TV Radio Mirror (Jan - Jun 1962)

****** an eat! *** GOOD LISTENING **** EXCELLENT -M< IT'S YOUR MONEY ••••Cesar Franck Symphony, Pierre Monteux conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (RCA Victor LM 2514) — The D Minor, Franck's one symphony, is given the majestic and regal treatment it deserves by Monteux. JAZZ •••••Time Further Out, Dave Brubeck (Columbia 1690) — Here's a minor classic for Brubeck fans. This album takes as its point of departure a jazz interpretation of an abstract painting by Miro. But more specifically, it is an exercise in treating the blues with unusual (and one might even say offbeat) time signatures, such as 5/4 and 9/8 time. The intricate rhythmic variations are deftly handled. ••••The Essential Count Basie, (Verve 8407) — Count Basie has endured when most big bands gave it up as a lost cause, and he and The Duke (see below) remain as today's giants of big-band jazz. This LP shows the Basie band off to good advantage as they do some of their early classics, such as "Jumping at the Woodside" and the great "One O'Clock Jump." ••••The Indispensable Duke Ellington, (RCA Victor LPM 6009) — This rwo-LP set is a mu6t for Ellington fans, containing some of Duke's most memorable takes for Victor during the years 1940-46, that is, the pre-LP era. Along with the predictable inclusions, such as "Don't Get Around Much Any more," "Carnegie Blues," "Sophisticated Lady," and "Mood Indigo," there are surprises, such as two piano-bass duets with famed bassist Jimmy Blanton, who died before his full potential could be realized. This is exciting Ellingtonia and not to be missed. ••••Never On Sunday, Ramsey Lewis (Argo 686) — The Ramsey Lewis Trio has been achieving a particularly felicitous cohesion of sound on recent recording dates, and nowhere is this more true than on this LP. Every track here, from an exciting arrangement of "Never On Sunday" to the hit jazz version of "Waterboy" and the Gershwin classic "I Got Plenty Of Nothing," is easy listening. SHOW AND FILM MUSIC ••Flower Drum Song, Sound Track (Decca 9098) — The main trouble with this movie version soundtrack of the Broadway musical hit is that it lacks theatricality. Perhaps what's missing is that special timbre of the theater pit band. Also missing is the exciting, vibrant vocal gymnastics of Pat Suzuki. Nancy Kwan's voice sounds too thin and unsure to carry even the ballads, notably the beautiful "Sunday," much less to get across the piquant and saucy "I Enjoy Being a Girl." You would be advised to stick with the original Broadway cast as recorded on Columbia OL 5350. TEEN ••••Chubby Checker & Bobby Rydell, (Cameo 1013)— This pair of show-wise teenagers put on a performance that keeps moving from beginning to end, a pro job in every respect, and one that will provide lots of excitement for teen listeners and a few hip oldsters as well. Certainly this is a standout LP in its class. Chubby and Bobby have long been friends and had long wanted to do a record together. Their clowning around in a recording studio one day gave the first idea for the album. The infectious fun the boys were having spread to musicians and engineers alike. The result was an unusual "fun" recording. High spot is a medley of "Your Hits and Mine," with Bobby doing Chubby's Twist among other favorites like "Side by Side," and "My Baby Cares for Me." COMEDY •••Jose Jimenez In Orbit /Bill Dana On Earth, (Kapp 1257)— As a follow-up to his highly successful Astronaut LP, Bill Dana has his pathetic Jose in orbit, with expected comedy results. Although, in essence, it's a stretched-out running gag, the situation is still good for some chuckles and guffaws. The other side shows Bill Dana doing more down-to-earth impressions and characterizations, culled from his night club act. Dana's writing partner Don Hinkley acts as straight man on the set. 101