This exquisite instrumental really takes me to another place. The exotic instrumentation, with vibes and great percussion, gives it an incredible atmosphere. To quote the CD's liner notes, 'it's as if you've walked into a grandiose movie setting'. Perhaps this dates me, but in fact when I hear this I find myself picturing some of the desert scenes in the movie Star Wars. I highly recommend the album.
While he is known as a great singer, Ray Charles is also a master at the keyboards and this is an excellent example of his ability. The usual jazz trio is joined by an impressive horn section that really brings the house down!! You can't sit still while listening to this song! God bless Ray Charles!!
from Genius+Soul=Jazz (Impulse! #2) available on CD - Ray Charles: Genius and Soul (Box Set) (Rhino R2/R4 72859)
A cute and amusing song from the 1948 musical, 'Inside USA', this song is perfect for Ms. Dearie's adorable voice. She swings thru a state-by-state list, hilighting what each state is famous for, at first on a factual basis, then going off in a whimsical frenzy with such phrases as, "Pencils, come from Pencil-vania, vests from Vest Virginia, and tents from Tent-essee, they know mink where they grow mink, in Wyomink, a camp chair in New Hampchair, that's for me!" I'm amazed that the Farelly Brothers haven't gotten this one to use in one of their films yet!
from Blossom Dearie, Soubrette, Sings Hit Broadway Songs (Verve MGV 2133) available on CD - Blossom Dearie - Verve Jazz Masters 51 (Verve/Polygram 529906)
A brilliant little track, often overlooked in the great man's catalogue. Starts off oddly like the James Bond theme (for the time and location!) but gradually changes into a strange chanson-meets-Latin kind of thing... great song though, from a film of the same name. Has anyone here ever seen it?
from Bande Originale Du Film "L'Eau A La Bouche" (French Philips 432.492 BE) available on CD - Couleur Cafe (Mercury)
08 Aug 05 ·phil: I agree - this is one of my fave Serge songs. Haven't seen the film though.
I've been listening to Sun Ra a lot lately and am mesmerized by this song. As far as I'm concerned, it's the perfect blend of jazz and avant-garde. Throw in a space theme (what else?) and you have a classic.
from Easy Listening for Intergalactic Travel, available on CD