Song Spotting: The Strip

THE STRIP: Mickey Rooney’s Mid-Century Musical Melodrama

We hope you’ll get a chance to catch Mickey Rooney in The Strip.

(MGM,1951). It features a very young Vic Damone performing the Jimmy McHugh gem, ‘Don’t Blame Me’.

This black & white potboiler features Mickey as a young drummer returning from service in the Korean War. While restarting his musical career he gets a gig in a Sunset Strip club, meets the love of his life and falls in with a very bad-news gambling syndicate.

The kicker is his supporting cast of musicians, which include Louis Armstrong, Earl ‘Fatha’ Hines and the illustrious jazz trombonist, Bix Beiderbecke.

IMDB: The Strip

A Blue Note: Farewell James Moody

All of us at Jimmy McHugh Music are sad at the passing of jazz saxophonist, James Moody. He will always be remembered for his improvisation on “I’m In The Mood For Love,” which became “Moody’s Mood For Love” and has been recorded by everyone from Aretha Franklin to Amy Winehouse.


Recently James Moody paired with another great friend to Jimmy McHugh Music, Terence Blanchard. Monterey Jazz Festival 50th Anniversary All-Stars tour of the United States, Europe and Asia with Jazz greats Terence Blanchard, Nnenna Freelon, Benny Green.

In 2001 Terence recorded his Jimmy McHugh Grammy nominated Album "Lets Get Lost" with Jane Monheit, Dianne Reeves, Terence Blanchard, Cassandra Wilson, Diana Krall.

James Moody will be dearly missed by all of us.

Remembering James Moody

'Moody's Mood For Love' James Mood

George Benson: Moody's Mood

Song Spotting

Be sure to catch Stormy Weather, a 1943 gem starring Lena Horne, who turns in bravura performances of Jimmy’s ‘I Can't Give You Anything but Love, Baby’ & ‘Diga Diga Doo’

And talk about a supporting cast: Cab Calloway, Fats Waller, Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson & the tap dancing Nicholas Brothers.

A True DVR Delight!

See Lena & Bill Robinson perform ‘I Can't Give You Anything but Love, Baby’: youtube.com

Stormy Weather  http://www.flixster.com/movie/stormy-weather

Rod Stewart at Caesars Palace

After a sold out performance at Caesars Palace the backstage celebrating kicked into high gear.


During his show Rod told the packed house ‘If it weren't for Great American Songbook Composers (Like JIMMY MCHUGH, whose classic 'On The Sunny Side Of The Street' is on Vol.5) there would be no Rock and Roll!’

Pictured with Rod, left to right:

Vocalist Christena Rich; ‘Vol. 5’ producer Lauren Wild (with wife, Lindsay); Lee Newman, Managing Director, Jimmy McHugh Music

http://www.caesarspalace.com/

Barry Manilow And Jersey Boys

Two MUST SEE SHOWS:

Barry Manilow At Paris Las Vegas and Jersey Boys at The Palazzo!

Barry’s latest album ‘The Greatest Love Songs Of All Time’ features Jimmy McHugh’s I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Baby.

Jersey Boys spotlights three McHugh gems, I’m In The Mood For Love; Moody’s Mood For Love & I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Baby.

www.manilowparis.com/

www.jerseyboysinfo.com/vegas/

Liza Confesses: She Must Have That Man

Liza Minnelli has released a brilliant new CD, Confessions, which features Jimmy McHugh gem, ‘I Must have that Man’. 

According to Liza, the album is a collection of songs ‘that work equally well at a dinner party or in the bedroom!’

Hear Liza sing I Must have that Man

  www.officiallizaminnelli.com

Rod Stewart stays ‘On The Sunny Side Of the Street’ with Great American Songbook Vol. V

His latest release is inspired by D-Day Veteran

Rod Stewart says, “A couple of years ago, I had the good fortune to befriend an American GI who had served in World War II and had been actively involved in the D-Day landings. He said in a broad, Brooklyn accent, and here I quote, ‘Rawwwd, when are you gonna be doin’ some of them old songs again ’cause you make them sound brand new.’ That was all the inspiration I needed. Thank you sir and God bless you. Here’s Number 5.”

www.rodstewart.com

Steve Tyrell Live at the Cafe Carlyle

This is the first live album by Grammy-Award winning Steve Tyrell. It was recorded during his Annual Holiday Engagement at the Legendary Cafe Carlyle.  

Steve took over the engagement from Bobby Short when he passed away after playing 36 straight Holiday Seasons.  

The live recording is highlighted by Steve’s inimitable version of Jimmy McHugh’s classic ‘On The Sunny Side Of The Street’

Steve’s 6^th annual holiday engagement at the Café Carlyle runs from November 9 through New Year’s Eve, 2010.

www.stevetyrell.com

Rod Stewart’s Great American Songbook Vol. V

‘You can’t stop dancing to it.” - Clive Davis

Clive Davis, Chief Creative Officer, Sony Music Entertainment and a producer of Rod’s Songbook series states “Volume V is so fresh and Rod has never sounded better, delivering one great classic after another. This album introduces a brand new element to the Songbook phenomenon: you can’t stop dancing to it. Dinner parties all over the world will never be the same.”

Rod Stewart on “Dancing With The Stars”

^{www.rodstewart.com}

Catch Him If You Can

Congratulations to John Proulx who was featured as Michael Feinstein’s special guest this past week at The Music Center of St Cecilia, Nebraska.

John heads up to Toronto before coming to LA for a return engagement at the Vibrato Bar & Grill, October 31, Halloween!

On December 19, you can catch John at Feinstein’s At The Regency, when he will be performing a tribute to Nat King Cole. (including the McHugh classic ‘Too Young To Go Steady.’

PS: That night, John’s trio will include the legendary Bucky Pizzarelli!

• www.johnproulx.com

• www.vibratogrilljazz.com

• www.feinsteinsattheregency.com

Michael Feinstein’s American Songbook

The brilliant series Michael Feinstein’s American Songbook

is certain to be a favorite of PBS Television audiences for years to come.

Michael’s vast musical knowledge combined with his love of the Great American Songbook makes the series a must see. 

Click below to check your local listings for upcoming airings

• PBS.org: Michael Feinstein's American Songbook

• www.michaelfeinstein.com

Don't (Ever) Spare The ROD!

ROD STEWART 

Does it again with 

THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK VOL. 5

featuring the 

Jimmy McHugh Classic

‘ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET’

We salute CLIVE DAVIS, J RECORDS and The RCA Music Group for continuing to bring the classic music of the Twentieth Century to new audiences around the world.

• www.rodstewart.com

• www.rcamusicgroup.com

• Amazon: Rod Stewart The Great American Songbook Volume V

More about Nikki

Nikki Yanofsky zoomed into LA last week for a show-stopping SRO appearance at the Catalina Bar & Grill. Quincy Jones made a surprise appearance to introduce the sixteen year old sensation. Needless to say, her ‘On The Sunny Side Of The Street’ is a show-stopper.

Nikki’s ‘On The Sunny Side Of The Street’

• www.nikkionline.ca

Jimmy McHugh Song Spotting #3

‘Don’t Blame Me’ from ‘Two Weeks In Another Town’

A terrific look inside the film business, directed by Oscar © Winner Vincente Minnelli and starring Academy Award © recipients Kirk Douglas, Edward G Robinson and Clair Trevor.

In the film, the song is performed by singer Leslie Uggams, who said:

‘The movie starred Kirk Douglas; I sang his favorite song in it, “Don’t Blame Me.” Liza got me the movie, directed by her dad, Vincente Minnelli. What a friend!’

CLICK HERE FOR MORE:

•To Weeks In Another Town 1962 TCM

•IMDB

================================================

By The Way…

There are THREE JIMMY MCHUGH Titles in

ASCAP’s list of the 100 MOST RECORDED SONGS:

I CAN'T GIVE YOU ANYTHING BUT LOVE, BABY

ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET

I'M IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE

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WE LOVE STEVE TYRELL

Steve Tyrell - Live at the critically acclaimed  Catalina Jazz Club- Los Angeles - 2010

Grammy Award-winning vocalist Steve Tyrell is truly a renaissance man. In his four and a half decades in the music business, he has achieved great success as an artist, producer, songwriter, music supervisor, and performer. His first album "A New Standard," which includes three Jimmy McHugh songs, was amongst the best selling jazz albums for over 5 years.


In November, Steve will return to LA to appear at the 
Catalina Bar & Grill. Then he’s off to NY for a very special engagement at the Café Carlyle.  November 9 through New Years Eve. There isn’t a better reason to visit NY during the holidays. We’ll see you there!

(Click here for Steve’s 2010 itinerary)
STEVE TYRELL IN CONCERT
October
21-23
Club M
San Diego, CA
 

28
Lakewood Theatre

Dallas, TX



29-30
Scullers Jazz Club

Allston, MA

November
1
Birchmere

Alexandria, VA


2
Ramshead
Annapolis, MD

4-7
Catalina Bar and Grill
 
Los Angeles, CA


9-30
Café Carlyle
New York, NY

December
1-31
Café Carlyle
New York, NY

stevetyrell.com


catalinajazzclub.com

thecarlyle.com

We love Nikki Yanofsky!

The Canadian Teen Singing Sensation recorded a mash-up version of the Jimmy McHugh classic 'On The Sunny Side Of The Street' with Led Zeppelin's Fool in the Rain. It's on her debut album, "Nikki."

Nikki on Nightline!

Nikki once again graced the airwaves of National TV with a 4-minute piece on ABC's Nightline! Originally airing on September 15th, 2010, you can now see the piece on the Nightline website.

Links:
www.nikkionline.ca/
www.facebook.com/nikkiyanofsky

McHugh Song Spotting #2

HOUSE CALLS (1972) A comedy starring Academy Award-winners © Glenda Jackson and Walter Matthau.
(Walter Matthau sings along/karaokes with Tommy Dorsey's classic recording of 'On The Sunny Side Of The Street' The tune is reprised at the end of the film, performed by Frankie Laine.)
Link to film review

McHugh Song Spotting #1

McHugh Song Spotting

We recently caught two great films that feature music by
Jimmy McHugh.
Set your DVR next time these are shown. You won't be sorry!

THE BIG CLOCK (1947) Suspense thriller starring Academy Award-winner © Ray Milland and Charles Laughton; featuring 'I'm In The Mood For Love.
Link to film review

Frank Sinatra 1944 Billboard Magazine Review

From the Jimmy McHugh Music Archives:

Frank Sinatra

Live at the New York Paramount Theatre


Sinatra! That's all, brother.
Paramount probably reinforced the walls and called the police department to handle the Bobby-Soxers - all last week to make sure the place had adequate protection
when The Voice began a three week stint.
And brother, they needed it.

Kids mobbed the joint, climbed the ceiling, squealed, sighed, ahhed, gurgled, mooned all over the place and in every way gave indication that F.S. is ...the hottest box office attraction in the last decade.

5,000 bobbysoxers filled the theatre, which seats less than 3,500. There was an estimated 10,000 girls waiting to get in every day.
Frank sang "I Couldn't Sleep A Wink Last Night," *** "All Or Nothing At All," "Close To You," "I Don't Know Why," "This Love Of Mine" and "Put Your Dreams Away."

*** Jimmy McHugh composed "I Couldn't Sleep A Wink Last Night," "A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening" & more for "Higher and Higher," Frank Sinatra's feature film debut.

JIMMY MCHUGH in 3D!

Disney's spectacular new dance flick 'STEP UP in 3D'-showcases I WON'T DANCE- written by Jimmy McHugh, Dorothy Fields and Jerome Kern.

The song was first featured in a movie in 1935; The film was Roberta, starring Fred Astaire.

Snoop Dogg sings "I'm In The Mood For Love" on "I Get That A Lot"

Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and Rod Stewart are among the many great artists who have performed the Jimmy McHugh classic, ‘I’m In The Mood For Love.’ 

Now a new artist has been added to this musical pantheon, None other than the one and only Snoop Dogg.  Recently on the new CBS series, ‘I Get That A Lot’, Snoop crooned the song Barbra Streisand once called ‘The Greatest Love Song Ever Written.’

Let's Get Lost - Afternoon Conversation with Jim Heimann of Taschen America

Jim Heimann Author and Editor at Taschen Books 

"The tune "Let's Get Lost" completely captures the feeling of vintage Los Angeles."

Jimmy McHugh III and Performer and Producer Steve Tyrell
just back from The Golden Nugget in Las Vegas.

Jimmy McHugh III and Songwriter and Producer Bob Crewe.
Bob's writing a book about his life and enjoying the continued success of "Jersey Boys."

Steve Tyrell new tour dates announced!

Friend of Jimmy McHugh Music, jazz artist Steve Tyrell has just announced new tour dates.

The first one is July 6th-11th at Jazz Alley in Seattle. Click to go to Steve's website for all the info.

www.stevetyrell.com

WELK MUSICAL FAMILY: Salute To Jimmy McHugh

WELK MUSICAL FAMILY: Salute To Jimmy McHugh

This blog had a nice post about the Lawrence Welk show tribute to Jimmy McHugh's music.
We are searching the archives to bring you a video of the show.

John Proulx plays Jimmy McHugh's "Lets Get Lost"

John Proulx plays Jimmy McHugh's "Lets Get Lost" @  Hollywood's Premiere Jazz Club "The Catalina"

MaxJazz recording artist John Proulx performed new arrangements of "Too Young To Go Steady", and "On The Sunny Side Of The Street." The youthful pianist, vocalist joined renowned bassist Chuck Berghofer and trumpeter Warren Luening.

Judy McHugh granddaughter of Legendary songwriter Jimmy McHugh was on hand front and center to present a bouquet to John Proulx.

"Let's Get Lost" Ghosts of a Vanished Hollywood

The Photographs of Jim McHugh

on view

Los Angeles Art Show 

January 20 through 24, 2010

Los Angeles Convention Center

Directions and Info for the LA Art Show

Timothy Yarger Fine Art

Booth G190 - on-site mobile: 310 259 1118
www.yargerfineart.com

                                                                                                   

 "The Du Barry Arms" 30" x 40" © 2007 Jim McHugh -Archival Pigment Print and "The Cocoanut Grove" 20" x 24" © 2001 Jim McHugh -Silver Gelatin Print

As the grandson of a golden-era Hollywood songwriter, acclaimed photographer Jim McHugh is heir to a particular experience and vision of Los Angeles that's all romance, noir, silhouetted buildings, and casual luxury. With his knack for photographing buildings in the intimate style of a portraitist, and in such a way as to erase all traces of intervening history, McHugh's photographs capture the ghost of what was — and might be again — LA's promise of beauty and the sunny, shadowy, glittering character of America in its vintage red-carpet regalia.

– Shana Nys Dambrot- Flavor Pill- N.Y. December, 2009-

WBGO Interview with Jim McHugh and Alyn Shipton on Jimmy McHugh

Interview with Jim McHugh III, the grandson of Jimmy McHugh and Alyn Shipton, the Jazz critic and author of the Jimmy McHugh biography. Jim is a renowned photographer. The interview took place at WBGO, in New York.

Interview Audio