Happy Reunion – Duke Ellington & Paul Gonsalves

by | May 29, 2020 | Solo/Duo

Happy Reunion was a frequent concert feature for Gonsalves in the Ellington band’s later years.  Here, Paul was at the end of his career and no longer anywhere near his prime.  Still, if you take into account the close, enduring friendship between these men, and the fact that they even died only 4 months apart, this rare collaboration with just the two of them, makes for a tender and most memorable moment.

The story behind this performance seems to be that Paul Gonsalves, who had a long history of alcohol and drug abuse, had been under the weather and was late for a rehearsal with the full band. The usual Ellington strategy with a wayward musician was to call upon him for one solo after another. This video was recorded the next afternoon as the legendary tenor man again shows up late and is greeted by Ellington with, “Stinky, you juiced again?” At the end of the classic duo’s number, Gonsalves requests four kisses … an Ellington specialty. It’s a happy reunion and everything is forgiven, as always.

Unsquare Dance – Dave Brubeck

by | May 22, 2020 | Orchestral, Quartet/Quintet

Unsquare Dance is a song written by Dave Brubeck in 7/4 time … a most unusual time signature that seems to be as much fun to play as it is to hear!  Brubeck recorded the video for PBS broadcast in 2001, live with the London Symphony Orchestra.  His son Chris appears at the piano as well.  Below that is the original 1961 recording of Unsquare Dance by Dave and his quartet.  If you listen closely at the end, drummer Joe Morello sighs relief from the intensity of the tune with a quiet laugh and a “Yaaa!”

Unsquare Dance

by Dave Brubeck Quartet | Time Further Out

Soft Winds / Cakewalk – Oscar Peterson & Joe Pass

by | May 15, 2020 | Quartet/Quintet

In the simplest terms … Oscar Peterson plays more notes per measure than are able to be played with only 10 fingers and 88 keys.  But, he plays them just the same and makes it look easy!  Joe Pass is his perfect complement, as you’ll hear in both Cakewalk, also called ‘Noreen’s Nocturne’ (The top tune) and Soft Winds (The bottom one).  Notice the red circles on the music sheet … that’s what Peterson’s chart typically looks like and, if you are familiar with Oscar, you know how it sounds.

He is joined on both songs by Dave Young on bass, Martin Drew playing drums and of course the Pass magic on guitar.  Are these guys having fun, or what??

The Glenn Miller Orchestra Scandinavia

by | May 9, 2020 | Big Band, Vocal Group

The Glenn Miller Orchestra Scandinavia, based in Stockholm Sweden, began operations July 1st 2010 with permission and authorization from Glenn Miller Productions in New York.  The band is led by Jan Slottenäs and, arguably, offers the finest reproduction of the original Glenn Miller sound anywhere.

Moonlight Serenade (The video above) became Glenn Miller’s signature song … opening and closing each performance of the band.  Below, Perfidia (Spanish for “perfidy”, meaning faithlessness, treachery or betrayal) is a throwback to the 1940s, replete with a vocal group that does The Modernaires proud.  In The Mood (Just below that) is a familiar tune for anyone who has ever seen a World War II movie!  While a frequently requested dance number for the Miller Band, it became closely associated with the war and the 40s era itself.    GMO Scandinavia primarily performs in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland.  These videos were recorded at the Vasterås Concert Hall in Sweden, during 2015.

Doodlin’ / Airegin – Lambert, Hendricks & Ross

by | May 2, 2020 | Vocal Group

It’s no mystery why The Doodlin’ Song is so infectious when sung by Dave Lambert, Jon Hendricks and Annie Ross.  Many have performed it, but Lambert, Hendricks & Ross (Later Lambert, Hendricks & Bavan) own the franchise!

What do you get when you spell “Nigeria” backwards?  Would you believe Airegin, with some incredible scat singing by Dave and Jon!  Annie lays back here but discretely chimes in to round out the rich sound of these masters of Vocalese.