Hello, kiddies.
Glad you could stop by as I have a couple of really special goodies for you. Before the cognac totally impairs my brain, let me give you a quick back story on these two performances that I dug up from the back of the pantry this week. I’ll start with one of my all time favourite jazz singers, the one and only Lady Day.
This one is taken from an unknown date. Every time I go to the local drugstore or convenience store, I almost always manage to find a cheap CD of alleged bootleg performances from Billie Holiday. I have no idea who issued this particular one or if it is even still available, but for all intents and purposes, they are pretty much a dime a dozen so if you happen to stumble across one, check it out. Most of the time, the quality of the source material on these CDs is questionable at best. For the most part, there are usually a few tracks that make the CD well worth the price paid (this one only cost about $5 USD). Case in point with this selection here featuring a small combo of unknown musicians.
Please download and enjoy Fine And Mellow, an .mp3 file, 7 MB. (link removed…)
And for the next one, provided by the undisputed Queen of Soul, I unearthed a performance that was originally broadcast on VH-1 sometime back in 2000 as part of the VH-1 Divas series. This is most likely the only place you’ll ever hear this selection, that is unless you videotaped the broadcast which was actually pretty good, even with the appearance of such acts like Nelly Furtado and God forbid the Backstreet Boys. Anyway, I digress because what you are about to hear is a fitting tribute to some of the all time greats of the Jazz world. There was a rather impressive bunch of top quality musicians in this performance, such as Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter and Roy Haynes just to name a few. You’ve gotta dig on the Ella Fitzgerald references as there is a lively conversation in “scat” taking place between Ms. Franklin and Mr. Clark Terry. The performance is light hearted and whimsical, with some excellent chops to boot. It’s definitely one that’s worth checking out. And on the off chance that VH-1 ever airs this programme again (which I highly doubt), it’s definitely worth viewing.
Please download and enjoy An All Star Tribute To The Giants of Jazz, an .mp3 file, 8 MB. (link removed)
I hope you enjoyed this installment. The next one will be extra special as I take the time to share some of the rarities and underappreciated gems that are deep within Leslie’s crates. Even she is a fairweather cratedigger. Until then, enjoy your weekend and as always, be safe.
Peace and blessings.
One Comment
Thats a joy and gem – a rare treat. Thanks for posting
Been enjoying the This Is Tom Jones DVD set and the disc with Aretha on it is stunning – probably the best version of I Say A Prayer ever. But she tears it up on the team ups with Tom – See Saw etc..
Well worth having a peep at