"Do you feel like cleaning?" my Cuban Luvah asked me today. I responded with a baleful chuckle, because who
ever feels like cleaning? No, really.
Who? Besides, in these Trying Times™, being a slackwad suits me just fine, thankyouverymuch. It also gives me time to listen to more music, which includes the tunes of Patty McGovern.
No, she's not related to Maureen. She's yet another mysterioso artist who recorded just one LP, then -
poof! - that was it.
Apparently, the road was rough going for Patty; she had to record her album independently, and only then was it was purchased for a pittance by Atlantic Records and given a half-hearted, near promotion-free, release. Nevertheless, her vocals are gorgeous - they seem to free-float over the notes - and they're doubly captivating since they fit like a glove with Thomas Talbert's inventive arrangements (which she doubtless had a hand in). I've got Patty on heavy rotation these days, and trust, so will you.
Just think, if Mamie Van Doren was alive was dancing - right this very second - where, oh, where, would she be shaking her maracas?
Not at clubs, since they're all closed right now, but perhaps at home. She must have danced at home for her husband, Ray Anthony, don't you think?
Yes, Ray landed Mamie - for five years, at least. Surely she was the inspiration for some of his more
hot-cha big band sounds. Until, that is, he caught her loving up her co-star, Steve Cochran, in her dressing room.
Oh, no she di'nt! Quelle scandale! Steve, as you may know, was the son of a lumberman and quite the notorious babe hound in his day.
But I digress. What were we talking about? Oh, yeah. Ray. Big band leader extraordinaire. You've heard him on The Cheerful before on the
fantastic soundtrack for "This Could Be The Night," which is a must. Equally must-ish is this 2019 compilation, which brings together all of his best swingin' cuts (whoever did the mix pushed a little heavy on the treble, but that's easily remedied). Now you, too, can shake your maracas at home. Just like Mamie! Wheeee!
Behold, two lovely wives of music greats:
But merely wives?
Au contraire, cherie. They were highly skilled jazz vocalists in their own right. Meet Betty Bennett, on the left, who was married to music greats Mundell Lowe and Andre Previn (not at the same time!); and Maria Cole, right, married to the legendary Nat King Cole. In 1957, a compilation LP - and a
Winning Wives Cheerful Exclusive! - was released, and, yes, it's even lovelier and more satisfying than you could hope for. Perfect with cocktails after presents are opened. Or cocktails before they're opened. Or cocktails at breakfast that morning.
Have you seen the new Billie Holiday documentary? I hear it's
fab!
I can't wait to see it, because as much as I love Diana Ross, her 1972 Billie biopic, "Lady Sings The Blues," was a tired camp throwaway which had little, if anything, to do with reality. Maybe director Lee Daniels will do better with his Billie biopic, which is currently in the works.
For now, I'm looking forward to streaming the documentary and thoroughly enjoying its soundtrack, a collection of sonically scrubbed-up Billie tunes, some of them with incredible bands backing her up, like Ray Ellis' and Sy Oliver's orchestras. This isn't just a must for completists, but a perfect intro to Billie should you be new to her elegant jazz stylings. Yes, she's that great - and she's never been matched by anyone since.
The Secret Song File wishes each and every one of you a Happy Holiday, and hopes that you're keeping super-extra-safe, wearing your masks to cover your nose and mouth holes, and avoiding unnecessary travel. Why? Selfish reasons. She's got some hot new tricks in store and wouldn't want you to miss out in the new year.
Her current trick? A smashing new LP from a deceased jazz legend. Yes, new. Will wonders never cease? Speaking of things ceasing, this will be my last post for 2020 - a year to which I give a fond fuque you, up yours and toodle-bye - but I'll be back in January. In the meantime, tickle someone you love (or yourself!), lay off the stinkin' thinkin', and hope for a glorious 2021!
Because things have got to get better, right?
In the meantime, kibbitz 'n' giggle in the comments, if you like!
