Count Basie and His Orchestra Broadway Basie's...Way ABC/Command 1966

Count Basie and His Orchestra Broadway Basie's...Way ABC/Command 1972 CAT# RS905 SD


This is MOR Count Basie. He trudges through 12 show tune standards, thus the title, "Broadway Basie's...Way."

It's unimaginative, but that's not to say it's un-listenable. It'd be pleasant as background music if you don't have to pay attention to it. Of note, it was put out by ABC's Command label which was an early audiophile label founded by Enoch Light, who later to left to do Project 3 recordings. The label employed high tech recording techniques and material for the time which was aimed at getting the best recorded sound possible. So, in that regard, it's some high-quality background music that will sound crisp and clear pumping through a hi-fi system.

Marilyn Maye A Taste of "Sherry!" RCA 1967

Marilyn Maye A Taste of "Sherry!" RCA 1967 CAT# LPM-3778

Marilyn Maye McLaughlin was born in Wichita, KS, but would begin her singing career in Topeka as child performer in local talent shows.  After her parent's divorced, she spent some time in Des Moines, Iowa, gaining some attention as  teen on radio.  She would later move to Chicago, but quickly come back home to Kansas City.

Performing throughout the Midwest she was discovered by the first show of the Tonight Show, Steve Allen. The relationship landed her a recording contract with RCA and in her prime, she was somewhat of a regular on the Tonight Show appearing 76 times.

This album is typical of her jazz vocal style that is heavily laced with pop.  She's no June Christy or even Julie London.  Rather, she's far more routed in the theater and cabaret traditions than jazz.  She's got a clear, brassy voice, that's suited for the grandiose arrangements that usually surround her.  There's some fun moments on this LP, which represents her early work, "Java" is pretty goofy, "Sherry!" is surprisingly quirky, and her cover of "You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin" works well.

Marilyn Maye - Java