This album could totally have been made today by some earnest hipsters. It could be you and your neighbor who home-brews playing jugs and washboards on the porch. But no! It’s from 1964. A playful and timeless album of early jazz, blues, and folk tunes.
Episode 22: Blues for Dracula by Philly Joe Jones
We love Halloween! A rather silly impression of Bela Lugosi as Dracula introduces a solid hard bop jazz album from 1958.
Philly Joe Jones drum solo (maybe with Thelonius Monk?)
Episode 21: West Side Story's Dynamic George Chakiris
George Chakiris is a highly underrated vocalist. Best known for his role as Bernardo in West Side Story, in this self-titled album, George Chakiris sings effortless renditions of some pop standards.
George Chakiris on AppleMusic
George Chakiris on Wikipedia
George Chakiris Sterling Silver Jewelry
Video:
Opening scene of The Young Girls of Rochefort.
Episode 20: Softly by Wanda Sa
Wanda Sá (AKA Wanda de Sah) has the quintessential bossa nova singing voice: so sweet and gentle! It’s showcased beautifully in this American production on Capital from 1965.
Wanda Sá performs Água de Beber, 2007.
Wanda Sá and Roberto Menescal perform "Telefone"
Episode 19: The Joy of Belly Dancing by George Abdo
Let’s head to the 1970s, the golden era for… belly dance? Indeed! This classic belly dance album that could be considered early “world fusion” with its traditional songs from the Middle East repackaged for American night clubs.
Juliana rocking the chainmaille costume
Flissy's version of the chainmaille costume
Joy of Belly Dancing on AppleMusic
Joy of Belly Dancing on Amazon
Joy of Belly Dancing LP on Smithsonian Folkways
About Juliana on the Occidental Dancer
Liner notes from Smithsonian Folkways release
My friend, Shems's, choreography to Miserlou
A lovely performance to Ya Mustapha by Naima