It's party time! I don't know how long Miss Jayne's been holding up that curtain rod, but she lifts it skyward whenever company comes over for cocktails and Frito Pie. Is there anything worse than your curtains falling? 'Cause everyone knows, once they do, the gig is up. All the neighbors can gawk at the soiree you didn't invite them to. So keep holdin' up that rod, Jayne! And, hey, save some Watergate Salad for me!
Just imagine. It's 1967. You're having a party. Need festive tunes? There's no better music to play for your posse than this Joyful Jayne Cheerful Exclusive! She coos, she squeaks, she giggles (she sings a little, too). Really, you can't go wrong. Just remember, even though you'll have your curtains drawn, I have excellent hearing, so you'd better invite me.
The party's getting low down and sultry. The lights are dimming. Keys are tossed in a bowl. Couples are intermingling. It's that time, if you know what I mean. Time to take Jayne off the record player and put on some Dianne.
"Music For Lovers" really is "da bomb" as the kids used to say - her voice has never sounded so smooooooth, baby, smooooooth - but then I have a soft spot for any singer who can really scat. And while I've enjoyed her forays into folk and world music in the past, I'm glad she keeps coming back to jazz. It's where she belongs. In fact, she's the only modern jazz vocalist I can think of who approaches greatness. Aw, hell, we're having a party, let's just call her great and pour another drink.
Oh, no! Some smart-ass brought cocaine. Limbs are shaking. Eyes are twitching. People want to dance-dance-dance! Quick, clear away the coffee table, push back the couch, roll up the carpet, and switch out Dianne for some swingin' electro tunes. I know, I know, I've included a lot of electro lately, but for reals, this is an awesome mix, and it's guaranteed to get everyone off their feet (whether they're mainlining or not).
You know it's time for a party to end when the sun is rising, you're out of hootch, and some girl - you know, that girl - is going bonkers in the bathroom:
That means taking her car keys, calling her a cab and gently leading her out the door (or pushing her, if it's called for). Then it's time to clean. Yes, I know what you're thinking, you're dog tired, but if you get the big stuff done now, you'll feel a whole lot better when you wake up around 4pm (then you'll just have to vacuum up the Fritos). So turn off the electro and put on "The Thomas Crown Affair," circa 1968, to get you through it all. This is Michel Legrand at his most scrumptious; jazzy, trippy and just a mite silly.
Did you know? A certain Broadway baby with a spanking new CD first gained fame (and a big fat pension) for her roles on TV's "Cheers" and "Frasier," then knocked 'em dead - hotcha! - in the revival of "Chicago." Sadly, she wasn't in the movie version, but so what? She's still got it, and in her new CD, she sings, she tells stories...she...oh, c'mon, you so-o-o know who it is. And, really, what's a Broadway soiree without her?
Leave a party favor (or two) in the comments, if you like!
