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29/01/2012

After an opener from Johnny Mercer, Russell marks what would've been the 80th birthday of Beverly Kenney. He also features Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Mel Tormé and Anita O'Day.

After a jolly opening from Johnny Mercer with a little seasonal advice to wrap up warm, Russell marks what would have been the 80th birthday of singer Beverly Kenney, who died aged only 28. We hear two of her quite rare performances and Russell quotes from Beverly's youthful opinion - she wouldn't record with strings because "they were hokey".

Three performances follow by great swing artists backed by strings that Russell contends are anything but hokey - Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Mel Tormé and this begins another thread because the song Sinatra sings is by singer Russ Columbo; Bing's This Love Of Mine has Sinatra's name as co-composer while Mel's I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance was co-written by Bing.

Frankie Laine is up next with a song he wrote with Mel Tormé and the run is completed by Anita O'Day singing Laine's We'll Be together Again. Russell then features guitarist Johnny Smith [already heard with Beverly Kenney on Goodman's Oh Babe] and also a Jeri Southern session; after a brand new and sensational re-working, by Lorraine Feather and Stephanie Trick, of James P Johnson's Caprice Rag.

57 minutes

Last on

Sun 29 Jan 2012 21:00

Music Played

  • Johnny Mercer

    Button Up Your Overcoat

    Mosaic Select: Johnny Mercer [1946]

    • Mosaic.
    • MS-028.
  • Beverly Kenney

    The Surrey With The Fringe On Top

    Beverly Kenney Sings For Johnny Smith

    • Roost [LP].
    • LP 2206.
  • Beverly Kenney

    The More I See You

    “.. Sings With Jimmy Jones & The Basie-Itesâ€

    • Roost [LP].
    • LP 2218.
  • Frank Sinatra

    Prisoner Of Love

    Sinatra & Strings [Arranged By Don Costa]

    • Reprise.
    • 9 27020-2.
  • Lennie Niehaus

    This Love Of Mine

    Bing Crosby Through The Years Vol 9: 1955-6

    • Sepia.
    • Sepia 1185.
  • Mel Tormé

    I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance With You

    “Mel Tormé With Marty Paich & Dave Barbourâ€

    • Giants Of Jazz.
    • CD 53343.
  • Frankie Laine

    It Ain't Gonna Be Like That

    “Frankie Laine – The Young Masterâ€

    • Flapper.
    • PAST CD 7826.
  • Anita O’Day

    We'll Be Together Again

    “Anita O’day: Four Classic Albumsâ€

    • Avid.
    • AMSC 963.
  • Benny Goodman Sextet W. Rickey [Vocal]

    Oh! Babe

    “ Benny Goodman – Ode To Swingâ€

    • Columbia.
    • SEGC 11 [EP].
  • Nellie Lutcher

    Hurry On Down

    “Hurry On Down – Nellie Lutcherâ€

    • Memoir.
    • CDMOIR 562.
  • Ella Fitzgerald

    You Don't Know What Love Is

    “Ella Fitzgerald – The War Years 1941-1947“

    • MCA/GRP.
    • GRP 26282.
  • Lorraine Feather & Stephanie Trick

    Pour On The Heat [Based On 'Caprice Rag']

    Pre-Release Provided By Lorraine Feather

    • Nouveau Stride.
    • 001.
  • Jeri Southern

    When The Sun Comes Out

    “Jeri Southern Meets Johnny Smithâ€

    • Columbia.
    • SX 1155.

Broadcast

  • Sun 29 Jan 2012 21:00