A most unusual combo greeted me upon my arrival at McRae: two saxophones--Steve M on alto and Wes on tenor--and two drum sets--Gene and Tom both ready for action. Looking over this situation, I left my horn in the case and we wheeled out the piano. But because I had only an Eb book and had to transpose, and I can't do that on the spot, I had to use up precious time between songs writing up the transpositions. Still, we managed, and even proved satisfactory (though not up to standard) for Annie and Dick upon their arrival.
Before the entrance of yours truly on piano, the gang managed to work on Misty and Round Midnight. Once I got a few chords written up, we played Tom's call, a bright version of Have You Met Miss Jones. Flipping through pages, I started doodling on Gee, Baby, Ain't I Good To You, and all joined in. Wes requested Blues For Alice. Apparently not playing in any order this day we played a nice slow version of what looked interesting to the piano player, My Funny Valentine. Tom suggested In A Mellow Tone, which was well received. Somebody thought of Doxy, which worked OK. Steve M wanted to give Yardbird Suite a try; we played it easy, then, at Wes' request, we went more up to speed, with great success.
By this point Annie and Dick had arrived, and the vocal segment got rolling. Annie took two: The Girl From Ipanema and Hello Young Lovers. Classics All Of Me and a reprise of In A Mellow Tone featured Dick. The instrumental interlude was April In Paris, though I don't know who called it. After a discussion of the lack of Gershwin tunes in the Real Book, Annie returned with I Thought About You, and we finished up the day with Dick on Out Of Nowhere.
Participant's Picks
We note the passing of great blues guitar man B.B. King. He is survived by his true love, Lucille (nee Gibson). Our picks this week came from the group as a whole, noting two important songs: The Thrill Is Gone, and Three O'Clock In The Morning Blues. Here are three versions of each; the last version of Three O'Clock teams King with another famous guitarist.
The Thrill is Gone
Three O'Clock In The Morning Blues
Sam sent in a bit by another guitarist, Johhny Smith, playing Cherokee
Here's a few other guitarists:
Les Paul, Tal Farlow, and Bucky Pizzarelli, C-Jam Blues
Joe Pass and Zoot Sims, Blues for Two
And to bring it back to where we began:
T-Bone Walker, with JATP,
Woman You Must Be Crazy
(featuring Clark Terry playing mouthpiece solo), and Goin’ to Chicago Blues
T-Bone Walker and B.B. King, Sweet Sixteen
Enjoy.
--SJH
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