(By Ann Alex) Further to
Lance’s note below, I watched this item with great interest. I don’t imagine that blog readers would enjoy
all the versions of the songs, but I have to say that I liked most of
them. I was put off by the first item,
Shirley Bassey, who is a bit too dramatic for my taste, but this was followed
by some gems from such as Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, tousle-headed Diana Krall, and also Jamie
Cullum doing I Get a Kick Out of You,
giving the piano a playful kick on the appropriate word. I hadn't realised what
a skilled pianist Diana Krall is.
Many of the performances came from the Jools Holland Late Shows, including Jimmy Scott, aged 80 plus, singing a haunting All Of Me in an alto voice, which was apparently the result of a genetic condition. I love the jazz songs about murders, so I enjoyed Kirsty McColl’s rather folksy interpretation of Miss Otis Regrets. There were also songs from Alison Moyet and Doctor John, and the programme was rounded off by Florence Welch, of pop groupFlorence
and the Machine, doing a very tasty version of My Baby Just Cares for Me.
There was no narration, just notes on screen, giving information about
the songs and singers. It was no
surprise that Cole Porter songs were very much in evidence.
Many of the performances came from the Jools Holland Late Shows, including Jimmy Scott, aged 80 plus, singing a haunting All Of Me in an alto voice, which was apparently the result of a genetic condition. I love the jazz songs about murders, so I enjoyed Kirsty McColl’s rather folksy interpretation of Miss Otis Regrets. There were also songs from Alison Moyet and Doctor John, and the programme was rounded off by Florence Welch, of pop group
BBC Radio 4 Saturday 8pm: The Devil’s Horn: The Story of the
Saxophone: Narrated by Soweto Kinch
As I was writing
the above, this programme came on the radio.
I wasn't able to listen with full attention, but it sounded as if it
would be well worth catching on BBC iplayer.
Ann Alex
2 comments :
Yes agreed Ann, like you Miss Bassey was not for me, but oh what a joy to see/hear Johnny Mercer performing one of his own compositions, pretty rare I think!
Liz, I'm glad someone else enjoyed this, and I forgot to mention the Johnny Mercer item! Ann Alex
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