There's no one like Gloria Lynne. She can take on any musical genre - jazz, blues, Broadway, pop - and bend them to her will. It's no wonder that she won a first prize trophy at an Apollo Theatre amateur talent contest in the 1930s - after lying about her age in order to qualify, since she was only 15 years old. Such spunk!
In only her third LP, "A Touch Of Tenderness" from 1960 - a Loving Lynne Cheerful Exclusive! - her rich contralto vocals are in their prime, bringing life to a wide variety of songs, from "Bali Hai" to "Intermezzo" to the title tune and a whole lot more. By the way, search the side bar for Gloria's name and click it, because she's long been a fav on this blog.
From one Queen to another. Yes, children, it's time for Miss Betty Carter.
A vividly theatrical jazz performer - she can scat and improv like nobody's business - Betty felt the calling of music at an early age, just like Gloria. At age 16, she was already performing at musical amateur nights. And just like Gloria (again), she lied about her age in order to perform. Spunk, it's the secret ingredient!
This compilation is a must, revealing a singer - with what, exactly? Is it instinct? Artistic flair? Technical brilliance? Yes, yes, and yes, but it's also something more. She's singular. Get ready for her low-down, melt-in-your mouth vocals which sometimes whip without warning to her upper register. She's thrilling.
Meanwhile, if your friend is hungry, won't you please share your hot dog with them?
Having just finished the second season of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" (no, me and the Cuban don't binge, we spread it out over several weeks), I can now report that it was just as good, if not better, than the first season. How often does that happen? Try never. And the soundtrack remains a highlight. There's Ella Fitzgerald, Blossom Dearie, Julie London, even Marni Nixon. It's perfect for a breezy, relaxing ride in your car.
Did you know? Tippi just got her hair did!
Is Hitchcock's "Marnie" one of his best movies or a complete fiasco? The jury's still out on that one - film theorists love to squabble - but what's not in doubt is the inspired hysterics of Bernard Herrmann's score. And I mean that as highest praise. It's one of the most Herrmann of Herrmann scores, full of swooning romantic gestures and downright panic-inducing arias. As a stand-alone experience, it's riveting.
The Secret Song File is forever misplacing things - like her glove, which some guy is helpfully swiping from the ground for her. What does this have to do with today's selection? I wish I knew. Actually, I do know, because some things aren't always what they seem to be. And they change. Case in point, the man swiping the glove, who's not really a man, but a woman, or a man in transition to being a woman. But, golly, that's another story entirely.
The point is this: a certain mesmerizing jazz singer started out working with Bowie on tour, primarily as a musician, only to later transition, or change, into a fantastic jazz and blues singer. Her new CD is a winner. And her vocals? As smooth as the finest full-grain leather - which is what the Secret Song File's gloves are made of (of course). But, golly, that's another story entirely.
Sometimes stories get stuck in traffic circles, dont'cha think?
Spin a little scenario in the comments, if you like!
