The BIG number

The next couple of days we're taking a look at "Musical Numbers in Non-musical films."

One iconic non-traditional example is HEART AND SOUL in the movie BIG.  Tom Hanks dancing on a larger than life keyboard has inspired countless piano duets.  You can bet somewhere in the world right now someone is asking "Do you wanna play the top part or bottom part?"

Here is an adorable performance of a father and son playing together at a recital.

The song was written by Hoagy Carmichael with lyrics by Frank Loesser.   Check out great vocal versions by MEL TORME, ELLA FITZGERALD, and probably my favorite.... by JOE WILLIAMS.

Friday the 13th...V Day approaches!

Some people freak out a little on Friday the 13th... and some people freak out a little on Valentine's Day. Having one lead into the other makes an interesting start to the weekend.. 

AND I have come up with the perfect song to commemorate today... 

...I PUT A SPELL ON YOU.

Here is the original artist "Screamin" Jay Hawkins with a "Friday the 13th" Version!

The wikipedia article on this song states...

Hawkins had originally intended to record "I Put a Spell on You" as a refined love song, a blues ballad. He reported, however, that the producer "brought in ribs and chicken and got everybody drunk, and we came out with this weird version. I don't even remember making the record.

Now for the non-spooky versions...

I wouldn't say this is the most romantic song ever... let's call it, the "Get-Your-Act-Together-Or-We're-Through" Valentine's Day Song.

First of all, here's a link to the great Nina Simone version.

I love the music of She & Him (She... the amazing Zooey Deschanel, Him... M. Ward).  Zooey is best known for her quirky independent film work (and a lovely duet with Will Ferrell in ELF.) Last year she collaborated with M. Ward on a wonderful album entitled SHE & HIM Volume One.  Their version of I PUT A SPELL ON YOU can be found on a new Starbucks cover compilation called SWEETHEART.

 

Here's another soulful take by vocalist Mica Paris, guitarist David Gilmour, and bandleader Jools Holland.

Of course I would be remiss if I didn't give a shout out to the Sanderson Sisters camping it up.

I know this is a long post, but I have one final Friday the 13th song... 

...here is a link to an AWESOME cover of Mel Torme' having a swingin' good time with the Stevie Wonder classic SUPERSTITION.

SNACK time!

Just saw 2 very talented friends in an amazing show called "SNACK!"

This "physical comedy" show (it contains no dialogue) is an original work revolving around the subject of food!  It reminded be of a wonderful silent film.  The fantastic use of music and the way they connected hilarious sketches with very endearing through lines really made the show for me.  I really cared about the characters.  Add to that 7 extremely talented performers and you have a really wonderful show that the whole family can enjoy!  This is the last weekend, so if you live in the Tampa/Orlando area... make sure you see this (who needs the Superbowl!)

Here are links to the theatre and 2 great reviews from The Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Weekly.

Speaking of SNACKS here's the Carpenters trying to convince you to buy potato chips.

Thirsty?  The wonderful Mel Torme' (one of my musical idols) thinks you need a Mountain Dew!