February 14, 2015
We had an interesting mix of people on Valentine's Day. Despite our old stalwarts, Sam and Gene, off doing something more important, we had a good showing, and people shifting around on instruments to get enough of a rhythm section. For example, when Jack D, on trumpet, started us out by calling Misty, we had Jack K on drums, Steve M and Steve H on alto, Wes on tenor, and Todd picking out bass notes on the piano. After Steve H finished a solo, he took over at the piano so Todd could play trumpet. They did some shifting back and forth for a few songs. Todd even played a bit of drums so Jack K could play some horn. Later on, Carl (trombone) and Annie (vocals) arrived, followed soon by Bob on guitar, much to everyone's relief.
After Misty, Steve H asked for Makin' Whoopee. Wes followed with Groovin' High. Todd pulled out the sinuous and strenuous Oleo. Steve M. brought us back with the standard All The Things You Are. We played a blues arrangement for four horns to work a bit on our ensemble chops. Annie, sans microphone, wanted Corcovado, a.k.a. Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars; we played in that spirit. Back to Jack D., we had a go at Cry Me A River. Annie, looking through the books for ideas, found It's De-Lovely. The next call came from Carl for Two Degrees East, Three Degrees West. Steve H. talked Annie into taking a stab at Midnight Sun, which is a beautiful tune that, at the pace we set, takes way too long time to play. So Annie next chose They Say It's Wonderful at a nice medium swing. Steve M. liked the thought of There Will Never Be Another You. We wrapped up the afternoon with Satin Doll.
Amazingly, not a single person thought to call My Funny Valentine. Therefore--and because no one suggested any recording picks--I am including links here to several versions of that song.
Ella Fitzgerald
Chet Baker
and this slightly strange artsy-looking thing.
Miles Davis and John Coltrane
Al Cohn and Zoot Sims
Oscar Peterson
Paul Desmond
Stan Kenton
I'm sure I could find a million more. Your favorite version not here? Send me a link.
--SJH
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