Weekend Wax Bits

Reprinted from http://jazzwax.com

If you're want to comment on a post, join the conversation at my Facebook page—"Marc JazzWax Myers." At Facebook, each of my daily posts is set up for separate reader conversations. I used to allow comments here under each post, but sorting through the high levels of spam and trolls was a terrible time-waster for me, especially when I was on the road. Facebook is easier and more central to where conversations are taking place these days. Don't be shy. Everyone is there.  [Dairyland, Provincetown by Joel Meyerowitz, 1976]  

On the Town. The other day at YouTube, I stumbled across a promotional video of New York, New York from the current Broadway production of On the Town. Then I pulled up the one from the 1949 movie. Here they are together...

Today...

Yesterday...

Ike Quebec radio. On Sunday, my boy "Symphony Sid" Gribetz will be on the air for five hours celebrating tenor saxophonist Ike Quebec on his Jazz Profiles broadcast. Don't miss this one. Listening to Sid's voice is a throwback to the grand days of jazz FM radio. Listen on your computer from anywhere in the world from 2 to 7 p.m. (EST) here.

Honeymoon in Vegas. Last weekend I caught a matinee of Broadway's Honeymoon in Vegas during previews. I loved it. The music is terrific, the lyrics are out of sight and Tony Danza is wonderful and charming, as are the rest of the cast members. It's a fun, upbeat production with loads of infectious laughs—a welcome respite from the news lately. The soundtrack album also is swell. Sample it here.

Fanny was one of rock's best all-female bands. Formed in 1969, the band was fronted by wailing guitarist June Millington and her sister Jean Millington on wicked bass. Jim Eigo of Jazz Promo Services sent along this clip...

And here's a bio clip...

Ann Ruckert (1939-2014), a studio backup singer, former wife of trumpeter Burt Collins, a Jazzmobile board member and a dear and generous friend of JazzWax, died last October. She was 75. Ann lived nearby and always sent along an email when she loved a post. I remember making an extensive collection of Burt Collins' recordings she didn't have and spending time with her at home. Ann was a blessing and knew and loved just about everyone. I miss her. If you knew Ann, there will be a memorial for her on Feb. 2, at 7:30 p.m. at New York's St. Peter's Church at 619 Lexington Ave.  [Photo above of Ann Ruckert courtesy of Morgan Ames]

Oddball album covers. We tend to think of recordings by the Jackie Gleason Orchestra as Easy Listening. You know, covers with a blonde wrapped in satin or mink with some guy in a suit serving drinks. This cover was quite a departure for Gleason's usual theme, unless, of course, the gal crossing the wasteland is that same woman in mink walking home. Lonesome Echo reminded me of another Capitol "oddball"...

Used with permission by Marc Myers