Episode 8: Laughing at Life, track by track! "Stars Fell on Alabama"
SUBSCRIBE!
IN THIS EPISODE:
We continue our song-by-song exploration of our newly released album, Laughing at Life, as we discuss the beloved jazz standard "Stars Fell on Alabama." Hilary and Melissa debate the pronunciation of "drah-ma" vs. "dramma" and Oded lets us in on his onomotopoeic arranging secrets (hint: kissing is involved).
SPECIAL GUEST WYCLIFFE GORDON!
Duchess met Wycliffe a few years ago when we all happened to be hanging out and sitting in at Vince Giordano & the Nighthawks' gig. A mutual lovefest ensued and we've worked together several times since then. Wycliffe's muted trombone lent a touch of Pops (and a lot of magic) to our version of "Stars Fell on Alabama." Learn more about Wycliffe Gordon on his website.
Trombonist, trumpeter, vocalist extraordinaire, the always-swinging Wycliffe Gordon!
THE NIGHT IT ALL BEGAN...
All smiles the night we met Wycliffe, when we were all digging Vince Giordano & the Nighthawks in midtown Manhattan.
WHERE TO BUY LAUGHING AT LIFE:
- Anzic Store (Support our amazing indie label! You can buy a hard copy or download, AND you'll get free shipping!)
- iTunes
- Amazon
DEEP CUTS FROM THIS EPISODE:
The eternally beautiful version by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.
Wycliffe played and sang this song the night we heard him sitting in with Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks. Pure joy.
PUCKER UP...
Producer/arranger Oded Lev-Ari thought carefully about how Duchess should sing the word "kiss" in this lushly romantic standard. Listen for yourself and decide if we deliver a musical peck or a long-lasting liplock.