JEAN-MICHEL PILC CONJURES OSCAR PETERSON PLAYING THE JIMMY MCHUGH SONGBOOK

Self-taught pianist Jean-Michel Pilc has built his jazz reputation by playing with the likes of Roy Haynes and Michael Brecker.

Pilc’s technique evokes Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson but demonstrates imagination that is entirely his own.

Jean-Michel’s standing as one of his generation’s best is solidified with his newest release, Essential.

                                     

The album is highlighted by his very original take on Jimmy’s Too Young to Go Steady, on which the pianist sticks close to McHugh’s melody, while playing up the minor harmonics.

Oscar Peterson Plays The Jimmy McHugh Songbook (originally released in 1959) has recently been re-released on Solar Records.


In addition to guest artists Stan Getz and Lester Young, The Oscar Peterson Trio which included jazz mainstays Ray Brown, Ed Thigpen and alternately, Barney Kessell or Herb Ellis, are all present and accounted for on this newly issued 22 track gem. 

Click below to hear the music. 

http://www.rhapsody.com/share/Alb.46128228

Tony Bennett: Forever On The Sunny Side Of The Street

At age 85, Tony Bennett is now the most senior artist ever to top Billboard’s Pop album chart.

His new release, Duets II, debuted in the #1 slot it’s first week in release. As hard to believe as it is, it’s Tony’s first Number One album! 

Duets II teams Tony with the late Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, Aretha Franklin and Willie Nelson along with several other top tier artists.

It goes without saying (but we will anyway) that On The Sunny Side Of The Street as performed by Messrs Bennett and Nelson is one for the books, but then again, so is the entire album. 

Here’s a link to Willie’s earlier solo recording of On The Sunny Side Of The Street. 

http://youtu.be/OcQJ4T9HNfU

What Happened in Jersey Didn’t Stay in Jersey

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

Here’s a story about Jimmy McHugh’s I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Baby that not only tickles our fancy, but was a major turning point for Frankie Valli & The 4 Seasons. 

The legendary producer/writer, Bob Crewe, had been recording the group in vain, searching for a hit record. Hoping for inspiration, he would often catch The Seasons perform at a small, out of the way club in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. 

Finally late one night, Crewe glimpsed a side of Frankie Valli he'd never seen before. 

"Frankie did a thing that night that blew me away.” says Bob. ‘He put a bandana over his head, took two maracas and stuck them under his coat (for breasts), and began singing 'I Can't Give You Anything But Love' like (1940s cabaret singer) Nellie Lutcher, with that high voice." 

Frankie Valli & Bob Crewe

From this silly one-off improvised routine Bob suddenly recognized a sound that just might score the group a hit record. 

Crewe continues "I said to (group member and composer) Bob (Gaudio), 'Go write a song for Frankie with that chichi voice, and jump it an octave.'" 

After several false starts, Gaudio came up with an infectious number called Sherry, the first of the band’s 28 Top 20 hits.  

Not only did this unmatched string of hits eventually morph into the international smash musical, Jersey Boys, it also enabled Frankie to not pursue his fallback career choice, becoming a barber!

PS: Jersey Boys features three Jimmy McHugh songs, I’m In The Mood For Love, Moody’s Mood For Love and, of course, I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Baby.

Here’s a link to Frankie Valli & The 4 Seasons performing that tune.