Some tunes are so dated that no jazz musician would play them today. But, if you slow them way down to a ballad, beautiful changes emerge and provide a solid vehicle for reharmonizing and improvising. One example is "Lullaby of Birdland" for those who know it. Vibezilla and RealTracks star Steve Nelson solos behind Neil Swainson's bass, Terry Clarke on drums. I only state the head, comp, and improvise a bit on the final statement of the head. I've played this for musicians with ears so powerful they could probably navigate this world by echolocation. None of them has identified the source of this ballad. CAN YOU? Listen to "Portrait of L"
https://soundcloud.com/aleckrand/portrait-of-l
Theme from I Love Lucy. Composer: Eliot Daniel
At least, that's what I heard in the first 30 seconds; I stopped after that. Was 99% sure after the first 14.
Happy New Year everybody! Well, that didn't take long. You have it Matt. Considering all the re-runs of "I Love Lucy" (plus syndication to 150 or so countries) we have here one of the most heard TV songs on the planet. Even if you never saw a single episode, you can get a feel for how times and culture have changed by listening to the late Desi Arnaz sing the theme that inspired "Portrait of L." Buckle your seat belts and listen:
http://www.televisiontunes.com/I_Love_Lucy_-_Desi_Arnez.html
Never mind reruns, I remember some of the original shows.
But, what do I win? (kidding)
As Ralph Cramden used to say to Alice on the Honeymooners, "You wanna a prize, Alice? You say you wanna PRIZE?? WELL, HOW'S ABOUT A TRIP TO THE MOON - BANG! ZOOM! Matt, you must have been around as I was back in those days, so that phrasing should ring a bell. Obviously, it's going to take something even more cleverly disguised to fool the likes of you. I'm working on it.
There's a cartoon circulated recently on Facebook. Astronauts land on the moon, take a walk, and find Alice.
Love the sound of your axe man!
Great chops also!
This is a keeper!
Would have never guessed the tune, but loved it. You guys here on the forum are great for morning coffee and jazz. Many thanks!
Ciao Mario, grazie per le gentili parole. Collaboration - what a great idea. Favoloso, man! I'm game too, but first here are a couple of questions for you and all forum participants. Don't laugh. (1) What is a "drop box?" Where do you find such a thing? (2) How do you send a private reply to, say, you or TANO or anyone in the forum?
Aleck, here
https://www.dropbox.com/is everything you need to know.