Here's a tribute to the arranger-conductor Neal Hefti, who died last month. Hefti was best known for his charts for the Basie band and for his TV and movie work, perhaps the most notorious being the Batman theme from TV.
This 10-inch record from circa 1953 is like none of those pieces. Instead, it is in a semi-easy listening mode that Hefti also adopted for several albums in the 1950s. In these, he used wordless vocals as an instrumental choir, a little like Ray Conniff or even Esquivel. Here, he applies the concept to the operetta tunes of Rudolf Friml. The result is not as cloying as you might think - and I am someone who lunges for the off switch when they start with the "doo-doo-doody-doo-doo" business.
On the bright side, the sound is good and the record is rare.
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I think it's rather nice old-time "popular music" - thanks for this one (perfect quality)
ReplyDeleteDear Buster
ReplyDeleteI've been listening to this a lot lately, and think it's very good indeed. It swings, nudges the original material a little and is a bit goofy. And it's beautifully played. You don't know who the trumpet soloist is, do you?
Thanks again for all the great work.
Best wishes
Phillip
Philip,
ReplyDeleteSorry for the belated reply - and that I don't know who the trumpet soloist is. Thanks for your note!
A fabulous and little-known Hefti soundtrack is OH DAD, POOR DAD, MAMA'S HUNG YOU IN THE CLOSET AND I'M FEELING SO SAD. (Seriously, that's the title, from an Off Broadway play). Film is ghastly (as I recall) but the score, as represented on the RCA LP anyway, is witty and unique, a bit in the BATMAN mode, and with dynamic sonics.
ReplyDeleteCarevaggio,
ReplyDeleteI saw the film when it came out - it was indeed dreadful. I don't recall the music - don't think I have the LP.
Hi Buster!
ReplyDeleteThe links are dead. Could you possibly reup?
thanks in advance!
Hello Buster, researching Neal Hefti as it would of been his birthday today (born 29 October 1922). Thanks for this wonderful album. Surprised that the link still works. Regards, Bob
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ReplyDeleteboppinbob - you are welcome!
ReplyDeleteYou mention the Batman theme. A musician on that session told me that when Neal handed out the parts, written on the top it said, "Word and Music by Neal Hefti"
ReplyDeleteCool.
Algernon - As I recall, that piece was eloquent in both word and music.
ReplyDeletehow did I miss this!!?? thanks (belatedly)
ReplyDeleteSD - You are welcome.
ReplyDeleteCarevaggio - If you are still out there, it occurs to me that the trumpet soloist is probably Hefti himself.