Recently new reader 8H Haggis was kind enough to bequeath many of his transfers for us to enjoy (see the two posts directly below). One of those items was an Andre Kostelanetz LP of music by Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos. After 8H lamented that he did not have a better dub of the album, longtime reader Parchisi came through with a copy made from his own, very clean disc.
That new version forms the major item on tonight's bill of fare, which also includes some choice cuts from favorite singers, newly remastered.
The Villa-Lobos record is simply gorgeous, as 8H promised. The first side comprises a suite from the "folk operetta"
Magdalena, a 1948 collaboration with Wright and Forrest of
Kismet fame. As a Broadway production, it was not successful, but the music is terrific.
Some of the compositions on the second side may be familiar. They include an adaptation of Bachianas Brasileiras No. 2, the "Little Train of the Caipira," and other selections from the composer's extensive Bach-inspired oeuvre. All are well played by Kostelanetz's studio orchestra. On one cut, Kosty himself takes a turn at the piano.
Columbia's sound was harsh, as it sometimes was during this period. (The record dates from 1974.) To compensate, I have adjusted the frequency response and added a small amount of convolution reverberation. The result is very listenable.
Thanks again to Parchisi and 8H Haggis for their generosity!
ReupsAll the 10-inch LPs below date from the early days of the blog. They have been remastered, and now sound quite good. The links below will take you to the original posts.
Dick Haymes - Serenade. An exceptionally fine record by a legendary singer, including some songs that are not heard very often. I should transfer more Haymes recordings!
Buddy Clark - For You Alone. A very popular singer who died young, Clark was a master and is a particular favorite of this blogger. I have dozens of Buddy Clark 78s that await my attention.
Page Cavanaugh - After Hours. An talented singer and pianist, Cavanaugh never achieved the renown he deserved. This is a rare early LP on the Vaya label. Again, I should get busy with the Cavanaugh records in my collection.
Martha Raye - The Voice of Martha Raye. Remembered as a comic actor, Raye was a singer before she hit Hollywood - and a good one. This record is weighted down with some bop-style arrangements that didn't suit the singer. Worth hearing, though. I have more Martha coming up on my singles blog.
