Mark Blackburn

I GET A KICK OUT OF YOU – Oldest (1934) and Newest (2021) renditions Ten years ago, someone posted to YouTube the original recording of Cole Porter's I GET A KICK OUT OF YOU – a song included on Tony Bennett's latest (6X) Grammy-nominated all- Cole Porter album with Lady Gaga. But until this moment, I'd never heard the original – the very first recording of this 'girl song' introduced on Broadway by Ethel Merman. (I'd forgotten that Cole Porter included a “sniff of cocaine” in the original lyric!) Below this video, some informed reminders of why Ethel Merman was once the beloved 'Queen of Broadway.' Dan Bridston (4 years ago) She could certainly belt, but the beautiful head voice tone at the end shows off a different side of her. M Wm. Morgan (4 years ago) The woman never needed a microphone. She ruled Broadway. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia "I Get a Kick Out of You" is a song by Cole Porter, which was first sung in the 1934 Broadway musical Anything Goes, and then in the 1936 film version. Originally sung by Ethel Merman, it has been covered by dozens of prominent performers, including Frank Sinatra, Dolly Parton, Ella Fitzgerald, and Tony Bennett with Lady Gaga. A cover in 1995 won the 1996 Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement with Accompanying Vocal(s) for arranger Rob McConnell while Bennett and Gaga's version is nominated for three awards at the 2022 ceremony. --- “All set?” “Tony's ALWAYS ready!” says Lady Gaga at the start of their "official music video":

DOYLE DYKES – O Holy Night “Commonly used at the beginning of the midnight Mass . . . ” [Wikipedia - O HOLY NIGHT.] I know more than a few singers and musicians whose favorite Christmas carol is this one: O Holy Night. A guitar hero of mine, Doyle Dykes, has just posted my “new favorite” solo instrumental version, after sharing at YouTube just why this carol means so much to him personally. Permit an aside: To my 75-year-old ears, no one ever sang this carol better than my own sister Andrea – herself born Christmas Day 1942 while her Daddy was away for three years fighting in WWII Europe. In her teens, my sister was an award-winning operatic singer (coloratura-soprano) at Toronto's Royal Conservatory of Music. Throughout much of her adult life, Andrea has sung O Holy Night in churches, Catholic and Protestant alike! And always people would come up to her, after the service, to say the same thing: “We never heard a more beautiful voice!” On the phone this December 25th, at my request, Andrea sang a few bars of our Mother's favorite carol – Lo, How a Rose e'er Blooming” – one we three had sung together 'a capella' in Mom's children's choir (at “St. Thomas the Apostle” Anglican church in Ottawa). Reading my mind, Doyle Dykes just shared his version – my new favorite rendition – of O HOLY NIGHT. I know Doyle would understand if, pressed for time, you go straight to the music, around the 3:00 mark; just know that it follows an inspiring personal story about how Mr. Dykes underwent an operation “one Christmas” when a severe illness had left him “completely deaf in my right ear.” --- The trick to performing sacred music in 'new ways' is permit your modern substitute chords to have an orchestral effect, enhancing the harmonies, without detracting in any way from the original melody. Best accomplished, Doyle would tell you, by keeping the lyrics in your mind and heart as you're playing. I imagine the composer (Wiki note below) being transported into the present moment, from a time 175 years ago when there were no virtuoso guitarists like Doyle Dykes – hearing with 'fresh ears' this beautiful recapitulation of his greatest melody. Wikipedia note: "O Holy Night" (also known as "Cantique de Noël") is a well-known Christmas carol. Originally based on a French-language poem by poet Placide Cappeau, written in 1843, with the first line "Minuit, chrétiens! c'est l'heure solennelle" (Midnight, Christians, is the solemn hour) that composer Adolphe Adam set to music in 1847. The English version is by John Sullivan Dwight. The carol reflects on the birth of Jesus as humanity's redemption. In Roquemaure [a village near Avignon, France] at the end of 1843, the church organ had recently been renovated. To celebrate the event, the parish priest persuaded poet Placide Cappeau, a native of the town, to write a Christmas poem.[1] Soon afterwards that same year, Adolphe Adam composed the music. The song was premiered in Roquemaure in 1847 by the opera singer Emily Laurey. Unitarian minister John Sullivan Dwight, editor of Dwight's Journal of Music, wrote the English version in 1855.[2] This version became popular in the United States, especially in the North, where the third verse resonated with abolitionists, including Dwight himself.[1] The wide vocal range of the song makes it one of the more difficult Christmas songs to execute properly, especially for untrained amateurs.[3] In French-language churches, it is commonly used at the beginning of the Midnight Mass. The master luthier who lovingly constructed that beautiful instrument, I'm sure would say that Doyle Dykes brought out its best, 'here and now.' A 65-year-old life long resident of Maryland, Paul Reed Smith quickly made a name for himself as a “master luthier” -- and as "founder and owner of PRS -- a high-end guitar maker” -- someone his fans describe as "forever chasing perfection.” [Wikipedia notes:] “Mentorship under Ted McCarty PAUL REED SMITH contacted Ted McCarty, former president of Gibson and creator of the Explorer, ES-335, and Flying V guitars [and] McCarty became his mentor and advisor.[1] The result of their collaboration was the current line of 'PRS Guitars' which include solid and hollow-body guitars. The 'Private Stock' line of PRS instruments are made utilizing a vast range of exotic materials including various stones, elaborately figured tonewoods, and intricate shells for inlays.

The Queen's favorite carol (ours too!) My musical Dad's favorite carol was O Little Town of Bethlehem. On our last Christmas phone call I recalled for my father (recovering from a stroke) that it's “your favorite, right?” Yes, he said, and agreed when I singled out my own favorite line – “from any Christmas carol, not just this one: 'The hopes and fears, of all the years, are met in thee, tonight.” Imagine our delight when my wife and I finally got to watch the Queen's Christmas message – culminating with those very words. [Before wishing us all “a very happy Christmas,” - at the 6:00 minute mark] “ . . . In the birth of a child, there is a new 'dawn' with endless potential. It is this simplicity of the Christmas story that makes it so universally appealing: simple happenings, that form the starting-point of the life of Jesus – a man whose teachings have been handed down from generation to generation. And have been the bedrock of my faith. “His birth marked a new beginning. As the carol says – 'the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight'." --- A mixed vocal chorus, the “Singology Community Choir” then sings the familiar words of O Little Town of Bethlehem – but a version set to an English melody: more of a festive tune, up-tempo and more 'anthemic.' The original words and tune were composed by two Americans. [Wikipedia note:] "O Little Town of Bethlehem" is a Christmas carol. Based on an 1868 text written by [Episcopal minister] Phillips Brooks, the carol is popular on both sides of the Atlantic, but to different tunes: in North America to "St. Louis" by Brooks' collaborator, Lewis Redner; and in the United Kingdom and Ireland to "Forest Green", a tune collected by Ralph Vaughan Williams and first published in the 1906 English Hymnal.

WALTER RODRIGUES JR. - You are the Sunshine of my Life After listening to Walter's posted version this day (21/23/2021) of (Walking in a) WINTER WONDERLAND I tried to recall my early favorite of his videos -- the one that introduced me to the joys of Walter's 'live' performances. Then I remembered it was this one, with a review I shared "2 years ago" with the now defunct 'Sinatra Family Forum' website (terminated by Nancy Sinatra, after a 24 year run, August 1). Favorite more recent comment below video: Stephanie Ellis (1 year ago) "YouTube decided to suggest a lot of guitar music -- send my way quite suddenly, a while back. As I got to listening to these arrangements and the musicians playing them, I realized that without exception I liked your arrangements and playing far more than any other. "I, too, love your musicianship and musicality and it cheers me up. Thank you Walter for sharing your gift." If I had to use just one word to describe the brilliance of a Walter Rodrigues Jr arrangement – it would be “coherence” – every note and chord segues into the next with an 'organic' perfection using deceptively simple chords that I call 'artless.' You watch and think, Heck I could play that! (Oh no you can't!) Like a melody by Richard Rodgers (my favorite composer whose tunes are instantly memorable the first time you hear them) you couldn't change a note to 'improve' on this arrangement even in some small way. Sinatra once changed a note in a Gershwin melody and his friend, composer Alec (“I'll Be Around”) Wilder said Frank actually improved the tune. Yes, words can't convey the subtle wonder of a Walter Rodrigues' arrangement. Doyle Dykes has a signature model of that Godin guitar. Hope they make a nylon string version with Walter's name on it: the least they could do, I say. On that note, I helped arrange Doyle's [first] visit to Winnipeg in the company of Godin executives promoting his new signature model. Their three divisions, all based in Quebec, are now the largest exporter of quality guitars on planet earth. But you knew that, right? Thanks for being you, Walter Rodrigues Jr. The world would be a poorer place without your playing.

WALTER RODRIGUES JR. -- Winter Wonderland Shared this day (12/23/2021) by my favorite living finger-style virtuoso. [He's playing an 'Ovation' -- Glen Campbell's weapon-of-choice.] Just left a reply: "The walking bass line throughout, in support of chord sequences -- substitutions of incredible difficulty to play -- especially at speed (without a lot of string 'squeaks' let alone mistakes). Who but Walter can do this? Yet make it look so easy! Oh-so-beautiful too. To coin a song title, Who could ask for anything more? After Walter responded with a "Thanks, Mark! [It is an] "Ovation 1763" I added that, "Around the 0:30 second mark you imparted (to my ears) a hint of reverberation -- the perfect amount -- to accent the hauntingly beautiful chord sequence at that moment -- at the start of the bridge ("In the Winter we can build a snowman"). It's only there for six seconds -- till the 0:39 mark. A perfect 'accent.' Was it intended? Or angelic intervention. 'Tis the season for that!"

IDINA MENZEL – What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? George Benson's duet partner on his recent Nat King Cole tribute album was one “Idina Menzel.” She's been getting regular airplay lately and at this moment Siriusly Sinatra satellite radio (now channel 70) is playing my new favorite version of WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEW YEARS EVE – the other 'seasonal song' composed (words and tune) by Frank (Guys & Dolls) Loesser. He would have LOVED to hear Idina's recapitulation of this great song by the man who won an Academy Award for “Baby, It's Cold Outside.” Love the trumpet solo on the musical bridge and the coda at song's end. Most viewed version at YouTube – with “comments left on.” Don't you love it when they do that? [Comment below the video that speaks for many of us kindred spirits!] Eric Twele 7 years ago Now this version is the only one that should be played every New Year's Eve. [Wikipedia says:] Idina Kim Menzel is an American actress and singer. Menzel is one of the most successful Broadway performers of her generation. She is well known for her portrayals of strong, female characters who are often misunderstood. Wikipedia Born: May 30, 1971 (age 50 years), New York, New York, United States Height: 1.68 m Albums: Idina, Holiday Wishes, Christmas: A Season of Love, MORE Spouse: Aaron Lohr (m. 2017), Taye Diggs (m. 2003–2014) Children: Walker Nathaniel Diggs

TONY BENNETT – Christmas In Herald Square “The Sinatra Christmas special was produced by Charles Pignone” says the voice of Siriusly Sinatra satellite radio for an hour-long show that just ended. All this day it seems (12/20/2021) Channel 70 Sirius/XM has been playing one Sinatra concert after another, plus special programming that features Frank (cleverly edited) doing all the spoken introductions. After a flurry of Sinatra songs this hour, we heard Frank's voice saying, of his good friend Tony Bennett: “When I said this guy is 'the best in the business' – I meant it!! And the best Italian singer [too].” What follows, are five consecutive Christmas songs by Tony -- starting with jazz piano trio, 'live' performances of 'Jingle Bells' and 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' and the beloved Charlie Brown special's “Christmas Time is Here.” (From Tony's most recent Christmas album with The 'Count Basie' big band.) At this moment, it's Tony singing a poignant seasonal song I'd almost forgotten -- (When It's) “Christmas In Herald Square.” Sure enough, the latest official video (this one) posted by Tony “1 year ago.” Leave it to Mr. Bennett to rescue a seasonal gem like this one. Knowing it deserves to be heard.

FRANK – “down Mexico way . . . “ “This is Johnny Mathis – playing favorites – on Siriusly Sinatra,” says the singer who was by far the best-selling recording artist (most multi-platinum albums) of the 1950's. After playing “Wonderful! Wonderful!” (his first million-seller with “The Ray Conniff Orchestra”) Johnny Mathis tells us, with a laugh: “I LOVE Mexico! And I love Frank Sinatra's recording of 'South of the Border' – just so wonderful! When he loved a song, he really gave it everything he had. It's a joy, to hear someone as gifted as he is, singing a song that he liked!" Track 14 on the Billy May -arranged “Come Fly With Me” album, most viewed version at YouTube, with informed recent comments like these: Rishard Lampese 1 year ago Just astonishing phrasing reflecting such a deep understanding of the music. This, along with a golden voice, made the man unsurpassed in this genre! Joesph Begley 2 weeks ago Song written by Jimmy Kennedy from Omagh in Northern Ireland. He also wrote Red Sails in the Sunset while watching a yacht leaving the harbour in Portstewart in Northern Ireland. Brendon Mills 8 months ago (edited) This was the first mp3 I downloaded. June 2001. Audiogalaxy. Napster had been killed by then.

ROSEMARY CLOONEY – The Spirit of Christmas The graphic at Siriusly Sinatra satellite radio, streaming on the computer says: “LET IT SNOW – Christmas with Rosemary Clooney – The Original Recordings.” A Christmas song by a great singer that I never heard before! (Not many of those left.) I can't find even a trace of its history online. Sure enough though, YouTube has one version (with six 'thumbs up') an official share by “Rosemary Clooney Topic” posted on a July day in 2018. “Comments turned off” (so we won't “learn more,” will we?) A 'Countrified' arrangement that opens with a little campfire harmonica, but nicely orchestrated, with an old-fashioned vocal chorus (a good one). If I'd written these words, I'd sure want people to know my name, wouldn't you? The sweet, happy laughter of children at play The clear, far-off jingle of bells on a sleigh The Love of the Man who was born on this day That's the spirit of Christmas!

TONY BENNETT – What Child is This As I like to tell the grand kids (I have eight of them) -- “This is the best time in human history to be alive.” Not least for instant answers to questions. (The novelty will never wear off.) This is Tony Bennett's 95th Christmas and I was just trying to recall “which album of Tony's featured WHAT CHILD IS THIS?" [Google those words and instantly we get this:] "Tony Bennett released The Classic Christmas Album in 2011, with songs from his other Christmas albums, ranging from Snowfall to A Swingin' Christmas. Today's song, “What Child Is This?” was the only previously unreleased song on the album. (Dec 23, 2015)" Still left wondering about the exact 'where and when' of this recording – Is this London Symphony/ Philharmonic musicians? Where's a Wise Man (or Woman) when you need one! Tony Bennett released an “official version” with (8,259 views since December 2, 2019) with “comments left on.” The best sound quality, of course. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UivC_iwT6Ow But then there is this: A seldom-seen upload (600 views) – posted by someone with 95 thousand “subscribers” – NANCYFLORESSANTOS – with the first stanza of lyric included, with quite the most beautiful slide show, featuring some of the greatest nativity paintings – including favorites I was hoping to see again 'all in one place' on this, my own 74th Christmas. Especially love the ones with 'farm animals' – which, when you think of it, provided the first strong odors to hit those little nostrils when he took his first breath. Always a humbling thought!

ALAN BROADBENT & LONDON METROPOLITAN STRINGS – Strange Meadowlark Concerning two of my favorite living arrangers -- Nan Schwartz and Alan Broadbent: Nan, a California girl, picked up a Grammy for her glorious arrangement on Natalie Cole's retire-the-trophy recording of HERE'S THAT RAINY DAY. Alan is the New Zealand -born, Grammy-winning, jazz pianist /composer /arranger (who conducted our Winnipeg Symphony orchestra when Diana Krall last appeared at our Winnipeg Jets hockey arena). Nan just shared with Facebook friends, a note of appreciation for Alan's latest creation – philharmonic strings arrangement of Dave Brubeck's lesser-known STRANGE MEADOWLARK. All my life, for sixty years now, I've periodically hummed to myself this most beautiful tune from Brubeck's multi-platinum -selling “Time Out” album – where it was track 2, sandwiched between the album's two hits (with their own Wiki entries) 'Blue Rondo a la Turk' and 'Take Five' – the first million-selling single by a jazz artist. [Wiki note below] Imagine my joy to find this link, provided by Nan Schwartz, to 'Strange Meadowlark' - "The new Album 'Broadbent plays Brubeck' by Grammy-winner Alan Broadbent and London Metropolitan Strings" -- now available "on all relevant streaming platforms! Listen now to the full Album on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music and many more ... " [“Time Out” – background by Wikipedia:] The album was intended as an experiment using musical styles Brubeck discovered abroad while on a United States Department of State sponsored tour of Eurasia, such as when he observed in Turkey a group of street musicians performing a traditional Turkish folk song that was played in 9 8 time with subdivisions of 2+2+2+3, a rare meter for Western music.[12] On the condition that Brubeck's group first record a conventional album of traditional songs of the American South, Gone with the Wind,[13] Columbia president Goddard Lieberson took a chance to underwrite and release Time Out. It received negative reviews by critics upon its release.[14] It produced a Top 40 hit single in "Take Five", composed by Paul Desmond, and the one track not written by Dave Brubeck. Track Listing All pieces composed by Dave Brubeck, except "Take Five" by Paul Desmond.[19] Side one "Blue Rondo à la Turk" – 6:44 "Strange Meadow Lark" – 7:22 "Take Five" – 5:24 "Strange Meadow Lark" begins with a piano solo that exhibits no clear time signature, but then settles into a fairly ordinary 4/4 swing once the rest of the group joins. "Take Five" is in 5/4 throughout. According to Paul Desmond, "It was never supposed to be a hit. It was supposed to be a Joe Morello drum solo."[14]

WALTER RODRIGUES JR. – I'll Be Home For Christmas [Just left Brazilian-born American guitarist Walter Rodrigues Jr. a note] If my hero, your compatriot, Sergio Mendes and 'Brasil 66' had recorded this one, it would be just about as beautiful as this. Almost. But this is here and now, in the present moment (12/14/2021) and 'right now' is always better. Shhh . . . don't tell my other finger-style guitar heroes – Tommy Emmanuel and Doyle Dykes (whose first visits to Winnipeg I helped arrange) – but new arrangements by Walter Rodrigues of old favorites are always 'the best I ever heard.' Case in point. Goosebump inducing, as I like to tell musical friends. Have a blessed Christmas and thanks for sharing, Walter. [Walter left us fans a comment "10 hours ago":] "Hi everyone! Went overboard on this one with 26 audio tracks and several hours of video editing 🙂 Hope you'll enjoy my arrangement of this beautiful Christmas classic. Wishing you a happy and safe Holidays! As always, thank you for watching!" WARNING: Headphones required!!! P.S. Did you catch that 'Wave'? around the 3:30 mark -- on the little coda at the end, played on 'celeste' chimes -- Walter's allusion to my favorite song by Jobim, WAVE -- the opening notes to the words, "So close your eyes, for that's a lovely way to be, aware of things your heart alone was meant to see, the fundamental loneliness goes, whenever two can dream-a-dream together!" On the definitive version, arranged by Brazil's Eumir Deodato, the 'The Voice' hits his lowest note ever (an E-flat). This one (with most views this day at YouTube):

SINATRA - I Thought About You His immediate response to a two-page letter celebrating my 'late-in-life discovery of your greatness.' [My closing thought:] "On a personal note: my absolute favorite song of yours, for reasons I can't really explain, is 'I Thought About You.' Maybe it's the deceptively simple, elegant tune by that genius who began life as Chester Babcock (Van Heusen). Or the brilliant lyric by the century's greatest lyricist (Mercer). Or the gem of an arrangement by my favorite American arranger (Riddle) with all those train sounds, that have you swinging down the track. Oh hell, let's face it---it's the singer! The song wouldn't be what it is without you. Merry Christmas 1992!" [Playing right this minute on Siriusly Sinatra satellite radio:]

ELLA – Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered “Ella and the London Symphony Orchestra” says the scroll on my computer, streaming Siriusly Sinatra satellite radio: My ears perk up each time I hear something from this album. Playing right now is this sonic marvel, created four years ago from old, destined-to-be-forgotten tapes of Ella Fitzgerald alone in a studio – with just a piano trio or solo pianist – posthumously surrounded on a perfect 21st century sound stage (Abbey Road Studios) by London's finest living 'philharmonic' musicians. Playing now is one of my favorite Rodgers & Hart songs (which Frank thought to include on my favorite of his albums, 'The Concert Sinatra' - 1963). But as a 'girl song' sung by Ella in her prime, this latter-day hybrid recording is suddenly 'definitive' to my ears. Yours too? No Wikipedia entry (yet) for this 2017 album but an English website, “U-DiscoverMusic” informs us these recordings originated in “the prolific period in Ella’s career, from 1950 to 1961, during her historic relationship with Decca Records and later Verve (founded by her manager Norman Granz). “These early recordings were very sparse, with often only Ellis Larkins on piano, or a small band that included Ella’s husband Ray Brown on bass. As a result, the minimal instrumental immediately opened up lots of possibilities for adding an orchestra”. The album's co-producer James Morgan spoke of the delicate balance of the project, saying: “For tracks where we didn’t need to extract the vocal, we were forever giving thanks for the incredible quality of the original recordings – the vocal right up front, rich and warm. We constantly marveled at how amazing, faultless and natural her vocal sounded without all the so-called expertise we use to record in this day and age.” The article notes that these “newly orchestrated and arranged performances feature Oscar and Grammy Award winning arranger Jorge Calandrelli, as well as James Morgan who both served as conductors for these symphony sessions that were recorded at Abbey Road Studios.” ---- Almost 30 years after her death (the summer of 1996, age 79) we're still on a first name basis with “Ella” (no need to mention her Irish surname). Her Wikipedia entry is perhaps the most comprehensive for any “jazz singer” – not surprising for someone once known as “The First Lady of Song,” and “The Queen of Jazz.” Wiki highlights include the note that, “She was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, timing, intonation, and a 'horn-like' improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing. [And that] In 1993, after a career of nearly 60 years, she gave her last public performance. Her accolades included fourteen Grammy Awards, the National Medal of Arts, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. [Ella's Wiki entry now includes an informed note from a Sinatra fan, that wasn't there before:] Possibly Fitzgerald's greatest unrealized collaboration (in terms of popular music) was a studio or live album with Frank Sinatra. The two appeared on the same stage only periodically over the years, in television specials in 1958 and 1959, and again on 1967's A Man and His Music + Ella + Jobim, a show that also featured Antônio Carlos Jobim. Pianist Paul Smith has said, "Ella loved working with [Frank]. Sinatra gave her his dressing-room on A Man and His Music and couldn't do enough for her." When asked, Norman Granz would cite "complex contractual reasons" for the fact that the two artists never recorded together. Fitzgerald's appearance with Sinatra and Count Basie in June 1974 for a series of concerts at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, was seen as an important incentive for Sinatra to return from his self-imposed retirement of the early 1970s. The shows were a great success, and September 1975 saw them gross $1,000,000 in two weeks on Broadway, in a triumvirate with the Count Basie Orchestra." ---- As for this recording, I believe Ella would have loved this orchestration -- by Tony Bennett's favorite latter-day arranger, Jorge Calandrelli (they've won multiple GRAMMYs for their 12 album collaborations). Really, isn't this marvelous?

BARBARA COOK – Cookin' Breakfast for the One I Love At Siriusly Sinatra satellite radio, I like to think that they know my love for Barbara Cook, and program accordingly. As if to say, 'Bet you never heard this one before,' Channel 70 is playing her version of (When I'm) Cookin' Breakfast, For The One I Love. On this recording Barbara shared Tony Bennett's longtime musical director, pianist/accompanist/arranger Lee Musiker. The graphic streaming on my computer is from her late-in-life album, “Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder.” Too obscure for a Wikipedia entry of its own, the website “Second Hand Songs” has a one-line entry: “The song Cooking Breakfast for the One I Love was written by Billy Rose and Henry Tobias and was first released by Fanny [Funny Girl] Brice in 1930.” Another favorite singer (who died young, decades ago) Maria (Midnight at the Oasis) Muldaur recorded this one. Her version is also at YouTube. Love the lyrical allusion to an old saying, (the endearing half-truth) that, 'The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.' “Our life has been so nice-and-chummy, right from the start: When I'd won his tummy – I'd won his heart.”

DOYLE DYKES – What Child Is This My finger-style guitar hero Doyle Dykes occasionally picks up a 12 string – usually to employ for a particular purpose that unique sound: Like a harpsichord, the sound of a 12-string guitar can quickly become tiresome (in the hands of a less gifted player). As if knowing that I'd just been re-reading the Wikipedia entry for “What Child is This” – the song's 19th century English lyricist – his words in 1871 to a much older tune Greensleeves (composer unknown). Recorded just hours ago (12/10/2021) – on a 12-string electric, created for him by GODIN, a Quebec-based company that has become the world's largest manufacturer of quality guitars, including signature models for Mr. Dykes. His solo performance here, you may agree, is breathtakingly beautiful: The shading, and his tasteful insertion of just a few modern chords; the seeming absence of mistakes in the most difficult-to-play passages which he makes look easy! Wikipedia note: "What Child Is This?" is a Christmas carol with lyrics written by William Chatterton Dix in 1865, subsequently set to the tune of "Greensleeves", a traditional English folk song in 1871. Although written in Great Britain, the carol today is more popular in the United States than its country of origin . . .

DOYLE DYKES -- Jingle Bells You don't have to play guitar, to realize that THIS is the best finger-style rendition of JINGLE BELLS that you may ever hear. And guaranteed to make you smile (or 'double your money back' as they used to say). My favorite living guitar virtuoso plays, without repeating himself, so many melodic variations of increasingly-difficult complexity – and yet, as the great ones always do, he makes it look almost easy. Almost. Thanks for sharing, including the back-story that, “I was in Athens Georgia and we were about to finish mixing my Christmas album a few years ago . . . and I'd been listening to some things we'd done – some demos – and I thought, 'This is just way too chill – it needs something, you know, FUN and UP and so I thought, Well, I'll do Jingle Bells. And I grabbed my guitar and came up with that arrangement of Jingle Bells – a 'thanksgiving' song, I hope you enjoy!" https://www.facebook.com/doyledykes/videos/796450774543903

FRANK SINATRA – Prisoner of Love A timeless “guy song” from nine decades ago – recorded by a wide range of important artists, from James Brown to Perry Como. Como had a hit with it in 1946; James Brown in 1963 – one year after Sinatra finally recorded it for his landmark “Sinatra & Strings” album – his first with arranger Don Costa. Playing right now on Siriusly Sinatra satellite radio (channel 70) -- a track I singled out in an Amazon review for a favorite (2-CD) compilation “Seduction: Sinatra Sings of Love.” [below]. Most viewed (with “comments left on”) at YouTube this day, with an informed note and a pleasing slide show! “A salute to producer Charles Pignone for making "Prisoner of Love" track Number 1. Sinatra's seductive ways with the Ladies were legendary. Here, however he goes straight to the hearts of all males `consensually enslaved' by beauty. (Hard to believe such words were first sung in prim & proper 1931!) "For one command I stand and wait now From One who's master of my fate now . . . She's in my dreams, awake or sleeping Upon my knees to her I'm creeping, My very life is in her keeping . . . I'm just a prisoner of love." The ache in Frank's voice! Seems he's `been there, done that.' And listen closely, if you will, to the perfectly-mated arrangement by Don Costa (from their 1961 "Sinatra & Strings" album - one of the first Sinatra CDs you should purchase). Concerning which obsession, the writer of the pleasurable liner notes, author Bill Zehme, wrote: "He had a weakness for poise: Elusive Women vexed him . . . drew him in, with their flight, and their casual indifference. Once, at a party at Humphrey Bogart's house, he complained to Lauren Bacall "after following one such specimen around without success: `She's ignoring me!' To which the rueful Bacall said, `Yeah, she's ignoring you right into the sack.' (Her prophesy was realized!)." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVs0bElQelw

Sergio Mendes / Brasil '66 – Pretty World “Hold me in your arms, and our little place, will be the 'Place of Places' Nothing else to make . . . but breakfast and love.” I always loved entertainers who could replicate their studio recordings in live shows on stage or TV. A favorite example: “Sergio Mendes and 'Brasil '66” -- whose “Pretty World” is playing right this minute on Siriusly Sinatra satellite radio. A brilliant, unforgettable tune by Sergio set to a deceptively carefree (and perfect) lyric – words that could only have been crafted by 'The Bergmans' – Marilyn and Alan. They wrote 'Nice 'n' Easy' for Sinatra before they were married. Born in the same New York hospital, they're both still with us. This live color TV performance from 1969 (nearing 3 million “views”) was posted to YouTube two years ago with a comment about singer Lani Hall. “Mrs. Herb Alpert” (stage left) turned 76 last month. Happily married to Herb since 1973, they still perform together, and were scheduled to appear here in Winnipeg Canada, till Covid intervened. [Lani's Wiki note below] Lani Hall (born November 6, 1945) is an American singer, lyricist, author, and the wife of Herb Alpert. From 1966 to 1971 she performed as lead vocalist for Sérgio Mendes & Brasil '66. In 1972 Hall released her first solo album, Sun Down Lady. She may be best known, however, for providing the most-recognizable (female) face and (female) vocal signature sound to Sérgio's group during her tenure there, and for her rendition of the theme song to the 1983 James Bond film, Never Say Never Again, with its accompanying video, in which she prominently appears. In 1986 she was awarded her first Grammy for Es Fácil Amar, as "Best Latin Pop Performance."[1] After that year, Hall largely retired, resurfacing in 1998 with the solo album Brasil Nativo. She has recorded more than 22 albums in three different languages and has released three albums on which she performs alongside her husband, Herb Alpert: Anything Goes, I Feel You and Steppin' Out. Hall received her second Grammy Award in 2013 as the producer for the album Steppin' Out.

DEBORAH COX – What a Difference a Day Made I awoke today thinking of an old tune -- 'owned' by Dinah Washington – her signature song, “What a Difference a Day Makes.” With a great (easily-remembered) lyric: . . . There's a rainbow before me, skies above can't be stormy, since that moment of bliss, that thrilling kiss It's heaven when you, find romance on the menu, What a difference a day makes – and the difference is you! A very old melody Wiki reminds us, with an “original lyric in Spanish.” "What a Diff'rence a Day Made", also recorded as "What a Difference a Day Makes", is a popular song originally written in Spanish by María Grever, a Mexican songwriter, in 1934 with the title "Cuando vuelva a tu lado" ("When I Return to Your Side") and first recorded by Orquesta Pedro Vía that same year …. “The English lyric was written by Stanley Adams and published in late 1934. The most successful early recording that same year, was by the Dorsey Brothers ….” Wikipedia lists a third variation on the title (with exclamation point) in its entry for Dinah's famous version title track on her 1959 album: What a Diff'rence a Day Makes! is a tenth studio album by Dinah Washington, arranged by Belford Hendricks, featuring her hit single of the same name.[3] The title track won Washington the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance at the 2nd Annual Grammy Awards held in November 1959. Album was released on CD in 2000 on the Verve label with 3 bonus tracks. ---- Hit the 'back one hour' button for Siriusly Sinatra streaming in computer and …. Lo and behold! My favorite latter-day rendition – from a should-have-been-Grammy-nominated album by Canadian singer Deborah Cox. A lush and lovely orchestration, from one of my favorite arrangers, Rob Mounsey. [note below] I see my namesake has already reviewed this – twice! Old and forgetful. Destination Moon is the fourth album by Canadian R&B singer Deborah Cox. It was released by Decca Records on June 4, 2007 in the United States. A tribute album to jazz singer Dinah Washington, Cox noted it "a concept album that I've had in mind for years".[2] Many of Washington's songs are reinterpreted on the album including the title track "Destination Moon". Most of the album was recorded live with a forty-piece orchestra and was produced and arranged by Rob Mounsey. The week after its release, Destination Moon peaked at number three on the Billboard Top Jazz Albums.

JOHN PIZZARELLI - Paper Moon Nearing midnight and just left John a note on his Facebook page: “Channel 70” (Siriusly Sinatra) satellite radio is playing “John Pizzarelli Trio – It's Only a Paper Moon" (at 11:11 Frozen Prairie Time). Their programmer extraordinaire, 'Jersey Lou' Simon's way of saying, perhaps: “Make that one my request John and Jessica when you return in a couple of weeks with your Santa show.” Just had to say -- always love the way you retained elements of Nat Cole's original, including that closing riff – that was played by …. who? Oscar Moore, I believe. Google for a YouTube video -- and this delightful under 5 minute feature (2010):

TONY BENNETT - Christmasland Tony Bennett told a nightclub audience in Toronto in long ago 1968 that, “You Canadians should erect a statue to Robert Farnon.” Acknowledged as the most influential of all arrangers (according to all the other great ones) the Canadian-born Farnon arranged and conducted Tony's first Christmas album (recorded in both London and New York). Since the last time I checked, the album now has its own, informed Wikipedia entry (below). On his Facebook page today (12/7/2021) Tony asks his fans for their favorite songs now that Spotify has added “My Favorite Things” to their list of preview songs to enjoy for free: Tony included on the Snowfall album a 'new' seasonal song “Christmasland” composed by Robert Farnon's brothers Dennis and Brian. [The latter for a time was Nat Cole's musical director; Dennis Farnon conducted the orchestra for my favorite Chet Atkins album “In Hollywood.”] Their song, arranged by their brother, with “Bob's Band” of London symphony musicians. [Wikipedia notes:] Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album is a 1968 studio album by Tony Bennett, his first Christmas album.[3] It was arranged and conducted by Robert Farnon. Even though they had been friends since the early 1950s, Bennett and Farnon had not recorded together before, Bennett having such reverence for Farnon's work that he felt he "wasn't ready...(and) not developed enough as an artist to record with him".[4] Farnon, who normally recorded in London, came to New York City for one of the two sessions that produced this album. Six tracks were recorded at Columbia's recording studios in New York City, and four in London. In Bennett's autobiography, he recalls that the New York session was attended by such notable American arrangers as Don Costa, Marion Evans and Torrie Zito, all curious to see how Farnon worked. Quincy Jones subsequently threw a party for Farnon in New York City, and at the party there were so many famous musicians that Jones joked, "If a bomb goes off in this apartment, there won't be any more records made!"[5] The album was reissued on CD in 1994, with new cover art and a bonus track, "I'll Be Home for Christmas", recorded during a live appearance by Bennett on The Jon Stewart Show. It was reissued once more in 2007, again with different cover art and including a bonus DVD containing excerpts from Bennett's 1992 television special Tony Bennett: A Family Christmas. Bennett later recorded two additional Christmas albums, Hallmark presents Christmas with Tony Bennett and the London Symphony Orchestra (2002) and A Swingin' Christmas (Featuring The Count Basie Big Band) (2008).

SINATRA - Night About once a year, Siriusly Sinatra satellite radio plays a song from a most unusual Sinatra album – a spoken tribute to poet Rod McKuen. And tonight's the night -- for “NIGHT.” “I can just about get through the day …. but the night makes me nervous,” says a middle-age Sinatra – his voice recorded close to the mic, so that the warmth of the sound, and the soft timbre of that impressive speaking voice, caresses our ears. And a memorable tune, (still in search of its own lyric) beautifully orchestrated, with lush strings and woodwinds: From Frank's favorite late-in-life arranger Don Costa, who died young, a few years after this recording: A unique Sinatra album celebrating an American poet with French sensibilities. ['The Voice' continues:] “.... Nervous, not for any reason, except …. maybe that it catches you, unaware. And follows you. The way a woman follows .... when she wants something!” After a 40 second musical bridge Sinatra returns to tell us, “I've been in every kind of night. And I …. I shouldn't be afraid of darkness. But for some reason …. the night makes me nervous.”

DOYLE DYKES -- Jolly Old St. Nicholas (Random Late Night Pickin') Late in life, 'Mr. Guitar' Chet Atkins was asked if there was someone he would pay to go and see in concert: "Oh," said Chet without missing a beat, "someone like Doyle Dykes." Chet would have loved this rendition of Jolly Old St. Nicholas -- best solo finger-picking rendition I could even imagine! Thanks for sharing, Doyle.

PERRY COMO – Not While I'm Around Siriusly Sinatra satellite radio (now channel 70) just played “Perry Como – Not While I'm Around” – the tender ballad from Stephen Sondheim's macabre musical Sweeney Todd (a show about a barber who slits the throats of his customers and consumes their flesh in 'meat pies') Not everyone's cup of tea. Certainly not Perry Como's (though a professional barber himself in his teenage years!). Perry loved this song enough to record it in early 1980, a few months after Sweeney Todd had opened on Broadway. Just had to re-visit Como's extensive Wikipedia entry (one of the largest for any popular singer with a couple of hundred footnotes). There's an interesting addition -- excerpts from liner notes written for a Como album by a favorite musical historian – the late Canadian-born lyricist Gene (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars) Lees: "There was another side to Perry Como that Gene Lees described in his sleeve note to Como's 1968 album Look To Your Heart:[105] ---- I remember my musical father (a Church of England / Anglican / agnostic) listening with enjoyment to Perry Como's once-a-year Christmas performance of “Ave Maria” – though, like most of us, Dad never knew the English words for the 'Hail Mary'. The Wiki notes say Perry Como never performed the hymn at public concerts (“it's not the proper place for it”) despite the fact it was perennially “the most requested song” on his long-running TV show. Near the end of his Wiki entry on notes about his Catholic faith there is this: Filming for the Kraft Music Hall Christmas show that was aired on December 17, 1964 began at the Vatican November 7. By special permission of Pope Paul VI, Como and his crew were able to shoot segments in the Vatican gardens and other areas where cameras had never been permitted previously.[172][173] The show featured the first television appearance of the Sistine Chapel Choir, and also the first time a non-choir member (Como) sang with them.[173][174] The choir performed a Christmas hymn in Latin written by their director, Domenico Bartolucci, called "Christ Is Born", as part of their presentation. Como asked his associate, Ray Charles [of "Ray Charles Singers" fame] to write English lyrics for the song, using it many times on both television shows and his Christmas albums.[173][175] The Carpenters also recorded the song on their first Christmas album, Christmas Portrait.[173] It was the only track on The Carpenters Christmas album (today nearing “double platinum” sales of 1.98 million) that I knew nothing about. Last year, May of 2020, someone uploaded to YouTube this 'remastered' version from The Carpenters Christmas special.