How Little We Know and Hoagy Carmichael

The song, How Little We Know, has been playing in my head for days. And I know the reason: Recently, for the umpteenth time (it's definitely in my top 10 favorite movies), we watched Ernest Hemingway's To Have and Have Not starring Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, and Hoagy Carmichael. Set in 1944 on the island of Martinique under occupation of the Vichy regime, the movie focuses on two Americans who for different reasons find themselves on Martinique and are looking for a way out. This was Bacall's first role and needless to say, the chemistry between Bogart and Bacall was electric. And we get a sense of Hoagy Carmichael's great musical talent.

Carmichael's character is the entertainer at a saloon/hotel in Fort de France where the story centers. We are treated to a couple of well-known songs including- How Little We Know with music by Hoagy Carmichael and lyrics by Johnny Mercer. Here is a good spot to interject the How Little We Know scene with Carmichael on the piano and Bacall singing - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFfuUu5xmMA.

For years, I have been searching for a cover of How Little We Know that seems worthy of the original (which does not seem to be available on CD in acceptable condition). The closest we find to the movie version is from the album Hoagy Carmichael - The First of the Singer Songwriters Key Cuts featuring Anita Boyer. Many singers have had a hand at this song - Sinatra's is so-so. Michael Feinstein, who I've always liked, sounds nearly comatose with his rendition. I recently found an uptempo version by Alan Paul. A tad on the lounge side, but it has a little more life than Feinstein's. I think the tempo is key here and in this case, I still contend the original is by far, the best. The best way I can define the tempo is that of a rhumba-type sway.

I've added both the Anita Boyer version and the more uptempo version as well as another song from the movie - Am I Blue? sung by Carmichael- as well as this clip from the movie -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C1vJ2Z8aI0. Enjoy!

Brahms and Akademische Festouvertüre

While I know at least one person far more qualified to write about Johannes Brahms and classical music in general, I am going to take a leap here and discuss my respect, admiration, and appreciation for his works. (For biographical information, click on Johannes Brahms.)

The first being Academic Festival Overture, op.80 or Akademische Festouvertüre which was composed by Brahms in 1880 as tribute to the University of Breslau after being awarded an honorary doctorate. This particular version is from the album Brahms: Hungarian Dances, Academic Festival Overture, and Symphony No.4 in E Minor By Berlin Symphony Orchestra. I should also mention that the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Sir Georg Solti is equally excellent.

I'm not certain I can give technical reasons why I love this particular piece, but I can say that Academic Festival Overture (at least for me) stirs the soul and wraps the listener in sheer joy. It's bright, crisp, and energized.

My second favorite Brahms composition is Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D major op. 77 and specifically - Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo vivace - Poco piu presto under the direction of Herbert Von Karajan with Anne-Sophie Mutter on the violin. If ever a classical work brought about an adrenalin rush, it would be this violin concerto. It builds and grows to an explosive finish and Ms. Mutter's technique is nothing short of amazing! Allegro giocoso is heady, provocative, and all consuming.

As always, I love to hear from the readers - listen to these pieces and let me know what you think.

There's Always Something To Get Excited About!

I am always on the lookout for new artists and music. Particularly groups who add an edginess to their music. Last year, I discovered the Portuguese group Zodiac (they've been out there for a while, but just became available to us) and one thing led to another - now I own all their CDs. The music has a full sound - containing keyboardist and lead vocalist, bassist, lead guitarist, drummer, percussionist, and 3 piece horn section. Their songs - all sung in Portuguese, are edgy with samba rhythms, and linger in your head long after the song is over. We've featured a song called Beira-Mar which will give a sense of their tight orchestration.

The second newest discovery is a young woman named Zoe Tiganouria. What she does with an accordion is nothing short of genius. Generally, tangos encompass the bandaneon - which is similar to a concertina. However, Zoe plays the accordion for Libertango and it's one of the best renditions I've heard in a long while. Zoe is backed by full and concise orchestration and the presentation is flawless. Unfortunately, her music is only available in the mp3 format for the moment. And while we are waiting for a CD, check out Libertango and other tangos on Amazon including Por una Cabeza, Tanguera, and Verano Porteno.

Also, we've added a link from Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9k_8GPkeq4

Ring in 2009 with Great Music!

We've been away for a while, but now we're back to review even more music! And before we get started, we wish to thank our readers for their feedback! We love that you follow this blog and hope you'll continue your quest for new music!

As promised last year, our next selection - Bond! (Not to be confused with James).

I discovered Bond back a few years ago while watching a television show they guested. And I was blown away! Bond has something for everybody -classical, techno-electro beats, latin, hip hop and jazz.

The Bond ensemble is actually an all female classical quartet performing on electric violins, viola, and cello. The Bond women have literally toured the planet performing original works and covers - that are extraordinary. Libertango is an example - I imagine Piazzolla would be pleased. This rendition of Libertango is powerful, full-bodied, and soul-stirring.

We've also added Fuego as a listening sample. And a few links to youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UItlz8ipSVc (performing Victory) and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnzHWIokBgk (performing Speed)

Which Bond album to buy? You really can't go wrong with any or all - Born, Shine, Explosive, Classified, or the Definitive Collection. The Bond albums make a great addition to any music library!

Emilio Pericoli and Al Di La - Beyond the Beyond

Just a few weeks ago, I received a comment to my blog discussing Luis Miguel and his version of Cuando Calienta El Sol. Essentially, this reader said she preferred the slower, heartfelt ballad version - at least in the case of Cuando Calienta El Sol. And I indicated that I understand - music is in the ear of the beholder - as it were. And I welcome any and all opinions!

I am always open to new and often times, upbeat spins on old standards. And there are times when the old adage applies - if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Sometimes, the original, at least for me, is the best.

And that's where we come to Emilio Pericoli and the Italian love song - Al Di La. Though Emilio was not the first to perform this exquisite song, you could say he put it on the map when he performed it in the 1962 romance movie - Rome Adventure, starring Troy Donahue, Suzanne Pleshette, and Rossano Brazzi.

Sure, the movie is fun, sappy, and very typical of that era. (And admittedly, Rossano Brazzi is always a plus in any movie! ) But the standout for me is Emilio and his heartfelt rendition of Al Di La (which means Beyond). The song becomes the theme throughout the movie. Al Hirt even performed an upbeat rendition during a bar fight scene in the film- and it didn't cut it for me. And later, many others covered the song - including Connie Francis (a lovely version) and Jerry Vale.

But to this day, Emilio's Al Di La leaves my knees knocking.

For more on Emilio Pericoli, click here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emilio_Pericoli as well as it his website - http://www.spettacolo.it/h_pericoli.htm.

Here are the lyrics for Al Di La:

Al di lá del bene più prezioso, ci sei tu.
Al di lá del sogno più ambizioso, ci sei tu.

Al di lá delle cose più belle.
Al di lá delle stelle, ci sei tu.
Al di lá, ci sei tu per me, per me, soltanto per me.

Al di lá del mare più profondo, ci sei tu.
Al di lá de i limiti del mondo, ci sei tu.
Al di lá della volta infinita, al di la della vita.
Ci sei tu, al di la, ci sei tu per me.
La la la la la... La la la...

And the English translation - more or less:

Al di la means you are far above me, very far
Al di la, as distant as the lovely evening star
Where you walk flowers bloom
When you smile all the gloom turns to sunshine
And my heart opens wide
When you're gone it fades inside and seems to have died

Al di la, I wondered as I drifted where you were
Al di la, the fog around me lifted, there you were
In the kiss that I gave was the love I had saved for a lifetime
Then I knew all of you was completely mine.

There is a reason that Emilio Pericoli is still regarded as the most romantic voice of Italy.

I've also included a clip from YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGMC9A_k6zQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmP_-laNBl8&feature=related

Next time: Bond!

How Many Ways Can you Sing Sway? Michael Buble' Shows Us!

The first time I heard Michael Buble' was during the end credits of the romantic comedy movie - Down With Love. As I listened to his rendition of For Once in My Life, I was watching carefully to see (as they were rolling credits) the name of this wonderful crooner. I had goosebumps. Finally, I saw the name - Michael Buble' - and rushed to the computer to look him up and immediately bought his CD - titled - Michael Buble'.

Now bear in mind - this gifted young man, from Canada, was born in 1975. Yet, Buble' has a deep understanding and interpretation of the old standards from the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Buble' possesses that big band sound and 60s crooning (which many of you know I adore). And I guess it goes to show- age certainly isn't an issue when it comes to music appreciation. In other words, you don't have to have lived in that era to appreciate a particular genre'.

For more information on Buble's background, I've enclosed a link - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Bubl%C3%A9.

Now on to his music: I was especially moved by his rendition of Sway. Sway has always been one of my favorite songs and I always regarded Rosemary Clooney's version (from the album Touch of Tabasco, 1959) as the quintessential. Who can argue with this sultry version, backed by the Mambo King - Perez Prado.

And yes, Dean Martin's version has to be credited -another fantastic 60s crooner!

Then I heard Buble's rendition of Sway. No doubt, he still croons the tune, but the tempo has been kicked up a notch or two. It's hot and punched and yet remains sultry and smooth. His orchestra has that full-bodied sound that I personally love. I will tell you - I had this version in my head for weeks (still do from time to time) and quite honestly, I believe Rosemary would have approved!

Later, I heard another slightly kinkier version by the Pussycat Dolls and have to say, I love that as well. This Sway version was featured in the 2004 film - Shall We Dance and it so fits the theme of the movie!

Back to Buble' - I recommend all his CDs. I especially appreciate his version of Come Fly With Me (guaranteed to give you goosebumps) and while I would prefer a slightly punched-up version, Buble's Quando, Quando, Quando (duet with Nelly Furtado) is not bad! And his covers of Mack the Knife, I Got You Under My Skin, and Moondance are sure to please!

To sum up this review, Buble' gets it and he's got it going on!

Here are some YouTube clips for your enjoyment -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWp0Psq7xjE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPXZBLtq6DM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFPvKGL69kE&feature=related

Next Time - Emilio Pericoli!

Luis Miguel Breathes Life and Romance Into Every Song

When I write these reviews, I try to stay generally objective which is not always easy. Especially when you are writing about a performer you really enjoy and appreciate. Otherwise, it begins to read like Tiger Beat (those of you baby boomers will remember that rag).

Sure, anyone and their brother can get on a blog and chat up the merits of their favorite performers. It would be easy to say Luis Miguel, for example, is as cute as the day is long. And it would be true! But the point of this exercise is to explore the performer, his craft, and the genre. The cuteness-factor is really not the issue here.

All that being said, sounding like a fan or not, here goes:

I stumbled upon Luis Miguel (born Luis Miguel Gallego Basteri in 1970) in the mid 90s. According to his bio, Miguel is Puerto Rican born and Mexican raised. He began his career at 11 and by the early 80s, he had already recorded four albums. In 1985, he had won his first Grammy for his duet with Sheena Easton for the song Me Gustas Tal Como Eres. By this point, Miguel was cranking out albums like crazy and racking up a bucket-load of platinum and gold.

Miguel became an international success - particularly in Spain, but eventually all over Europe and South America. And the planet. As a Latin performer, Miguel has broken all kinds of records for concerts and CD sales and at this point, I'll add the link to his official bio - http://www.luismiguel.net/.

What makes Miguel an appealing musician to me?

For starters, if you've listened to him over the years, one thing is for certain - he gets better and better with age. I was deeply moved the first time I heard his rendition of Besame Mucho. He took this traditionally beautiful bolero, punched the tempo a bit, but still kept it as smooth, dark, and rich as a cup of good espresso!

And that brings me to his next cover - Cuando Calienta El Sol (When the Sun is Hot) - which has been one of my favorite songs of all time! In years past, pretty much everyone (including Connie Francis, Vikki Carr, Jose Feliciano, and Trini Lopez) has done a cover of this tune and often within the traditional bolero ballad boundaries. And as ballads go, (and I tend to lean towards the uptempo) it's a classic. Then Luis Miguel came along and breathed an amazing energy into this arrangement. It's fun, funky, and upbeat, but Miguel manages to keep the romance and meaning in the song.

I've added the lyrics as well as this tune to this post:

Cuando calienta el sol aquí en la playa,

Siento tu cuerpo vibrar cerca de mi;

Es tu palpitar,

es tu cara,

es tu pelo,

Son tus besos,

me estremezco, oh, oh, oh!

Cuando calienta el sol aquí en la playa,

Siento tu cuerpo vibrar cerca de mi,

Es tu palpitar,

tu recuerdo,

mi locura,

Mi delirio,

me estremezco, oh oh oh!


Translation:

When the sun heats up here at the beach

I feel your body vibrate near me

It's your heartbeat,

it's your face

it's your hair

They're your kisses,

I get dizzy, oh, oh, oh


When the sun heats up here at the beach

I feel your body vibrate near me

It's your heartbeat

the memory of you,

my insanity

My delirium

I get dizzy, oh, oh,oh

Then we move on to another of Miguel's best interpretations - La Bikina - written by Maria Jose' Quintanilla. I've added a link to YouTube to Miguel's performance of this song from a concert in Caracas, Venezuela last year -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRDXn-YI9qg&NR=1.

As I tried to explain to my daughter just the other day, it certainly does not hurt to be backed by a group of Mariachis and Miguel seems to understand not only the interpretation, but also the presentation and romance of the package. And I admit this - the serenading Mariachis are infinitely more romantic to me, than one standing in the rain with a boom box (or any appliance) on one's head. The serenading Mariachis, for me, are the real deal!

For those interested in testing the waters, I recommend starting with Grandes Exitos double CD along with the Romances. These will give you an idea of Miguel's range of talent. Quite honestly, I've yet to hear him lay down a bad track!

I've also added more YouTube videos - some are older, but they are all fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDjnHs5jr0A&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lq10HGVu-BQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG5flDxauIc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IexQjTx4oRc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZxcbwmuJKY


Enjoy and next time, Michael Buble'!