Always from a late forties radio broadcast featuring Louis Armstrong began this evening's Popup Louis. Rico's guest this week, guitarist Nils Solberg, accompanied our host who sang a verse in addition to blowing his Armstrong 33. Shine on Harvest Moon is a familiar tune to Rico having played it as an uptempo swing number on a regular gig at the 100 Club on Oxford Street but having recently discovered a verse to the song he liked the idea of taking it at an easier tempo.
An Armstrong recording with Oscar P yielded Sweet Lorraine. Rico rates the sides they cut together and on this one Nils took the vocal as our host picked up his flugelhorn. Rico recalled working - and touring the world! - on Brian Ferry's retro album some thirty odd years ago. Rico and Nils played Love Me or Leave Me from the recording (Rico sticking with the flugel).
Rico showed off his suit. Made-to-measure, you know, specially for his days in Ray Gelato's band. Now then, what colour would you call it? Lilac? Mauve? Oh, yes, Rico was back on the 33 for 'S Wonderful, nice solo from Nils into the bargain. Another faster tempo tune slowed down, I've Found a New Baby with an added verse, Rico singing. Art Tatum's Emaline from 1934-ish found Rico switching back to flugel, and again our duo took it at a most leisurely tempo. And to close, If Dreams Come True. Next week Rico's guest is Joe Webb.
Russell
Set list: Always; Shine on Harvest Moon; Sweet Lorraine; Love Me or Leave Me; 'S Wonderful; I've Found a New Baby; If Dreams Come True
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