In The Wall Street Journal this week, I interviewed singer-guitarist Melissa Etheridge for my "House Call" column (go here). Melissa, who has won an Oscar and a Grammy, started playing professionally at age 12. Her new album, Memphis Rock and Soul is terrific. Here's Melissa singing Respect Yourself from the album...
For my WSJ "Playlist" column, I interviewed Brian Tyree Henry who stars in TV's dramatic comedy series Atlanta (go here). His favorite song is But Not for Me by Chet Baker in 1954 for tragic reasons.
Tony Bennett. Following my post last week on the YouTube clip I found of Tony Bennett singing Pennies From Heaven on the streets of New York at night in 1958 with a pack of kids, director Raymond De Felitta (Movies 'Til Dawn) sent along an email:
"I’m pretty sure that was done on a set and not in the streets. First, it wasn't shot on film; its video, which wouldn't have been flexible enough to shoot an outdoor night exterior with available light. Second, I doubt they would have trusted the elements to do the fire hydrant stunts—those scenes would have to have been controlled by a propman's rigging. Of course, the Esso station is a great touch, and the two moving vehicles help sell it as an exterior, but I'd bet it was done inside on a large NBC sound stage." Wow, they had me fooled. The magic of TV!
Bossa Nova in New York. New York's Birdland will host two bossa nova legends on Feb. 7-11—keyboardist and singer-songwriter Marcos Valle (Summer Samba, The Face I Love and so many more) and guitarist and singer-songwriter Celso Fonseca (Slow Motion Bossa Nova and others). Produced by Pat Philips, the showcase brings to New York the authentic sound of the legendary music by the artists who play it best. Also joining the legendary pair will be vocalist Patricia Alvi, famed Brazilian drummer Renato Massa, the amazing Itaiguara Brandao on bass and exciting trumpeter Jesse Sadoc, all from Brazil. I'll be there. For more information, go here. And here's a taste of the music you'll experience...
Here's Celso Fonseca singing his Slow Motion Bossa Nova...
Johnny Hartman radio. On Sunday at 9 a.m. (EST), Danny O'Bryan will be airing his 1978 interview with singer Johnny Hartman on his Jazz Insights radio show on WFPK in Louisville, Ky. Tune in from anywhere in the world on your computer by going here.
Roy Eldridge radio. WKCR-FM in New York will be airing its annual "Roy Eldridge Birthday Broadcast" on Monday Jan. 30, celebrating the career of the legendary jazz trumpeter. The show will play Eldridge's music for 24 hours, starting Sunday night at 11:59 PM (EST) and continuing all day and night on Monday. You can tune in from anywhere in the world on your computer by going here.
Maynard Ferguson. Saxophonist Bill Kirchner sent along a link to a super Maynard Ferguson discography. Go here.
What the heck: Here's the late Mary Tyler Moore singing One for My Baby...
Oddball album cover of the week.
I'm unclear why a woman being kissed would be delighted to see a lens in her face, but there you have it. As imagined, this album of early '50s movie themes is pretty dreary...
