"Harlem Nocturne".

OK, boys and girls, back to the 30s: Trombonist Earle Hagen and crooner Dick Rogers co-wrote this 1939 jazz classic as a tribute to Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges. Evokes feelings of the night (hint, hint!) and is inspired by it. It was first recorded that same year by The Ray Noble Orchestra, of which both of them were members. The Viscounts took it to #52 on Billboard in '59 and again to #39 in '66. It is perhaps best known as the theme for TV's "Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer" and "The New Mike Hammer" masterfully performed by Bud Shank on the alto sax. Memorable "velvet" vocal version by Mel Torme in '63. Covered by, among many others, Mantovani, Herbie Mann and Quincy Jones. KILLER guitar versions by virtuosi The Ventures and Brian Setzer. Song? Answer: "Harlem Nocturne". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ehv5ZCHsJI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfAv8yAaHps https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDWtESy4fOs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86A3VBgIc9o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbz60CM5rH0

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

"In The Summertime" by Mungo Jerry.

OK, girls and boys, with the summer (hint, hint!) quickly aprroaching, more 70s one-hit wonders: Lead singer and guitarist Ray Dorset wrote this 1970 seasonal classic for his British pop-blues band - their first and only U.S. hit (#3). It sold over 16 million copies worldwide. One of the highest selling singles of all time and the world's top-selling summer song. Band? Song? Answer: "In The Summertime" by Mungo Jerry. Has anyone else ever noticed that the instrumental break in this song is interchangeable with the one from Canned Heat's "Going Up the Country"? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvUQcnfwUUM
Read more

"Theme from 'The Endless Summer' " by The Sandals.

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: A few days ago I read a post by my friend and Puerto Rican surfing legend Mundi Fernandez. He graciously mentioned many other surfers in our circle, most are still with us but, unfortunately, some have left us for that wonderful beach in heaven. Frankie Astor, Andy Romeu, Panchito Castro and our recently-departed dear childhood friend Arturo Marchand immediately come to mind. Even though I was by no means a surfer, I was always fascinated by the sport, admired its participants and, most important for me, relished in its music. This classic 1966 documentary film was created by Bruce Benson. It follows surfers Mike Hynson and Robert August on a six year quest around the globe trying to find "the perfect wave". The unforgettable surf-rock soundtrack and, especially, the theme song were composed by Gaston Georis and John Blakeley and performed by their group The Sandals. Arguably the most beloved theme in the surf movie genre. Movie?...
Read more

"Duncan" by Paul Simon.

OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: After splitting with Art Garfunkel, Paul Simon taught songwriting at NYU. Among his students were Maggie and Terre Roche as well as Melissa Manchester. It took him 2 1/2 years to release his first solo album "Paul Simon" in 1972. The 2nd cut is a poignant minor-chord coming-of-age ballad about a fisherman's son (hint, hint!). Between the verses we hear flute, charango and percussion interludes by Los Incas, an Andean group also featured in "El Condor Pasa". It peaked at #52 on the Pop charts in '72. Song? Answer: "Duncan" by Paul Simon. A testament to the songwriting genius that is Paul Simon. Can you imagine taking a songwriting class from him?! After "American Tune" this has to be my favorite Simon solo tune. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0e-Quw2QGo8
Read more