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.

Antique shopping...

When critics compare a jazz singer to Ella Fitzgerald, I'm either in audio love... or am extremely disappointed. 

In 2006 Robin McKelle released her debut "Introducing Robin McKelle" and I was a very happy man...

This album opens with a swingin' "Something's Gotta Give," turns "Bei Mir Bist Du Shon" into a Cha-Cha, and is wonderful until it closes with a delightful "On the Sunny Side of the Street."

Robin definitely is not an Ella knockoff, but her timber in certain songs echoes the great Miss Fitzgerald around the late 50's and 60's.

This week she released her sophomore album "Modern Antique," and I was in love again!  What a lovely second date!  The new album has a bit more of an edge to it but still has a great nostalgia quality throughout.  "Modern Antique" is a PERFECT title.  

Favorite new track for this "Cover Lover?"  .... a FABULOUS rendition of "Abracadabra" originally by The Steve Miller Band!

Hear selections from her debut here and from both albums on her myspace page.

Also here is a great review 0n the new album from allaboutjazz.com.

Thanks Robin for some wonderful music.  Can't wait for our third date!