Thursday, January 28, 2016 |
Sacramento, CA
Capital Public Radio’s All Things Considered and Jazz Host Devin Yamanaka joins us with some jazz versions of classical arrangements.
Bill O’Connell, “Rhapsody in Blue,” Rhapsody In Blue BUY
I always think of “Rhapsody in Blue” as an intense piece of music. It forces you to listen closely and I like that. This version is more laid-back, though it has its share of tempo changes and elements to keep you interested. It’s fun to listen to both pieces back-to-back. They’re so different it’s funny to think they’re the same song.
Gary Burton & Makoto Ozone, “Lakmé Medley: Berceuse/Duettino,” Virtuosi BUY
The “Flower Duet” from Leo Delibes’s opera “Lakmé” is one of those pieces that show up in pop culture a lot. It has a beautiful, soothing melody and is a favorite for compilations of relaxing classical music. In this iteration it’s the “duettino” part of the medley and Burton’s vibraphone playing gives it an extra dimension of dreaminess.
Jack Teagarden, “Anitra’s Dance,” Swingin’ The Classics BUY
“Anitra’s Dance” in its original form is indeed danceable, but it’s also danceable like this. You’d just dance differently.
**WILD CARD!!** Postmodern Jukebox feat. Sara Niemetz, “Love Yourself” BUY
This is something you need to hear. Sara Niemetz is your new favorite singer. No, she is.
