleo Laine: Woman To Woman (1989)

In my book this album is hot. Beautiful arrangements by John Dankworth and beautiful songs sung beautifully by Cleo Laine. Enough superlatives? Oh yeh. One more -- beautiful cover.

"We could have used songs with music by a woman and lyrics by a man, or vice versa," says Cleo. "But that would have spoiled the idea. As it turned out we found plenty of first-rate material written exclusively by women, either singly or as a team."

Careful research by Cleo, John and co-producer Kurt Gebauer resulted in this collection of 15 songs involving 21 female composers, 10 of whom wrote both words and music. The selection is quite remarkably wide both in the styles and the eras from which they come. They range from "I Love You Truly" written in 1906, to standards current about the time this was recorded.

Side 1:

01) Come In From The Rain [Melissa Manchester/Carole Bayer-Sager]

02) Inside A Silent Tear [Blossom Dearie/Linda Albert]

03) My Favourite Year [Michelle Brourman/Karen Gottlieb]

04) I Love You Truly [Carrie Jacobs Bond]

05) Since You've Asked [Judy Collins]

06) I'll Never Smile Again [Ruth Lowe]

07) Both Sides Now [Joni Mitchell]

08) In The Days Of Our Love [Peggy Lee/Marian McPartland]

Side 2:

01) Fine And Mellow [Billie Holiday]

02) Willow Weep For Me [Ann Ronnell]

03) Close Your Eyes [Bernice Petkere]

04) Grand Reunion [Melissa Manchester/Adrienne Anderson]

05) Secret Feeling [Cleo Laine]

06) Your Eyes Speak To Me [Gayle Moran]

07) It's All In My Hands [Tania Maria/Regina Werneck]

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Count Basie: Back With Basie (1961/62)

Most Basie buffs will have this one. It's a comp of numbers cut in New York with his 1961/62 band. My original "Roulette Birdland Series" cover's a bit shabby so used that of the 1981 French issue. Just to note that "One Note Samba" (Side 2 Tk 2) was handled by guest arranger Lalo Schifrin who had recently arrived in the US from his native Argentina. He worked with Basie on a few occasions. Also to round off the guest appearances on this set, for this number, Louis Bellson was called in on drums to substitute for Sonny Payne.

Side 1:

01) Peppermint Pipes

02) Thanks For The Ride

03) The Elder

04) Summer Frost

05) The Touch Of Your Lips

Side 2:

01) Bluish Grey

02) One Note Samba

03) Got It Bad And That Ain't Good

04) Matte Jersey

05) Red Hot Mamma

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WDR Big Band: Celebrating Jobim

Remember the 1946 Mel Torme song "Born To Be Blue"? Someone's cloned it. How do I know? Well often while sifting through discs in a CD store or on the Net, a specific album will pop up waving a placard with "Born To be Blogged!" on it. When that happens I can ignore it, but at my peril. It'll bug me until I give in and buy it.

This share is one of these bully-boy albums. Saw it a few days ago and just had to buy it. Bit similar to the Manhattan Transfer/BBC Big Band post I made a few days ago. Something clicks a few millimetres up from my vertebrae (if you get my drift). This one was online so had to be downloaded in mp3 format. It arrived minus info of any sort. Had to do some digging. Finally unearthed this: Was recorded from a concert given in the Kolner Philharmonie in Cologne on July 12, two years ago. Not too sure about the "Kolner Philharmonie" bit, but someone may put me right on that detail. Appearing with the WDR Big Band was a singer called Joyce (pictured above), the clarinetist Nailor Proveta and cellist Jaques Morelenbaum, all guests from Brazil. I was quite familiar with Jaques, the cello player. Just prior to leaving for an overseas trip in 2006 I read a glowing review of an album called "Morelenbaum2/Sakamoto: Casa". So when I came accross it in one of the big London CD stores I bought it. It features Jaques on cello with his wife, Paula, doing vocals and a Japanese pianist called Ryuichi Sakamoto. Like this album I'm posting, the trio make a kind of tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim. It's quite mesmerising in a Brazilian sort of way. The three artists have an amazing raport and it's communicated through their music.

But back to our big band and Brazilian guests. Here the band and soloists honour the poet and father of the "New Wave". The program includes compositions from all periods of the great Jobim's career. Tried to burn the entire download onto one CD blank, but it was too big. Reduced from 320 down to 256, but still wouldn't fit, so had to upload in two parts.

The music, by the way, was arranged and conducted by Gilson Peranzzetta and the intro and lead-out announcements are in German. Joyce makes most of her comments in English.

Part 1:

01) Intro

02) Agua de Beber

03) Celebrating Jobim

04) Wave

05) A Felicidade

06) Corcovado

07) Samba de Uma Nota So

08) Desafinado

09) Choro

10) Teama Jazz

11) Aguas de Maco

12) Retrato Em Branco E Preto

13) Boto

Part 2:

14) Insensatez

15) Ela E Carioca

16) Imagina

17) So Danco Samba

18) Chega de Saudade [lead-out]

19) Girl From Ipanema [encore?]

Download Part 1

Download Part 2

Chris Connor: Ballads Of The Sad Cafe (1959)

Along with June Christy, Helen O'Connell and Julie London, Chris Connor epitomized cool jazz singing in the 1950s. Influenced by Anita O'Day, the torchy, smoky singer wasn't one for aggression. Like Chet Baker on the trumpet or Paul Desmond and Lee Konitz on alto sax, she used subtlety and restraint to their maximum advantage. At the University of Missouri, Connor (who had studied clarinet at an early age) sang with a Stan Kentonish big band led by trombonist Bob Brookmeyer before leaving her native Kansas City for New York in 1947. Quite appropriately, she was featured in the lyrical pianist Claude Thornhill's orchestra in the early '50s. After leaving Thornhill, Connor was hired by Stan Kenton at June Christy's recommendation, and her ten-month association with him in 1952-1953 resulted in the hit "All About Ronnie" (see posting Feb 24). Connor debuted as a solo artist in 1953 recording three albums for Bethlehem before moving to Atlantic in 1955 and recording 12. Connor reached the height of her popularity in the 1950s when she delivered her celebrated versions of Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life" and George Shearing's "Lullaby of Broadway", and recorded such excellent albums as "The Rich Sound of Chris Connor" and "Lullabies of Birdland" for Bethlehem and "Chris Craft" and "Ballads of the Sad Cafe" for Atlantic. Connor made a poor career move in 1962 the year she left Atlantic and signed with a label her manager was starting, FM Records. Connor had recorded only two albums for FM when they folded. Connor's recording career was rejuvenated in the 1970s, and she went on to record for Progressive, Stash, and Contemporary in the '70s and '80s. She maintained a devoted following in the 1990s and continued to tour internationally. She currently lives on the East Coast and has retired from public appearances.~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide

A recent interview with Chris is published on http://www.jazzwax.com/2008/06/interview-chris.html

Tracks:

01) These Foolish Things

02) Bargain Day

03) The End Of A Love Affair

04) Glad To Be Unhappy

05) Ballad Of The Sad Cafe

06) Good Morning Heartache

07) Something I Dreamed Last Night

08) Lilac Wine

09) One For My Baby

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The Kirchin Band: Gotta Be This Or That (1954/56)

Had it not been for this blog's kind benefactor, Keith, who can come up with some real wee beauts now and then, I'm likely to have missed "The Kirchin Band" which would have been a shame because listening to this CD affects me like knocking off a glass of good bubbly and I seldom turn my back on an offer like that.

So to introduce ourselves to the Kirchins and discover what the lads were up to back in the '50s I'll reproduce a couple of paras from the liner notes.

"They were billed as "The Biggest Little Band in the World" and they certainly did their best to live up to that description. With a basic complement of 11 instrumentalists, the Ivor & Basil Kirchin Band produced a wide variety of colourful sounds which, through the use of skilful musical arrangements, gave the impression of a larger ensemble. The band always included a number of excellent jazz soloists and the rhythm team provided a firm foundation for the unusual lineup of trumpets and reeds but no trombones. Ivor Kirchin (1905- 1997), father of Basil Kirchin, was a popular bandleader who specialised in playing for dancers and he enjoyed lengthy residencies at various ballrooms in England from the late 1920s through to the mid '60s. Basil Kirchin (1927-2005) played drums for his father in the '40s and later worked with a number of British bands including those of Harry Roy, Teddy Foster and Ted Heath.

"In 1952 the Kirchins decided to combine operations. Ivor directed the band . . . leaving Basil free to concentrate on the musical direction and his drumming expertise. From the outset the Kirchins had plenty of work due to Ivor's contract with the Mecca Ballroom circuit. A year's engagement in Edinburgh was followed by a winter season in Ireland and then a 1954 summer residency in London. A number of record companies became interested in putting the band under contract . . . . and the rest is history."

Tracks:
01) Mambo Macoco
02) Tangerine
03) Tango Mambo
04) Panambo
05) Lester Leaps The Mambo
06) Lanigiro
07) Down Under
08) Trumpet Blues and Cantabile
09) Rock a Beatin' Boogie
10) Stone Age Mambo
11) Beedleumbo
12) Bandbox
13) Mambo Rock
14) Tweedlee Dee
15) Gotta Be This Or That
16) The Great Lie
17) Flying Hickory
18) The Roller
19) St Louis Blues
20) Big City Blues
21) Lover man
22) Big Deal
23) Pour Quoi
24) Sing Sing Sing
25) Taboo
26) Jungle Fire Dance

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Sammy Davis Jr: Collection (1998)

Recognised as one of the world's greatest entertainers throughout his career, Sammy Davis Jr. excelled at singing, dancing and acting. As a member of the famed Rat Pack (along with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin) he was a perennial icon of cool. He racked up hit after hit on both sides of the Atlantic including "What Kind Of Fool Am I?" and the massive US number one smash "The Candy Man". In a troubled era, Sammy Davis Jr. was one of the first African-American performers to gain popularity and acceptance on both sides of the race barrier. At the invitation of Frank Sinatra, he played at the newly integrated Copacabana club, helping to end America's musical segregation system. The ebullient Davis was featured on dozens of compilations many of which are still available. But this one, released by WEA/Warner in 1998, is extremely rare. I noticed it advertised on Amazon for about $US83! If it's of any interest, Claus Ogerman arranged and conducted tracks 7 & 8, "Hello Dolly" and "People".

Tracks:

01) Hey There

02) It's All In The Game

03) That Old Black Magic

04) Sit Down You're Rockin' The Boat

05) They Can't Take That Away From Me

06) Fools Rush In

07) Hello Dolly

08) People

09) Who Can I Turn To

10) I Left My Heart In San Francisco

11) As Long As She Needs Me

12) Love Is The Tender Trap

13) What Kind Of Fool Am I

14) Bye Bye Blackbird

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Peggy Lee: The Blues & Jazz Sessions

Compensation time! After my last share thought you may like another post a la Lee. This of course is a compilation. It's also been called "The Best Of Peggy Lee - The Blues & Jazz Sessions" and that's precisely what Blue Note Records had in mind when they chose the tracks. This is what Stephen Thomas Erlewine of All Music Guide has to say about the album:

"The Best of Peggy Lee: The Blues & Jazz Sessions" is an 18-track collection that culls the highlights from Lee's 30-year tenure at Capitol Records. Since the compilation covers
such a large time period, it's not surprising that the music doesn't all hold together -- it's clear when one song was recorded in the '50s and the other in the '70s. Nevertheless, the quality of the music is very strong, demonstrating that Lee was much more than a mere pop singer -- she was a talented blues and jazz vocalist, as well. The album contains such standards as "Why Don't You Do Right?," 'Fever," "Hallelujah, I Love Him So," "Goin' to Chicago," "The Thrill Is Gone," "Seventh Son" and "I'm Gonna Go Fishin'." ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Tracks:
01) Why Don't You Do Right
02) For Every Man There's A Woman
03) Fever
04) Well Alright, OK, You Win
05) Blue Prelude
06) Hallelujah I Love Him So
07) Just For A Thrill
08) Goin' To Chicago Blues
09) I'm A Woman
10) See See Rider
11) You Don't Know
12) Call Me
13) Whisper Not
14) The Thrill Is Gone
15) Seventh Son
16) Please Send Me Someone To Love
17) Momma's Gone, Goodbye
18) I'm Gonna Go Fishin'

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Page Cavanaugh: Softly (1958)

Occasionally I buy a vintage vinyl and live to regret it. Was passing the hi fi shop yesterday so popped in to check on the latest additions. Nothing too exciting, but did grab a Basie, Dave Brubeck, Casa Loma Orch and this one featuring Page Cavanaugh. Was attracted to it largely because of my recent Doris Day post. I liked her backings from his trio. Here he was again, but this time as a solo act with strings. The shop has no"try before you buy" facility so bought it on spec. The cover does its best to entice you in (saucy wee kitten!), but contents-wise sadly I found it a bit of a bore. Not familiar with about two-thirds of the songs which is not surprising considering its age. Haven't got a release date. Expect it to be 50+ years at least. Incidentally, I made a thorough search on Google for some reference to it but came up with a big fat zilcho. What I did find though was the site for that fab used vinyl/CD store called "Jive Time Records" situated in Fremont Ave, Seattle WA. (www.jivetimerecords.com/tour.html). If we had one that size here I'd be in dreamsville! (4 for $10!!). However, had to post this one as it wasn't cheap and the shop doesn't accept returns. Haven't sweet-talked you into downloading have I? Your choice entirely.

Side 1:
01) Just For Tonight
02) Stairway To The Stars
03) Moonlight Cocktails
04) Until Sunrise
05) Oh What A Difference
06) Harbor Romance

Side 2:
01) Sunrise Serenade
02) After The Rain
03) On Ne Sait Jamais
04) Sleepy Serenade
05) Echoes In The Night
06) Gypsy Heart

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Steve Tyrell: The Disney Standards

Producer, composer, and singer Steve Tyrell was born and raised in Texas, cutting his teeth in local R&B bands before relocating to New York at age 18 and landing a staff position at Scepter Records. As the label's head of A&R and promotion, Tyrell championed the classic Burt Bacharach/Hal David-composed recordings of Dionne Warwick and also recruited singer B. J. Thomas, producing his hits "Hooked on a Feeling" and "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head". In the years to follow Tyrell additionally made his mark as a hit songwriter co-writing the gold-selling No. 1 hit "How Do You Talk to an Angel" for the Heights and the Jamie Walters smash "Hold On", as well as working on music for film ("Mystic Pizza", "Midnight Crossing", and "The Brady Bunch Movie", among others) and television. He returned to performing in 1991 singing "The Way You Look Tonight" on the soundtrack to "Father of the Bride", then had two more cuts on the soundtrack to "Father of the Bride — Part II" in 1995. An album of standards, "A New Standard", followed in 1999; it was a Top Five hit on the jazz charts and was still listed in those charts two years after its release. Tyrell followed it with a second album, "Standard Time", in 2001. The holiday-themed "This Time of the Year" arrived in 2002, followed in 2003 by another album of pop standards, "This Guy's in Love". In 2005 Tyrell released "Songs of Sinatra" on the Hollywood label; it was followed a year later by this album,"The Disney Standards", Tyrell's seventh album.

Tracks:
01) When You Wish Upon A Star [with Chris Botti]
02) Kiss The Girl
03) You've Got A friend In Me [duet with Dr John]
04) Bella Notte
05) Everybody Wants To Be A Cat
06) Beauty And The Beast
07) He's A Tramp
08) You'll Be In My Heart [with Dave Koz]
09) A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes
10) When She Loved Me
11) The Bare Necessities
12) Once Upon A Dream
13) Cruella de Vil
14) Baby Mine

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Dave Brubeck Quartet: 25th Anniversary Reunion (1976)

Formed in 1951 the Brubeck quartet took about 8 years to make its mark on the jazz world. Boosting that rise to the top was the release of "Time Out" an album of original Brubeck compositions. "Take Five", "Blue Rondo a la Turk", "Pick Up Sticks" were three of them, none of which were in common time. This novelty grabbed public attention and the 1959 release went platinum. Another album in the same vein called "Time Further Out" was released in '61. That was followed by "Time In Outer Space", "Time Changes" and "Time In". These albums were noted also for their cover art featuring the work of Neil Fujita. The quartet comprising Brubeck (piano), Paul Desmond (alto sax), Eugene Wright (acoustic bass) and Joe Morello (drums) was disbanded in 1966. Ten years later a promoter persuaded Brubeck to propose a reunion tour to the other three guys and to their surprise they all agreed. The DBQ was on the road again; 25 cities in 25 days, one for every year since Brubeck organized the band. The timing was crucial here as within 14 months, Paul Desmond after years of chain smoking and general poor health succumbed to lung cancer.

All selections, except "Don't Worry 'Bout Me", were recorded March 10, 1976 at Interlochen Arts Academy, Interlochen, Michigan. "Don't Worry . . ." was taped March 12, 1976 at Scottish Rite Auditorium, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Side 1:

01) St. Louis Blues

02) Three To get Ready And Four To Go

03) African Times Suite

Side 2:

01) Salute To Stephen Foster

02) Take Five

03) Don't Worry 'Bout Me

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Peggy Lee: In The Name Of Love (1964)

Before turning in for the night I offer you this Capitol release from Miss Lee cut in August of 1964. As far as download frequency is concerned, every PL post on this blog has beaten all the other shares by a country mile . . . . so our Peg is still very hot!! She was at the top of her career in the mid-60s and the studio new this. During the eight years between '64 and '72 she cut 13 albums and the studio released 24 singles. On this album Peggy has an outstanding small group backing her headed by Lou Levy on some cuts. On others Billy May's big band is present. The sidemen included Conrad Gozzo, Manny Klein, Ted Nash and Milt Bernhart. This is vintage Peggy Lee.

Tracks:
01) In The Name Of Love
02) My Sin
03) The Boy from Ipanema
04) Shangri-La
05) Talk To Me Baby
06) There'll Be Some Changes Made
07) After You've Gone
08) The Right To Love
09) Theme from 'Joy House'
10) Senza Fine
11) When In Rome Do As The Romans Do

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Women Drivers!!

This is hilarious! Even if you are one (and probably a very good one) you may find this funny.

Watch

Errol Garner : Solo Flight (1952)

Commentators from the '50s and 60's report that Errol Garner was a studio A&R man's dream come true. Legend has it that he would arrive for a session, sit down at the keyboard, reel off the 15 or so numbers required, grab his coat and go home. There was seldom, if at all, any need for major editing or re-takes. One of these A&R men was the famous Mitch Miller who was on the payroll of Columbia when these 8 tracks were cut on Feb. 29, 1952. Mitch contributed the liner notes for this album. In them he more or less confirms the above. He suggests that this session was a landmark. I've isolated and enlarged his notes so you can read what he wrote. Just click on the image to bring it up to full screen size.

This is one of Errol's early recordings. He made a few for this label (Columbia) in the '50s although this particular copy was released in the UK by Philips. We have our friend Keith from Australia to thank for making it available. Keith says that despite his attempts to clean it up, the disc still has one or two surface blemishes. Didn't worry me too much though.

Side 1:

01) Cocktails For Two

02) It Don't Mean A Thing

03) Chopin Impressions

04) Love Me Or Leave Me

Side 2:

01) With Every Breath I Take

02) How Come You Do Me Like You Do

03) Willow Me

04) Dancing In The Dark

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Manhattan Transfer with BBC Big Band

This one may appeal if you're into vocal groups and big bands -- to be more specific, Manhattan Transfer and the BBC Big Band. Been a fan of MT for years, 40 years in fact ever since they burst upon the world scene of jazz/pop.

There have been two incarnations of the group with Tim Hauser being the only member to feature in both. The group’s name comes from John Doss Passos' 1925 novel "Manhattan Transfer" and reflects their New York origins.

The first incarnation of the group was established in New York City in 1969, but disbanded after producing a single album, "Jukin" (1971). The second line-up which was set up in 1972 is still together. It is famous for mixing jazz, big band and popular music styles.

Have only heard the BBC Big band about twice. Each time I was impressed. A tight professional group supporting good soloists. My daughter attended one of the band's concerts about ten years ago. She and her husband were working as live-in staff at a tourist hotel in a remote area of the Scottish highlands. They read that George Shearing was to appear with the BBC Big Band in Edinburgh the capital city of Scotland. It was many kilometres away from their workplace, but they made the bus trip to attend the concert. They realized that I would probably never get to hear George in person so they did it for me. Shearing and the big band wasn't really their bag. Loving thing to do and I'll always be grateful. Sarah posted me the program. Their only comment was: "It was OK but very noisy!"

Tracks:

01) Route 66

02) Rambo

03) Java Jive

04) A Tisket, A Tasket

05) All heart

06) Corner Pocket

07) King Porter Stomp

08) Blip Blop Blues

09) Airmail Special

10) Operator

11) Jeanine

12) Birdland

13) Tuxedo Junction

14) Birdland (reprise)

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Toots Thielemans: The Brasil Project (Vol 1)

This popular set matches the brilliant harmonica player Toots Thielemans with such top Brazilian performers as Ivan Lins, Djavan, Oscar Castro-Neves, Dori Caymmi, Ricardo
Silveira, Joao Bosco, Gilberto Gil, Milton Nascimento, Caetano Veloso, Luis Bonfa, Edu Lobo and Eliane Elias, in addition to bassist Brian Bromberg, keyboardist Mike Lang, trumpeter Mark Isham and Dave Grusin. Thielemans is often in a supportive role behind the many soothing Brazilian singers and performers. The atmospheric date surprisingly does not have any Jobim songs, instead emphasizing lesser-known tunes (other than Toots' greatest hit "Bluesette"). Easily recommended to fans of Brazilian pop and jazz, this CD was soon followed by a second (and equally rewarding) set featuring many of the same performers. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Tracks:

01) Comecar de Novo [Ivan Lins G&V]

02) OBI [Djavan G&V]

03) Felicia & Bianca [Lee Ritenour G]

04) O Cantador [Dori Caymmi G&V]

05) Joana Fran [Chico Buarque V]

06) Coisa Feita [Joao Bosco G&V]

07) Fruta Boa [Milton Nascimento V]

08) Coracao Vagabundo [Caetano Veloso G&T]

09) Preciso Aprender A So Ser [Gilberto Gil G&V]

10) Manha de Carnaval [Luis Bonfa G]

11) Casa Forte [Edu Lobo G&V]

12) Moments [Eliane Elias Keyboard]

13) Bluesette [Toots Thielemans & Friends]

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George Shearing: Shearing On Stage (1959)

Every so often this blog manages to pull in and post a real gem. This I consider to be one of them. It comes courtesy of Keith, an Australian jazz DJ, who has also provided us with "Spirit Of 176" featuring George Shearing and Hank Jones. That one was posted a few weeks ago. But this current share is a beauty. It just happens to be the Shearing quintet's very first live performance recording made by Capitol from Southern California's Claremont College. As Bill Stewart, MC for the show observes: "Shearing was in rare form -- musically and verbally -- and was, as always, surrounded with sidemen who were excellent soloists in their own rights. Percy Brice (drums), Al McKibbon (bass), Emil Richards (vibes), Jean Toots Thielemans (guitar & harmonica) and Armando Peraza (Latin percussion) all reacted through their instruments to George's mood." And this of course communicated to the audience.

As his career progressed George had many of his live performances cut for vinyl and CD. But this particular one is special. It's 50 years old this year -- a landmark occasion. Enjoy!

Side 1:

01) September In The Rain

02) On The Street Where You Live

03) Roses Of Picardy

04) Little Niles

05) Caravan

Side 2:

01) I'll Remember April

02) Little White Lies

03) East Of The Sun

04) Nothing But De Best

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The John Dankworth Big Band: Full Circle (1972)

Been neglecting our big band enthusiasts who rely on this blog for the occasional posting of rare, out-of-print material. Sifting through my vinyls and this one popped up. It's not as rare as some I've shared, but there aren't too many copies around.

Here's a review of the vinyl published in the January 1973 issue of "The Gramophone" magazine. The reviewer is "AM".

"Full Circle" is Dankworth's first jazz LP for five years. Presumably commitments in other directions, such as film and television writing, prevent him from being as involved with jazz as much as he would wish which is something I regret very much for I still regard Dankworth as one of the most important jazz figures in this country. He has always given prominence to young up-and-coming musicians without losing sight of the longer-established men. (As I write he is preparing to take a band on a short tour; the unit contains men such as Don Rendell as well as newer talent.) "Full Circle" shows that Dankworth still has his musical ear to the ground when it comes to picking new men, material, arrangers and sounds. Clearly he is aware of the work of leaders such as Don Ellis ("Eleven Plus" makes use of a complex time signature and insistent rhythmic figures for example) but he has not lost sight of the big band tradition and "You Are Too Beautiful" is one of those lovely features for Tony Coe's tenor.

The album was made with two different personnels and at two different times. "Grow Your Own", "Schmaltz Waltz" and "Triple Portrait" are by an eleven-piece band and are the most recent; the remaining tracks were made about eighteen months ago by a big band. There are seven trumpeters listed on the sleeve for these latter tracks including Kenny Wheeler, Eddie Blair, Hank Shaw, Henry Lowther and Martin Drover but I suspect there were some substitutions at the session for nowhere does this sound like more than a four-man team.

Contemporary sounds make their presence felt on tracks such as the Keith Jarrett tune "Grow Your Own" where drummer Harold Fisher produces an attractive rock beat. Some of the
writing comes close to being the most well-poised I have ever heard on a British-produced album and "Schmaltz Waltz" is a little masterpiece of care and balance. "Italian Girl" calls to
mind the work of Gil Evans in places and "Academy" is a fine example of' the big band ballad form using today's vocabulary. Infuriatingly the sleeve fails to list details of soloists or arrangers but thanks to Mike Gibbs (who plays trombone in the larger band) I think I can now identify most of the men involved. "Beautiful" was arranged by Dankworth and features Tony Coe; "Eleven Plus" (credited simply to "Vickers") has solos by Tony Roberts (tenor) and Henry Lowther (trumpet), both of whom crop up again on Mike Gibbs's "Family Joy". Henry Lowther is again the soloist on Dankworth's own "Academy One" but I suspect it is Kenny Wheeler who takes the trumpet solo on Dave Lindup's "Italian Girl". Earthman is a blues written by Dankworth with Stan Sulzmann on flute and a trumpet chase by Lowther and Hank Shaw. "Grow Your Own" was arranged by Mike Gibbs while the lovely "Schmaltz Waltz", graced by a flowing solo from that fine pianist John Taylor, was written and arranged by trombonist Ken Gibson, currently playing with Dankworth's big band on tour. "Triple Portrait", composed and arranged by Gibbs, features John's alto although he is not listed as playing alto on the sleeve.

Tracks:

01) Eleven Plus

02) Academy One

03) The Italian Girl

04) Grow Your Own

05) Earthman

06) Schmaltz Waltz

07) Triple Portrait

08) You Are Too Beautiful

09) Family Joy

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Candy Dulfer: Sax-A-Go-Go (1993)

During my probe into smooth jazz a few years ago I was fascinated to find that there were a number of gals with very high profiles in the genre. What's more they were quite spunky. Some of them anyway. The stars were Mindi Abair, Joyce Cooling and Candy Dulfer. There's probably more, but these three seemed to take center stage. Have all three on CD so may share them. Meantime here's Candy. She's actually Dutch and a blond (but you'd never guess that from the cover). Ever since I watched the DVD of Rod Stewart's London concert from the Royal Albert Hall, I've had more than a passing interest in tall blond ladies that play tenor saxes. He featured one, a German girl, Katja Rieckermann, as part of his backing band. Of course Candy plays alto and isn't that tall. But both play reeds and are blonds. So we'll leave the similarity there. You'll all be saying: "Thank God for that!"

So what about Candy. She was brought into the limelight by Prince. In 1988 her own band called Funky Stuff was booked as the supporting act for three Prince concerts in the Netherlands. Prince cancelled the supporting act but invited Candy on stage to play an improvised solo. After this encounter she starred in his video "Partyman" in which Prince sings: "When I need Trombone my dog is handy. But when I want sax, I call Candy".

Raised in a family heavily involved in the Dutch jazz scene, she is the daughter of Hans Dulfer, a respected jazz tenor player. Thanks to him she listened to and studied the recordings of Sonny Rollins, Coleman Hawkins, and Dexter Gordon. He also introduced her to the stage early in life. When she was 12, she began playing in a band with Rosa King, an American expatriate who lived in Holland. Her career began by playing with brass bands but soon she was fronting her own band, Funky Stuff.

Best track for me is her cover of Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me" on which her sax replaces Bonnie's vocals.

Tracks:
01) 2 Funky
02) Sax-A-Go-Go
03) Mister Marvin
04) Man In The Desert
05) Bob's Jazz
06) Jamming
07) I Can't Make You Love Me
08) Pick Up The Pieces
09) Compared To What
10) Sunday Afternoon

Download

Peggy Lee: Guitars A La Lee (1966)

Policy of this blog is to post albums that are relatively rare and hard to find, or worse, out of print. They all don't fit that description, but probably most do. This 1966 Peggy Lee release is quite a rarity on the open market. Has been reissued with her "Pretty Eyes" as a twofer, but like me, if you already have "Pretty Eyes" there's no point in paying for it twice just to get "Guitars".

As the album title suggests here she's working with seven guitars plus the usual woodwinds, strings, bass and drums and on some of the cuts with a big band. Charts were done by Billy May, Dave Grusin, Bob Bain and Dick Hazard.

Tracks:
01) Nice 'n' Easy
02) Strangers In The Night
03) Mohair Sam
04) Goodbye My Love
05) Think Beautiful
06) An Empty Glass
07) Good Times
08) Sweet Happy Life
09) Touch The Earth
10) Beautiful, Beautiful World
11) My Guitar
12) Call Me

Download

Bobby Hackett: A Time For Love (1968)

I'm not a big fan of the "jazz stars with strings" genre. But have two of these Bobby Hackett albums he did with the Jackie Gleason Orchestra in the '60s. Besides this one I have "Music, Martinis & Memories". Although the material is mainly jazz standards and Hackett’s playing is certainly full of jazz feeling, these recordings really belong to that category of light music that was known in the 50’s & 60’s as "lounge music", and these days as "easy listening". When entertaining it's sometimes wise to use this type of muzak-type album if your guests are not really into straight jazz.

Just incidentally the title song of this album, "A Time For Love", is one of my all-time favourite ballads. It's from the pen of Johnny Mandel whom I admire so much not only for his song writing, but for his huge skill as an arranger.

"A time for summer skies
For hummingbirds and butterflies
For tender words that harmonize with love.

A time for climbing hills
For leaning out of windowsills
Admiring daffodils above.

A time for holding hands together
A time for rainbow coloured weather
A time of make believe that we've been dreaming of.

As time goes drifting by
The willow bends and so do I.
But all my friends, whatever skies above
I know a time for spring
A time for fall.

But best of all
A time for love".

If you downloaded my most recent Peggy Lee share, "Blues Cross Country", you'll be familiar with that album's final track, "The Shining Sea". That's another Mandel song and Peggy
performs it beautifully. It's another one of my goose-bump ballads.

Tracks:
01) The Eyes Of Love
02) My Funny Valentine
03) You Only Live Twice
04) Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams
05) A Time For Love
06) The Lamp Is Low
07) On The Street Where You Live
08) Goodnight My Love
09) The Love I Give To You
10) Close Your Eyes
11) All Through The Night
12) You Stepped Out Of A Dream

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Gene Harris & the Philip Morris Superband (1989)

The vast majority of Gene Harris's albums of the '80s and '90s were small-group efforts, which is probably just as well because the acoustic pianist had more room to stretch out and improvise when he was leading a trio, quartet, or quintet (see my post Dec. 13). But Harris did have a chance to oversee a big band when he led the Philip Morris Superband in the late '80s and early '90s. As the label indicates, this was recorded "live" at a concert in the Town Hall, New York City, in 1989. The arrangements are written in the Basie style and there are some noteworthy soloists including tenor man James Moody on "Old Man River"and Harry "Sweets" Edison on "When It's Sleepy Time Down South". Vocalists are Ernie Andrews on "Our Love Is here To Stay" and "I'm Just A Lucky So And So", while Ernestine Anderson is featured on "There Is No Greater Love" and "You're My Everything".

Tracks:
01) Surrey With The Fringe On Top
02) Creme de Menthe
03) When It's Sleepy Time Down South
04) Our Love Is Here To Stay
05) I'm Just A Lucky So And So
06) Serious Grease
07) Like A Lover
08) Old Man River
09) Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans
10) Porgy And Bess Medley
11) You're My Everything
12) There Is No Greater Love
13) Things Ain't What They Used To Be

Part 1

Part 2

Maynard Ferguson: Carnival (1978)

There are some lovely moments on this album, particularly on Biff Hannon's creative arrangement of "Over the Rainbow" (with one of Bobby Militello's always-imaginative flute solos) and on the title cut which features some fine ensemble playing by the woodwinds. Jazz purists usually cringe when MF is mentioned, but "Stella By Starlight" gets a very straight, traditional big band reading that works well and highlights Maynard's outstanding band from those years. There are more jazz/funk remakes of pop hits than is necessary, with EWF's "Fantasy" working and Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street" not, and too much quasi-disco stomping as well. But, through it all, there is the amazing Maynard Ferguson trumpet which, even on less-than-stellar material, is worth the price of admission. ~ RCD

Tracks:
01) M. F. Carnival
02) Fantasy
03) Battlestar Galaxy
04) Stella By Starlight
05) Birdland
06) Baker Street
07) How Ya Doin' Baby
08) Over The Rainbow

Download

Glenn Miller: On Film (1941/42)

A very kind follower of this blog, on seeing my posting of the Glenn Miller movie soundtracks (March 28), uploaded this album for me. While there's some duplication with my discs this one has four more tracks and anyway thought you may prefer the convenience of everything on one download.

The donor didn't identify himself, so whoever you are, thanks so much.

Tracks:

01) Kiss Polka

02) Moonlight Serenade

03) I Know Why

04) In The Mood

05) It Happened In Sun Valley

06) Chattanooga Choo Choo

07) Sun Valley Jump

08) Measure For Measure

09) The Spirit Is Willing

10) Moonlight Serenade

11) People Like You And Me

12) Boom Shot

13) At Last

14) American Patrol

15) Bugle Call Rag

16) Serenade In Blue

17) That's Sabotage

18) Moonlight Sonata

19) I've Got A Gal In Kalamazoo

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Peggy Lee & Quincy Jones: Blues Cross Country (1961)

One of Peggy Lee's most intriguing concept LPs of the '50s and '60s, "Blues Cross Country" teams her with the Quincy Jones Orchestra on a set of swinging blues set all over America, almost a continental version of Sinatra's "Come Fly With Me". She balances standards like "Basin Street Blues", "St. Louis Blues", "I Left My Sugar (In Salt Lake City)", and "Goin' to Chicago Blues", alongside collaborations with Jones on "Los Angeles Blues", "New York City Blues", and "The Train Blues". (She is also the lyricist of four other songs on the album). Though Jones' arrangements are often a touch brassier than the blues standards can handle Lee contributes just the right blend of vigor and feeling to the songs. "Blues Cross Country" also includes her first waxing of a Leiber-Stoller song, "Kansas City", looking forward to her successful performances of their "I'm a Woman","Is That All There Is", and the "Mirrors" album. At little over half an hour, it is a brief album. However the 1999 CD reissue has two additional tracks. From the same spring 1961 sessions that produced the album came Lee's single recording of Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh's "Hey! Look Me Over" the most popular song to emerge from the 1960 Broadway musical "Wildcat" also arranged by Quincy Jones. Skipping ahead five years there was another Lee single, "The Shining Sea", which she wrote with Johnny Mandel who also arranged it. Neither song fits in with the album's concept, but they at least add more than four minutes to its running time! John Bush & William Ruhlmann ~ All Music Guide

Tracks:
01) Kansas City
02) Basin Street Blues
03) Los Angeles Blues
04) I Left My Sugar In Salt Lake City
05) The Grain Belt Blues
06) New York City Blues
07) Goin' To Chicago Blues
08) San Francisco Blues
09) Fisherman's Wharf
10) Boston Beans
11) The Train Blues
12) St. Louis Blues
13) Hey, Look Me Over
14) The Shining Sea

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New York Voices: What's Inside

If you're unfamiliar with this group from the "Big Apple" let me introduce you. The New York Voices was formed through a college alumni group and released their first, self-titled
album in 1989 and won a Grammy award for their 1996 collaboration with the Basie band, “Count Basie Orchestra with New York Voices Live at Manchester Craftsmen's Guild”. Initially a sextet the NYV have, through numerous member changes, become a quintet and now a quartet. Besides their performances they give jazz clinics at schools and universities. They have to date released seven albums, all blends of classical, pop, R&B, Brazilian and jazz.

This is primarily a pop-oriented date with the exception of the opening "All Blues" and "Lady Be Good". The latter is meant as a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald since it quotes from her famous scat solo. Seven of the 11 selections are group originals. Also included are Bill Wither's "Ain't No Sunshine" and James Taylor's "Traffic Jam". Not too many copies of this album around now as it's been out of print for a while.

Tracks:

01) All Blues

02) Do You Wanna Know What I Want

03) Ain't No Sunshine

04) Oh, Lady Be Good

05) Skin

06) Silence Of Time

07) Traffic Jam

08) Open Invitation

09) Forever Working It Out

10) Sultan Fainted

11) Prelude/Interlude

Part 1

Part 2

Doris Day with the Page Cavanaugh Trio: The Uncollected (1953)

A collection of transcriptions recorded during 1953 strictly for use by radio stations' filling time, this album presents Doris Day in a relaxed setting rarely heard by even her fans. With the Page Cavanaugh Trio, Day shines in her typically understated way giving treatments to 14 classic standards -- among them "You Brought a New Kind of Love to Me", "Star Dust", "I Could Write a Book", "Embraceable You", "S'Wonderful", "S'posin" and "I'm in the Mood for Love". These walk the line between pedestrian vocal pop and straight-ahead jazz. For those unaware that Doris Day was anything more than just a staid movie and pop star, it's convincing proof that she's been consistently underrated in the lexicon of great vocalists. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide

A talented veteran pianist/vocalist, Page Cavanaugh (left) and his trio (with guitarist Al Viola and bassist Lloyd Pratt) were quite popular during the latter half of the 1940s. Cavanaugh started taking piano lessons when he was nine. He picked up early experience playing with the Ernie Williamson band (1938-1939). While in the military, he first met up with Viola and Pratt. After their discharge, the trio's swinging playing (inspired by the Nat King Cole Trio), plus their whispered vocals, made them a hit during the mid-to-late '40s. Among their best-sellers were "The Three Bears", "Walkin' My Baby Back Home", and "All of Me". The group appeared in several movies including "A Song Is Born" and "Romance on the High Seas" (above). Cavanaugh worked steadily in the Los Angeles area for five decades, heading a septet called "Page 7" in the early '60s, and performing regularly with his trio (which once again includes Al Viola) beginning in the late '80s. His earlier RCA dates are difficult to find, but he recorded in 1989 for the Star Line label.

Tracks:

01) I Could Write A Book

02) Singin' In The Rain

03) Just You, Just Me

04) I'm In The Mood For Love

05) S'posin

06) September In The Rain

07) Light Your Lamp

08) S'Wonderful

09) I've Got A Feelin' You're Foolin'

10) Stardust

11) Crying My Heart Out For You

12) Because You're Mine

13) Embraceable You

14) You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me

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Frank Sinatra: Live From Las Vegas (1986)

If I had to choose between "The Main Event" at Madison Square Garden with Woody Herman, Howard Cosell and all that hoopla, or "Sinatra At the Sands" with Basie, Quincy and that super duper production, or this December 1986 album from the Golden Nuggets with its uneven audio balance and the wavering Sinatra voice reduced to a croak in one instance, the nod would always go to this album, "Live From Las Vegas". But don't get me wrong. Frank was 71 and any singer having reached his/her three score years and ten knows only too well the effect ageing has on the voice. But Frank was still the master here and the audience knew that. (He holds the final note of "My Heart Stood Still" for at least 18 seconds!!) They were rapt. There seemed so much goodwill. When he said he loved them I'm sure it was sincere and they believed him. The master seemed to be having a ball too -- more relaxed and more chatty than usual. And what about that new Leiber and Stoller song "The Girls I've Never Kissed".

"The old wolf sniffs the summer breeze . . . and dreams about his youth . . . . And the scent of honey in the trees -- whets an old sweet tooth . . . The pretty girls go strolling by . . . I smile at them and heave a sigh . . . And think of all the things I've missed . . . And all the pretty girls I've never kissed . . . "

Tracks:
01) Intro
02) I've Got The World On A String
03) What Now My Love
04) I Get A Kick Out Of You
05) My Heart Stood Still
06) Luck Be A Lady
07) I've Got A Crush On You
08) Mack The Knife
09) Monologue
10) The Girls I've Never Kissed
11) For Once In My Life
12) Someone To Watch Over Me
13) Maybe This Time
14) I've Got You Under My Skin
15) One To A Customer
16) I Have Dreamed
17) My Way
18) New York, New York
18) Bows

Part 1

Part 2

Gene Krupa & Buddy Rich: Krupa And Rich (1955)

The closest I ever came to having a relationship with the skins was as a drummer in our high school band. When I left home to attend university there were other priorities so left them behind. But I've always been fascinated and awestruck by the amazing skill demonstrated by a few top jazz drummers. These two, Krupa and Rich, were the tops. Different styles and techniques, but both brilliant. Here's a review from a dedicated fan, "Jaricco":

"This is without a doubt the finest collaboration between the two most famous drummers ever. There is no sense of competition on this album, just wonderful, swinging interplay between these two giants. When one looks at Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa one can make an analogy to Art Tatum and Count Basie. Rich, like Tatum, was simply the greatest technician on his respective instrument that ever lived. No one has even come close to duplicating what he did on the drums. Krupa, on the other hand, was a master of pure swing just like his counterpart on the piano, William Basie. Krupa could make the drums sing like any other instrument as his sticks literally danced on the drums. Krupa could play a simple beat and turn it into a mesmerizing mantra, whether it be on his snare or on the floor tom. What makes this album so special is that each drummer sticks to what he does best, and the result is an extremely even match-up. Krupa responds to Rich's thunderous technique with playful, entertaining and always hard-swinging magic. And add the fact that the band on this session comprises trumpet giants Dizzy Gillespie and Roy Eldridge, tenor saxophonists Illinois Jacquet and Flip Phillips, and a rhythm section of Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, and Herb Ellis, this album cannot help but swing like mad."

Tracks:
01) Buddy's Blues
02) Bernie's Tune
03) Gene's Blues
04) Sweethearts On Parade
05) I Never Knew
06) Sunday
07) The Monster

Part 1

Part 2

Laura Fygi: At Ronnie Scott's

Discovered Laura about five years ago. Have five of her CDs -- one for each year. This one is not my favourite. Top album for me is "Latin Touch" a collection of songs she recalls from her childhood in Uruguay. But I enjoy this one all the same largely because it transports me back to that night I sat in the famous Ronnie Scott's jazz club in London. I've mentioned before the magic it was to sit surrounded by scores of autographed photos, all jazz legends -- Ella, Oscar, Maynard, Sarah and dozens more. In my dreams I heard them saying: "Hi Kelly . . . Welcome to the club!"

But back to Laura. She is the daughter of a Dutch father and Egyptian mother. She is multi-lingual. Between 1987 and 1991 she was a member of a Dutch girl band called "Centrefold". During performances the ladies dressed themselves in sexy lingerie. They had hits all over Europe and Japan. In 1991, the ladies of "Centerfold" stopped performing and Laura (together with Rowan Moore) started a band called "The Backlot". After one performance in the Dutch theatre Paradiso, Mercury asked Laura to make a solo album. This first album was called "Introducing". On this album she was accompanied by famous Belgian harmonica virtuoso Jean Toots Thielemans. They teamed up again on her Verve release "Lady Wants To Know" (1994).

On this Ronnie Scott session she is supported by her long-time music partner Hans Vroomans at the piano. Jan Menu is on sax. Her name is pronounced "Fidgee".

Tracks:
01) That Old Feeling
02) All Of Me
03) Guess Who I Saw Today
04) Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue
05) I Will Wait For You
06) Corcovado
07) Orange Coloured Sky
08) Good Morning Heartache
09) Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend
10) For Me, Formidable
11) Feuilles Mortes
12) Just One Of Those Things
13) Nearness Of You
14) Almost Like being In Love

Part 1

Part 2

Frank Sinatra ~ Duke Ellington: Francis A & Edward K (1967)

Every so often a real gem slips under my radar. This is one of them. How I missed it I'll never know. Same thing happened to our reviewer "RL":

"I've been playing some Ellington lately, and so decided to purchase this album, which for some reason had been missing all these years from my Sinatra collection containing most of Frank's works. I was pleasantly surprised: Frank is in fine form for this period -- the late '60s -- not quite the singer he was in the mid-'50s when he made all those legendary albums with Nelson Riddle at Capitol, but still the best pop-jazz singer around. The Ellington orchestra still included all those virtuoso soloists who are well-showcased by Billy May's arrangements. The sound is excellent. My favorites: "Follow Me" and "Yellow Days". Billy May has given "Follow Me" the Sinatra beat and the Ellington sound -- and the result is the old swingin' Blue Eyes at his best. "Yellow Days" is just the master weaving his way through a lyric on the beat. For me Sinatra's magic always rested in his uncanny ability to meld in with his backing orchestra. He had an incredible ear for pitch and rhythm with impeccable timing and phrasing. My only complaint regarding this album is not enough songs -- only eight. Two more -- "Mood Indigo" and "Satin Doll" would have been nice. Maybe even another go at "Lush Life", which Frank never quite got around to recording by the way. But that's another story."

Tracks:

01) Follow Me

02) Sunny

03) All I Need is The Girl

04) Indian Summer

05) I Like The Sunrise

06) Yellow Days

07) Poor Butterfly

08) Come Back To Me

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Dave Brubeck Quartet: Dave Digs Disney (1957)

Dave Brubeck's ensemble playing is lit with contradictions, many of them best caught by the particular quartet lineup that included alto saxophonist Paul Desmond, drummer Joe Morello and bass player Norman Bates. For this set of Disney tunes Brubeck and Desmond play craftily off the contradicting sounds each made. Brubeck's stiff phrasing, so consistent that its very stoicalness was core to the art and Desmond's lithe execution and breathy tone get jostled by Morello's baby's-breath touch on the snare -- a perfect mix of terseness, economy, bent phrases, and so much more. Many of the tunes are all familiar to anyone with an ear on 20th-century culture, from "Give a Little Whistle" to "When You Wish Upon a Star" and "Some Day My Prince Will Come." The familiarity of the material allows an extended level of rapport, giving "Digs Disney" a shine that many Brubeck recordings just can't match. ~ Andrew Bartlett

Tracks:

01) Alice In Wonderland [Alice In Wonderland]

02) Give A Little Whistle [Pinocchio]

03) High-Ho! [Dwarfs' Marching Song]

04) When You Wish Upon A Star [Pinocchio]

05) Someday My Prince Will Come [Snow White]

06) One Song [Snow White]

07) Very Good Advice [Alice In Wonderland]

08) So This Is Love [Cinderella]

Download

Louis Armstrong & Oscar Peterson (1957)

Here's a rare set with Louis Armstrong singing a variety of popular standards in a relaxed and easy-going manner, backed by the Oscar Peterson trio and drummer Louie Bellson. Few fireworks occur but the change of pace for Armstrong (who also contributes some brief trumpet solos) is refreshing. The album was produced by Norman Granz and besides Louie Bellson, Herb Ellis is heard on guitar and Ray Brown on bass. It was recorded on Oct 14, 1957.

Side 1:
01) That Old Feeling
02) Let's Fall In Love
03) I'll Never Be The Same
04) Blues In The Night
05) How Long Has This Been Going On
06) I Was Doing All Right
07) What's New
08) Moon Song

Side 2:
01) Just One Of Those Things
02) There's No You
03) You Go To My Head
04) Sweet Lorraine
05) I Get A Kick Out Of You
06) Makin' Whoopee
07) Willow Weep For Me
08) Let's Do It Let's Fall In Love

Side 1

Side 2

June Christy: Previously Unreleased Material (1946)

The well-recorded radio transcriptions on this album predate all of singer June Christy's regular solo recordings. She had only been with Stan Kenton's Orchestra for about a year at the time. The identification of the backup personnel has been lost to history (despite the anonymous title of "the Kentones"), but Christy is the star of the 14 concise performances anyway. June Christy had the ability to swing in any song she was given, and in this case, all of the selections (except for "June's Blues") were superior standards. The young singer is heard in her early prime on such numbers as "Don't Worry 'Bout Me," "The One I Love," "September in the Rain," "Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams" and "Get Happy."

Tracks:
01) Don't Worry 'Bout Me
02) Mean To Me
03) Lover Man
04) The One I Love
05) Lullaby In Rhythm
06) Sweet Lorraine
07) September In The Rain
08) Moonglow
09) Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams
10) This Is Romance
11) June's Blues
12) Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me
13) How Long Has This Been Going On
14) Get Happy

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Shirley Horn: Here's To Life

When I read that Johnny Mandel had arranged the backings for this one I bought it. Bit silly to buy without a test run first, but Johnny had never failed me in the past and I wasn't expecting a let-down with "Here's To Life". Of course I wasn't disappointed. His ability to write a backing chart that enhances rather than competes with the soloist is legendary. This is also the opinion of one of my top reviewers, Mary Whipple:

"In this unusual CD from 1992, her first CD with a full orchestra in almost thirty years, Shirley Horn teams up with composer/orchestra leader Johnny Mandel. Horn has always sung as part of a trio, playing piano (which she considers her primary skill) to the accompaniment of Charles Ables on bass and Steve Williams on drums, and she insisted on recording the songs on this CD originally with just Ables and Williams backing her. Mandel, adapting his own arrangements to her recordings, enhances and emphasizes her music instead of competing with it.

As is usually the case, Horn slows down her tempo and sings quietly, sometimes even whispering the words to convey the emotion and drama of the lyrics, as the violins and violas from Mandel's orchestra add to the romance quietly in the background, often playing only chords throughout. Most of the songs begin a capella (or nearly so) with Horn adding her piano to her voice before the song takes off.

Three of the most interesting songs are, not surprisingly, Mandel's own songs. "A Time for Love," in which Horn laughs when she sings of holding hands, also features a trumpet solo by Wynton Marsalis halfway through, Marsalis playing brightly, but not brassily, in deference to the mood. Marsalis also solos in "Quietly There," another Mandel song in which the vibes provide accents to the unusual harmonies and disharmonies of this jazzy interpretation. (Marsalis agreed to substitute for Miles Davis, who passed away before the CD was completed.) "Where Do You Start," about the breakup of a household, begins, unusually, with the full orchestra to which Horn adds her piano before beginning to sing, a song of great poignancy and sadness.

"Return to Paradise" shows the advantages of a full orchestra over a trio, as the Latin rhythms inspire a mysterious, atmospheric background of tropical sounds--animal cries, bird song, insects as reproduced by the orchestra--before Horn's long piano solo and lyrical interpretations. Quiet, intimate vocal interpretations, enhanced by a sensitive and self-effacing orchestra leader, create one of the most romantic and moody CDs ever recorded, and one of Horn's best albums. ~ Mary Whipple

Tracks:
01) Here's To Life
02) Come A Little Closer/Wild Is The Wind
03) How Am I To Know
04) A Time For Love
05) Where Do You Start
06) You're Nearer
07 Return To Paradise
08) Isn't It A Pity
09) Quietly There
10) If You Love Me
11) Estate (Summer)

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Charlie Byrd ~ Barney Kessel ~ Herb Ellis: Great Guitars At Charlie's (1983)

Here's the second "Great Guitars" album. As indicated on the cover it was recorded at Charlie's, Georgetown in Washington DC in 1983. The first one was taped at the Paul Musson Winery
three years earlier. The lads seemed to like playing at wineries. Wonder why?

Tracks:
01) Where Or When
02) New Orleans
03) When The Saints Go Marching In
04) Change Partners
05) Pensive
06) Opus One
07) Old Folks
08) Get Happy
09) Danielle
10) Trouble In Mind

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Ella Fitzgerald & Andre Previn: "Do" Gershwin (1983)

For some time have been undecided whether to post this or not. Sure it's our two icons of jazz, Ella and Andre. But Ella was 66 when entrepreneur Norman Granz persuaded them both to do this album for his label, Pablo Records. Ella did about 20 albums for the label and the latter ones document the decline in her voice. "She frequently used shorter, stabbing phrases and her voice was harder, with a wider vibrato," one biographer wrote. I decided to post and publish anyway because a) there are few copies of this recording around, and b) as one of the most influential jazz singers of the 20th century it's of historical interest to share this album made towards the end of her amazing career.

Tracks:
01) A Foggy Day
02) Nice Work If You Can Get It
03) But Not For Me
04) Let's Call The Whole Thing Off
05) How Long Has This Been Going On
06) Who Cares
07) I've Got A Crush On You/Someone To Watch Over Me/Embraceable You
08) They Can't Take That Away From Me

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Duke Ellington: The Great Paris Concert (1963)

The Duke's "Great Paris Concert" Mark II (see Notice Board). God! Keeping all my fingers crossed that this one's all kosher. Recordings were made at the Olympia Theater, Paris, on Febuary 1, 2 and 23, 1963. The stuff from this concert is raw and largely unedited, and depicts the full Ellington band in extraordinary form, oozing excitement — from the saxophone showcase on the opener, "Rockin' in Rhythm", the various sections of the band take flight at different points throughout this set, which includes such contemporary numbers as Ellington's theme music for an all but forgotten television series, "The Asphalt Jungle", and excerpts from "Such Sweet Thunder" . Johnny Hodges is showcased in several solos, most notably on "Suite Thursday", a work whose original studio incarnation he missed appearing on; Cootie Williams("Tutti for Cootie"), Paul Gonsalves ("Cop Out"), Ray Nance ("Bula"), and Cat Anderson ("Jam with Sam") get their own moments in the spotlight.

Disc 1:

Side 1:

01) Kinda Dukish/Rockin' In Rhythm

02) On The Sunny Side Of The Street

03) The Star-Crossed Lovers

04) All Of Me

05) Theme from "Asphalt Jungle"

Side 2:

01) Concerto For Cootie

02) Tutti For Cootie

03) Suite Thursday

a) Misfit Blues

b) Schwiphti

c) Zweet Zurzday

d) Lay-By

Download

Disc 2:

Side 3:

01) Perdido

02) The Eighth Veil

03) Rose Of The Rio Grande

04) Cop Out

05) Bula

Side 4:

01) Jam With Sam

02) Happy-Go-Lucky Local

03) Tone Parallel To Harlem

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Notice Board

A word of explanation re the post I made yesterday -- Duke Ellington's "The Great Paris Concert". Had the post available for about an hour before I pulled it. There was a mix-up in the link for sides 3 & 4. Was alerted to this problem by a particularly arrogant, grumpy person. After thanking him for the comment, I suggested that he might like to look some place else in the future for his FREEBEE downloads. Naughty of me to react, but it was late and we blog owners can get a little disappointed the way some of our blogees can assume that we are obligated to them in some way. We're not! We supply this share service absolutely free of charge because we love our music and get a big buzz out of sharing it with others. And believe me it's very time consuming and can be fairly expensive. But it's our choice to do this and we can close our blogs down at any time depending on our domestic circumstances. Can I say here that I was disgusted that Scarpia was intimidated into closing his/her fabulous "Singin' & Swingin'" blog. I'm really missing it. There was always some hidden treasure waiting me when I had the time to do some digging. I understand it's still available for invited guests. Sadly I'm not one of them. By the way -- I've used the pronoun "our" in the foregoing. Now it's me being arrogant in assuming to speak for my blog brethren. Shouldn't have done that. Sorry.

So . . . . that said what about Duke's mighty Paris concert? Saw the double album for sale in one of our city stores that sells used vinyls. Couldn't believe my eyes as I'd always wanted this concert and here it was in its original Atlantic release. For some mysterious reason I didn't check the discs before purchase, something I always do. On returning home discovered disc two had been flogged (stolen) and replaced with some boring old orchestral thing. Disc one was OK. Hunted around the Net and finally found part two available for download. So now I've got the whole concert -- half on vinyl and half on CD. But at least I've got it. In sharing it on my blog yesterday there was a mix-up with sides 3 & 4 as I mentioned. Am re-upping this link at the moment so as soon as it's completed I'll re-post. Even if you've never been a fan of the Duke, try a download. This just may win you over.

Sarah Vaughan: In Hi Fi (1949/52)

Most of Sarah Vaughan's Columbia recordings were on the commercial side, but not the memorable selections on this CD reissue. She recorded eight selections in 1950 with an octet that included trumpeter Miles Davis, trombonist Benny Green, clarinetist Tony Scott and tenorman Budd Johnson. This CD adds alternate takes to seven of the numbers, increasing the discography of both Sassy and Miles. This version of "Ain't Misbehavin'" is a true classic (with memorable eight-bar solos by each of the four horns); "Mean to Me" and "Nice Work If You Can Get It" are gems, and the other performances are not far behind. In addition, Vaughan sings two versions of "The Nearness of You" in 1949; there is also a previously unknown recording of "It's All In the Mind," and three orchestra numbers from 1951 and 1953 wrap up this reissue. Sassy has rarely sounded better.

Part 1

Part 2

Charlie Byrd ~ Barney Kessel ~ Herb Ellis: Great Guitars Live(1980)

This exciting live session "At The Winery" is pretty definitive of the Great Guitars. With fine support offered by bassist Joe Byrd and drummer Jimmie Smith, guitarists Charlie Byrd, Barney Kessel and Herb Ellis romp on such swinging numbers as "Broadway", "Air Mail Special" and "Straighten Up and Fly Right". As usual, Byrd, with his grounding in classical guitar, is the
most distinctive, while Kessel and Ellis constantly pay tribute to Charlie Christian. This combination worked well together. Recommended to fans of bop guitar. "At Charlie's Georgetown" coming soon.

Tracks:
01) Broadway
02) Air Mail Special
03) Body And Soul
04) You Took Advantage Of Me
05) So Danco Samba
06) Sheik Of Araby
07) Straighten Up And Fly Right
08) Just In Time

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Robbie Williams: Swing When You're Winning

This album is heaps of fun. Since giving it a spin I've had to modify my opinion of Robbie. To be honest in the past I've thought of him as an egotistical little twerp. The media promoted him as some sort of sex god. At least it did in this country. But I've moved on. His alleged love conquests are for me now a great big yawn. He's a very skilled entertainer as this disc reveals. Here's what our reviewer, Westley, thinks of it:

"I was first attracted to this CD by the duet between Robbie and Nicole Kidman on "Somethin' Stupid." Of course, the song was originally recorded by Frank and Nancy Sinatra (#1 in 1967). Robbie and Nicole sound really good together - voices intertwining sexily; their version went to #1 for 3 weeks in the U.K. A number of other songs feature guest vocals, mostly from British stars. "Things," a duet with British star Jane Horrocks ("Little Voice"), is another highlight. Originally made a hit by Bobby Darin (#3 in 1962), the song really sparkles with lively interplay between Robbie and Jane. The two sang together previously on one of Horrock's CDs, and the chemistry is plain to see.

"Other duet partners include Rupert Everett ("They Can't Take That Away from Me"), Jon Lovitz ("Well, Did You Evah"), Jonathan Wilkes ("Me and My Shadow"), and Frank Sinatra ("It Was a Very Good Year"). I don't know who Wilkes is, but the two have some playful banter at the end of the song and sound quite well paired together. The duet with Sinatra, whereby Robbie's vocals are grafted onto the original version, is fine; however, I would have preferred to hear Robbie's solo version, as I'm not a fan of duets with deceased artists.

"In addition, Robbie scores on his solo tracks. One surprise is the somewhat cheesy "Mr. Bojangles," to which Robbie very effectively brings some hipness as well as sadness. In addition to "Things," Robbie covers two other songs associated with Bobby Darin - "Mack the Knife" and "Beyond the Sea," and they're both good. The collection only features one original song, but it's a doozy - "I Will Talk and Hollywood Will Listen." The song is told from the point of view of a Hollywood wanna-be who has big dreams of success. It's a really fantastic song, co-written by Robbie and Guy Chambers, that sounds right at home with the classics, despite its contemporary name-dropping (Cameron Diaz, Kevin Spacey)."

Tracks:
01) I Will Talk And Hollywood Will Listen
02) Mack The Knife
03) Somethin' Stupid [with Nicole Kidman]
04) Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me
05) It Was A Very Good Year
06) Straighten Up And Fly Right
07) Well, Did You Evah! [with Jon Lovitz]
08) Mr Bojangles
09) One For My Baby
10) Things [with Jane Horrocks]
11) Ain't That A Kick In The Head
12) It's D'Lovely
13) They Can't Take That Away From Me [with Rupert Everette]
14) Have You Met Miss Jones
15) Me And My Shadow [with Jonathan Wilkes]
16) Beyond The Sea

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Brentwood Jazz Orchestra: Rock Of Ages

Bought this cassette tape about 15 years ago. Had never heard of the Brentwood Jazz Orchestra so paid over my money just out of curiosity. Must confess I was surprised at the sound that greeted me from my speakers. Clean with a very good dynamic range and the playing -- really professional. Nice arrangements done by one Chris McDonald. Didn't know then, but have learnt since that he is a big name in the current Christian music world. He's talented and where did he get his sidemen from? No amateurs here! Grab a download and take a listen. If you'd like to hear more, go to www.christianbook.com and click on Jazz/Big Band. No more BJO that I could see, but about 66 other albums of very good Christian jazz. No I'm not on their payroll!

Side 1:

01) Let Us Break Bread Together

02) Just A Closer Walk

03) Come Sunday

04) I Want Jesus To Walk With Me

05) You Gave My Heart The Chance

Side 2:

01) Rock Of Ages

02) Abide With Me

03) Power In Praisin' The Lord

04) Jesus Loves Me

05) In The Beginning

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Royal Philharmonic Symphony Of London: Celebrate The Joy

Now, what is this all about. Well, for some of you (maybe not too many) this long weekend (Fri-Mon) is a special time for Christian folk. It's known as "the Easter holiday weekend" down here in New Zealand. Sounds a bit secularized doesn't it. Right on! The "faithful" go all out, especially today (Friday) to present their case for Christianity and believe me there are some extremely able apologists around. Some of their radio presentations are very professional. I'm a bit of a fence sitter. Brought up strict Methodist. Took religious studies as part of my university degree course. That probably explains my fascination for fences.

Anyhow, enough about moi. My next two posts are oriented towards Christian type music. But don't let that put you off -- especially the one after this. If you're a big band buff you'll probably be fascinated as I was with the amazing sound of the Brentwood Jazz Orchestra. They're coming next. But in the meantime here's the Royal Philharmonic Symphony Of London "Celebrating The Joy". Lots of hymns and gospel songs presented in the typical "Hooked On" style.

Side 1:

Side 2:

Tony Bennett & Bill Evans: The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album (1973)

When Tony Bennett recorded with Bill Evans, his career was at its nadir. He had lost his contract with Columbia and couldn't find work. Evans was of course still considered a Jazz genius, but 1973 wasn't a good time even for jazz geniuses. Why they ended up in the studio together is a mystery, but the outcome is pure magic. Bennett was taking a huge chance. There was no orchestra to hide behind, and no pop arrangement to lean on - just the extremely musical but complex Evans playing as he sang. He could have been exposed as just another pop singer, and the chemistry with Evans, who rarely ever accompanied anyone, could have been horrible. But he pulls it off with aplomb! There is so much richness in the whole album. For example, in "Young and Foolish", Evans forshadows melodic lines that Bennett will be singing as he plays beneath Bennett. The lushness of Bennett's voice is the perfect foil to Evans' harmonic intensity. The irony is that Bennett, who had never been known as a jazz singer before, becomes known as one, probably on the basis of this album alone; yet, he didn't get back into the studio again for years. And of course for Evans, this album is yet further example of his genius. This is a classic.

Tracks:
01) Young And Foolish
02) The Touch Of Your Lips
03) Some Other Time
04) When In Rome
05) We'll Be Together Again
06) My Foolish Heart
07) Waltz For Debby
08) But Beautiful
09) Days Of Wine And Roses

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Diane Schuur: Friends For Schuur

Not only did Diane Schuur's pal Stevie Wonder write a new song for "Friends for Schuur", but he also sings and plays one of his patented harmonica solos on it. Wonder and "Finally" join some of Schuur's other long-standing friends, including Stephen Bishop, who guests on his "Red Cab to Manhattan." As is the case with Wonder, Bishop singing something new with Schuur is a refreshing event, with her crystal clear voice at each song's center. Schuur goes one further, flawlessly singing tunes made famous by both Wonder and Bishop, "It Might Be You", from the film "Tootsie", and a live take on "I Just Called to Say I Love You", with Herbie Hancock joining her on piano. Schuur coaxes nuances from each tune here by drastically slowing the tempo and allowing her friends on keyboards (including Ray Charles and Dave Grusin) the space to explore the respective melodies. It's only on the simmering duet "It Had to Be You", with Charles, that the piano playing and blues shouting combo that Schuur is known for emerges. That's nine tracks into this 11-song effort. Virtually all the other selections here are sultry ballads with thick, lush arrangements, including a digitally transplanted (over-dubbed) sax solo by the then deceased Stan Getz ("Easy Living"), the man credited with introducing Diane Schuur to all her friends in the jazz world.

Can I say here that if this is your first introduction to Diane and I've whetted your appetite for more, mozy on down to your friendly local CD store and see what they can offer. Or for a wider selection go online to one of the major music sites like Amazon, CD Universe, Tower Records et al. I have 9 of her CDs. She's right up there near the top of my pop parade. I have seen her in person. She's a dynamic wee lady!

Tracks:
01) Easy Living (Stan Getz over-dub)
02) I'd Fly
03) For The First Time
04) It Might Be You
05) Love Like Ours
06) Red Cab To Manhattan
07) The Heart Never Learns
08) Never Take That Chance Again
09) It Had To Be You
10) I Just Called To Say I Love You
11) Finally

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Michael Brecker & Claus Ogerman: Cityscape (1982)

Composer/Arranger Claus Ogerman has contributed arrangements to classic recordings by a diverse list of artists, from Barbra Streisand to Stan Getz to Frank Sinatra to Bill Evans to George Benson. His modern classical approach often added an eerie Eastern-European vibe to these projects, and his orchestral works have been recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra and others.

Although tenor sax giant Michael Brecker had contributed to literally hundreds of important recordings by other artists and had recorded several albums as a member of the Brecker Brothers and Steps Ahead, he didn't make his first recording as a leader until 1986, at age 37. However, in 1982 he teamed up with Ogerman to make "Cityscape", a landmark recording that stands as an absolute highlight of his career.

A virtual Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra with jazz rhythm section, "Cityscape" features some of the most astounding and sensitive playing of Brecker's storied career. Sadly, Michael succumbed to leukemia in January of 2008, and the music world lost one of the most influential musicians of his generation.

Tracks:
01) Cityscape
02) Habanera
03) Nightwings
04) In The Presence And Absence Of Each Other Pt 1
05) " " " " " " " " Pt 2
06) " " " " " " " " Pt 3
07) " " " " " " " " Pt 3 [Alternative Mix]

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Peggy Lee: Somethin' Groovy (1968)

Another groovy somethin' from the Capitol crowd. This one a sure-fire winner -- Peggy Lee in her prime. She looked good and sounded even better. Ralph Carmichael did the backings and a big bonus -- Toots Thielemans on harmonica.

Side 1:

01) Somethin' Stupid

02) Makin' Whoopee

03) You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby

04) I Can Hear The Music

05) It Might As Well be Spring

06) Two For The Road

Side 2:

01) Release Me

02) Sing A Rainbow

03) No Fool Like An Old Fool

04) Love Is Here To Stay

05) I'm Gonna Get It

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Quincy Jones Big Band: Live In Paris (1960)

In late 1959, 26-year-old trumpeter/arranger Quincy Jones was engaged to conduct a jazz band for a musical called "Free and Easy", the songs for which were written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer. The unusual intention was to tour Europe before coming to Broadway, but the show never finished its engagement in Paris, closing down amid recriminations and stranding the cast and the orchestra. Though Arlen’s biographer, Edward Jablonski, states that only Jones came out of the situation well, touring Europe successfully with the show's band, Jones remembers things differently calling the experience one that brought him closer to contemplating suicide than any other. Eventually, Jones was forced to disband the group but not before this set of Jones originals and jazz standards was recorded in Paris on Feb 14, 1960. The band, which features such notable figures as Clark Terry and Phil Woods, is accomplished and the music is performed in the mould of the Ellington and Basie bands, albeit with the flair that Jones was even then showing as an arranger. ~ AMG

Band personnel were:

Phil Woods
Poter Kilbert
Jerome Richardson
Budd Johnson
Sahib Shihab [saxophones]
Leonard Johnson
Benny Bailey
Clark Terry
Floyd Stadifer [trumpets]
Jimmy Cleveland
Ake Persson
Melba Liston
Quentin Jackson [trombones]
Julius Watkins [french horn]
Pattie Bown [piano]
Buddy Catlett [bass]
Joe Harris [drums]
Les Spann [guitar & flute]

Tracks:
01) Birth Of A Band
02) Everybody's Blues
03) Moanin'
04) Tickle Toe
05) Stockholm Sweetnin'
06) I Remember Cifford
07) Walkin'

Part 1

Part 2

Nancy Wilson: Tender Loving Care (1966)

While my main motivation for this next share is Billy May (he was arranger/conductor), must comment first on Nancy's ability to wrap herself around the lyrics of a song and almost caress you into a frenzy of passion .... Wow! Slow down Kelly. You're movin' a bit fast here. Remember your age!! (Just took a valium). But seriously folks, this is the Nancy Wilson I love -- sensuous and velvety smooth. And Billy can aid and abet the whole hypnotic effect. He was a master arranger -- equally skilled with the big band charts or with the silky strings. If you download this share, note especially what he does with the first song, "Don't Go To Strangers" also "Tender Loving Care" and "As You Desire Me". Magic.

Tracks:
01) Don't Go To Strangers
02) Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You
03) Your Name Is Love
04) Too Late Now
05) Like Someone In Love
06) Tender Loving Care
07) As You Desire Me
08) I Want To Talk About You
09) Love-Wise
10) Try A Little Tenderness
11) Close Your Eyes

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Billy May Band: Live From The Hollywood Palladium (1953)

Here are a couple of transcriptions from the US Armed Forces Radio Service programme "One Night Stand" -- the Billy May Band at the Hollywood Palladium on Sunset Boulevard in LA. Back in those early decades the Palladium was a mecca for folk who wanted to listen to great swing music and dance at the same time. The venue attracted huge crowds lured by the big noter swing bands who could make a buck in those days. One of these was the Les Brown Band Of Renown. Les took his outfit to the Palladium for a 3-week engagement same year as Billy (1953). One of the bonuses of these live performances was the lack of restrictions on the length of solos. This is illustrated beautifully on my post, "Les Brown Band: Live At The Hollywood Palladium" back last August. In fact I think it was my very first share. I'm giving you a big nudge nudge --wink wink here. Would hate to think you'd missed it. Well worth a download! But back to Billy and the boys:

Tracks:
01) You're Driving Me Crazy
02) Angel Eyes
03) Good Gravy
04) Charmaine
05) Perfidia
06) No Greater Love
07) When I Take My Sugar To Tea
08) Ebb Tide
09) Do You Ever Think Of Me
10) Little Brown Jug [Broadcast Closing]
11) My Silent Love
12) This Can't Be Love
13) The Dixieland Band
14) Tenderly
15) My Funny Valentine
16) In A Jam

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George Shearing & Hank Jones: The Spirit Of 176 (1988)

According to Nat Hentoff who wrote the liner notes for this album, these two are "exceptionally compatible musicians. And being able to anticipate each other -- both in choice of notes and also in turns of mood -- they make these duets into a remarkable illumination of the art of mutual improvising" . Hank is predominantly on the right channel and George on the left. Nat continues: "If you're wondering about the title, "The Spirit Of 176", it is emblematic of the swinging fact that both keyboards -- each with 88 keys -- are fully and spiritedly in play throughout."

My grateful thanks goes out to Keith, one of this blog's buddies, who, on reading that I had sold my copy of this album many moons ago, posted me a replacement for us all to share. There's a lot of kindness out there. Thanks again pal.

Tracks:

01) Oh, Look At Me Now

02) Angel Eyes

03) I Mean You [Thelonius Monk/Coleman Hawkins]

04) You Don't Know What Love Is

05) To Hank Jones [George Shearing]

06) Minor Contention [Hank Jones]

07) Ask Me Now [Thelonius Monk]

08) Triste

09) Take A Good Look [Hank Jones]

10) Sweet Lorraine

11) Young No More

12) Lonely Moments [Mary Lou Williams]

13) Star Eyes

14) Confirmation [Charlie Parker]

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Bud Shank Remembered (1926-2009)

The world of jazz is mourning the passing of Bud Shank. He will be sorely missed especially in the role of mentor and friend as he was to countless numbers of young aspiring jazz musicians.

Bud hated the tag of West Coast jazz musician, but he was a key founder of the music produced in LA in the '50s. His work on the jazz flute is legendary. Bud was also a key influence in the development of Bossa Nova due to his early to mid '50s work with Laurindo Almeida (see "Brazilliance" posted Feb 17). Bud spent the late '50s through the early '70s in Hollywood studios. Watch any movie from that period that features background jazz music or jazz music cues and if there is an alto sax or flute playing it is probably Bud. His playing on alto changed over the years but he was always unique. In later years he became more aggressive on the horn, especially after giving up the flute in the 1980s.

This session I've shared with you sees Bud as guest with the Chet Baker Quartet during their gig at Fat Tuesday's in New York City on April 28, 1981.

Lineup is: Chet Baker [trumpet], Bud Shank [alto sax], Phil Markowitz [piano], Ron Carter [bass], Ben Riley [drums].

Tracks:

01) You Can't Go Home Again

02) Ray's Idea

03) In Your Own Sweet Way

04) There Will Never Be Another You

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Notice Board

Following my "Hits Of Judy Garland" posting last Friday (April 3) in which I made reference to the Garland/Minnelli London Palladium concert, den81164 of the "Crooners' Corner" and "Quiet! There's A Lady On Stage" blogs has kindly re-shared his copy of this album for myself and anyone else that would care to partake. It's at qtalos.blogspot.com. Thanks very much Den.

Mel Torme & Buddy Rich: Together Again For The First Time (1978)

All you Mel and Buddy fans will want to be in on this one. The guys' leave the best till last. A scatological tribute to wonderful Ella. Only 7 tracks. But hey -- who's counting!

Tracks:
01) When I Found You
02) Here's That Rainy Day
03) Blues In The Night
04) Bluesette
05) You Are The Sunshine Of My Life
06) I Won't Last A Day Without You
07) Lady Be Good

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Rach's Pop Parade: '70s & '80s

"Now you're starting to cook my kind of turkey!" No I'm not. Simmer down. It's still business as usual. The same old swingy, jazzy stuff. This is just a hiccup. Blame my lovely daughter, Rachael (see "Rachael" in Labels List). Rach as we call her mentioned to me recently that she would love to hear again the old hit songs she listened to from the late '70s to mid '80s. This was a challenge I couldn't ignore so began poking around the dusty old vinyls usually found in "Honest Joe" type secondhand shops in our city. Sure enough found a few "Solid Gold Hits", but most looked as they'd been used as frisbees. So turned my probe to our trusty internet and located most on Rach's list. Popped 'em onto a couple of CDs and my daughter is one happy gal. Then she said to me: " Why don't you share these on your blog dad? You may not get many visitors of my age but you never know!" Challenge #2. So, if you were a commercial radio listener about 25 to 30 years ago you may recall some of these songs pumped out over the airwaves. If you do, Rach says "Hi!"

Disc 1:

01) Tunnel Of Love [Dire Straits]

02) Jesse [Carly Simon]

03) Fool (If You Think It's Over) [Chris Rea]

04) Last Dance (long version!) [Donna Summer]

05) Drivin' My Life Away [Eddie Rabbitt]

06) I Can't Stand The Rain [Eruption]

07) Give Me The Night [George Benson]

08) I Pledge My Love [Peaches & Herb]

09) Upside Down [Diana Ross]

10) Rock 'n Me [Steve Miller Band]

11) I Only Want To Be With You [Bay City Rollers]

12) Dreadlock Holiday [10CC]

13) Pop Muzik [M]

14) Better Love Next Time [Dr Hook]

15) Dreamin' [Cliff Richard]

16) Do That To Me One More Time [The Captain & Tenille]

17) Baby It's You [Promises]

Disc 2:

01) Dance Away [Roxy Music]

02) You'll Always Find Me In The Kitchen At Parties [Jona Lewie]

03) Lucky Number [Lene Lovich]

04) Three Times A Lady [Commodores]

05) Reminiscing [Little River Band]

06) Blinded By The Light [Manfred Mann]

07) Twilight Zone [Manhattan Transfer]

08) Late In The Evening [Paul Simon]

09) He's So Shy [Pointer Sisters]

10) Lay Your Love On Me [Racey]

11) Crusin' [Smokey Robinson]

12) Something's Missing [Marcia Hines]

13) Hold The Line [Toto]

14) Brown Eyed Girl [Ian Matthews]

15) Gimme Gimme Gimme [ABBA]

16) Making Love Out Of Nothing [Air Supply]

17) All Out Of Love [Air Supply]

18) Lost In Love [Air Supply]

19) Downhearted [Australian Crawl]

Disc 1

Disc 2

The Hits Of Judy Garland (1963)

There's one album on my "must get" list that I've never managed to track down. It's the 1964 double Lp album of Judy and daughter Liza "live" at the London Palladium. Very few copies around now. It's the complete show. The later CD release called "Judy Garland & Liza Minnelli: Together" (1993) was OK, but incomplete. On the London occasion musical history was made as mum and daughter appeared together on stage for the first time. Liza was only sixteen and was reported to have suffered from a large dose of pre-show nerves. Why the apprehension? She was affraid that mum would completely upstage her! But she need not have worried. Even at this relatively early age, Liza was beginning to show her status as a potential star and mum was so proud of her that night.

Would have shared that '64 London concert with you had I owned a copy, but this compromise will have to do in the meantime. Most commentators will agree that the voice and
techniques of Judy Garland made her one of the 20th century's greatest showbiz phenomenons. Few around today will remember her as the teenager, ungainly and shy, who first
appeared on the movie scene in a series of films with the young Mickey Rooney -- great MGM successes of the 1930s -- then reaching for the sky as she did in the technicolor
fantasy "Wizard Of Oz". Her following career with its personal highs and lows is now history. Some say coping with those aspects of her emotional life enabled her to bring a depth of
feeling to her songs that few other singers of this era possessed. The slight break in the voice, the sob in the climatic notes, the intense vibrato were all part of the Garland mystique.

There's audience participation in some of these tracks. They're taken from "Judy At Carnegie Hall" (1961) and "Garland At The Grove" (1958). The rest come from "Miss Show
Business" (1955), "Judy" (1956) and "Judy In Love" (1958). They're all Garland trademark songs.

Side 1:

01) Medley

02) Over The Rainbow

03) Swanee

04) Come Rain Or Come Shine

05) The Man That Got Away

Side 2:

01) Chicago

02) I Can't Give You Anything But Love

03) Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart

04) April Showers

05) Rock-A-Bye Your Baby

06) When You're Smiling

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Liza Minnelli: Live At Carnegie Hall (1979)

Recorded at Carnegie Hall, New York City, September 1979. At the time, this 11-night concert appearance marked the longest running consecutive engagement for any one performer in the history of Carnegie Hall.

"In this series of concerts Liza Minnelli has made that quantum leap from an exciting performer to fully controlled entertainer ..... Miss Minnelli is in charge." ~ John S Wilson, New York Times, September 6, 1979.

The portrait used for the album cover is by Andy Warhol.

Disc 1: Sides 1&2

Disc 2: Sides 3&4

Nat King Cole & Billy May: The Billy May Sessions

Nat King Cole was backed by quite a number of bandleaders during his relatively short career (Gordon Jenkins, Nelson Riddle, Stan Kenton, Ralph Carmichael, Belford Hendrix to name but a few), but seldom more effectively than with Billy May. This two-disc compilation spanning the early fifties to mid-sixties gives us the fruit of their cooperation. While there are also the commercial titles (in the doo-wop idiom like "Send For Me", "Don't Try" etc and the chart attacking version of "Papa Loves Mambo") these are the only 'trivia' included for the sake of completeness. The rest of the tracks are pure Cole and May, the harvest of a most happy musical marriage infused with a healthy portion of jazz and swing (some tracks also feature Nat on hammond organ!). Needless to say the bands were stocked with the very cream of studio musicians. Many of them were former colleagues of May's from the Charlie Barnet and Glenn Miller bands. Biggest surprise is the great drumming -- no not by Alvin Stoller -- but by Lee Young, Nat Cole's regular drummer and Lester's brother. Young didn't always get the credit he deserved. His impeccable musicianship on these recordings should set that record straight. ~ Joost Kiefte AMG

Disc 1:
01) Walkin' My Baby Back Home
02) What Does It Take
03) Walkin'
04) I'm Hurtin'
05) Angel Eyes
06) Lover Come Back To Me
07) Can't I
08) Papa Loves Mambo
09) Teach Me Tonight
10) Blue Moon
11) Don't Try
12) Send For Me
13) Let's Make More Love
14) Don't Get Around Much Any More
15) The Song Is Ended
16) You'll Never Know
17) Just For The Fun Of It [Alternate Take]
18) Who's Sorry Now
19) These Foolish Things
20) Once In A While

Disc 2:
01) Just One Of Those Things
02) I Should Care
03) The Party's Over
04) Just For The Fun Of It
05) A Cottage For Sale
06) I Understand
07) When Your Lover Has Gone
08) Ebony Rhapsody
09) Day In Day Out
10) Too Little Too Late
11) When My Sugar Walks Down The Street
12) Cold Cold Heart
13) Let's Face The Music And Dance
14) Something Makes Me Want To Dance
15) I'm Gonna Sit Right Down
16) Rules Of The Road
17) Warm And Willing
18) Bidin' My Time
19) Moon Love

Disc 1

Disc 2

The King Sisters: Imagination (1958)

This album was love at first listen for me. I was familiar with their distinctive KS sound in the '40s. In fact I have a very early vinyl of them and Alvino Rey which I may post in the future. The sisters took a break from recording in the early '50s then after signing with Capitol came back with this groundbreaking album followed by "Warm And Wonderful". The second album, while good and innovative, didn't carry the same "wow" factor as the first from Capitol. This was partly due to the stunning effect Alvino Rey's brass writing had on "Imagination". I read somewhere that there was a reason for the Kenton-like brass sound on these backings. I can't say for sure that Pete Rugolo had a hand in the arrangements, but this article did suggest that Rey had managed to sign up a number of the Kenton sidemen for this recording session. This could be pure fancy, but listening to "What's New" sure makes you wonder.

Side 1:

01) Deep Purple

02) What's New

03) That Old Feeling

04) Early Autumn

05) Take The A Train

06) You're My Thrill

Side 2:

01) Imagination

02) Four Brothers

03) Don't Take Your Love From Me

04) Sweet And Slow

05) The Thrill Was New

06) Easy To Love

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