Music Friday: Just Music!
When it comes to growing up with grandparents and great grand parents from before the war or parents born during the war brings a different kind of music.
Music you would only hear in the Hollywood block busters. Big bands with lots of copper and flowing drums blowing there tune. The kind of music where an gentle man would listen to with a pipe or cigar in his mouth and a glass of single malt in his hand. In front of an open fire.
Early year dance music to teach you classic dances but later turn a great and funky swing into the beat. It might be strange to some to listen to music that are the words of the song.
One man who used a lot of big band sound to back up his already smooth voice was Frank Sinatra. Who by the way would have been a hundred years old tomorrow. He who was called ‘The Voice’ was great friends with band leaders who in return created magnificent music even today do not sound so old.
But today is about music. Powerful horns and smooth piano maybe a guitar or two with a thundering drum in the back. It all comes together and it just makes me want to dance. A nice quick step a juice foxtrot a sexy upbeat swing with a smile.
Jazz, swing and some great swooning songs that can make a heart melt, it is all represented once you listen to the greats of big bands.
Let me start of with two legends on drums. We are talking 1940’s here Don’t forget that. I name a Buddy Rich who was an amazing drummer and let us not forget Gene Krupa who made music drumming on a match stick box. I chose in this case A known sound that will be recognized by many. And sorry when it is this kind of music there is no room for short versions though they are around.
Just to pick a few of the greats as there are many to discover. On a xylophone we had a Lionel Hampton, a great clarinet player like Benny Goodman are names well known throughout this world.
On trombone we have Glenn Miller and again pretty sure the song that is going to play is one that will be recognized instantly. Again from an era where ladies were aloud to have curves and were super sexy in black and white Hollywood blockbusters. It’s a great clip made by J.R. Ramos And halfway has great dance scene by the Nicholas Brothers, Don’t miss it.
There is a piano player that also made name for himself becoming a legend if you will. His name is Count Basie. Again there is a lot of jazz and swing involved. And Though I do not know about you, it sure makes my heart beat faster, wanting to dance, move my tired feet.
Also do we have a Duke Ellington on Piano who led a big band around and made stunning music. Again you might know the tune as it passes you by. Isn’t fabulous that music that old still as an echo resonating these days and are still known. And this is one who does have a voice.
I am pretty sure forgetting a lot of greats and I will come back on this again since I am sure there are some trumpetists and sax players that need mentioning. After all it is music I grew up with, watching old black and white films. I can only hope you enjoyed this session of Music Friday as much as I did. It took me three hours of listening before I came to the selection.
So from over here I Hold up a glass and salute you. Give these greats a listen.
Cheers.
The Ranting Crow
Ranting Crow 