Original "Bachelor's Den" May Be Best Of This Series-With Both History & Music
If you collect the Ultra Lounge discs, you'll probably like this one. Although I have very little interest in the other discs in the "Bachelor's Den" series, this first one is pretty cool. More dramatic than most of the Ultra Lounge's, "Music for a Bachelor's Den" is partly more what people were probably listening to @ the time, for the most part, rather than the cool pieces found on that other series of CDs. However, this is not all completely true, as the CD starts with the cool percussive rendition of "Once In a While" by Terry Snyder, a cool bongo piece, leading into the just as cool xylophone-lounge sound of the Arthur Lyman's "Love for Sale". Following here is Jackie Gleason's bouncy rendition of "You're Driving Me Crazy", which is a little more reminiscent of the band sound of the 50s-60s, Gleason a bit of a Lawrence Welk-styled leader. Although this is more than just a mellow piece, as is his "Melancholy Serenade", here mistakenly titled 'Theme from the Honeymooners'. As another reviewer pointed out, this may be possibly more melodic but is no 'Honeymooners'. No, actually it it Gleason's previous theme, for his live variety of the early 50s, "The Jackie Gleason Show", which is where the 'The Honeymooners' was popularized. But it's David Rose's "Sunset Strip" and Jimmy Dorsey's "So Rare" that really tear it up on this album, both very hot, hot, hot! The 50s standards adapted from film and TV, "Moonglow and Love Theme from 'Picnic'", "Around the World in 80 Days", & "Theme from 'Route 66'" not only push you right into that period, giving one a taste of what was actually popular at the time, but are probably some of the most entertaining and listenable pieces from these mediums. I, myself, have always had a big thing for all three. I can't watch the films "Picnic"(55) or "Around the World in 80 Days"(56) without being whisked away by these compositions and, now, the TV show "Route 66"(60-64) is finally being released on DVD, as well. Shearing's medley "As Long As I Live/Let's Live Again" is pure lounge, where, kind of a beat tune-heard also on some compilations as an instrumental-"Like Young" is possibly best sung, as it is here by Linda Lawson. The tropical "Yellow Bird" and exotica "Quiet Village" are two great listenable examples of the islander craze @ the time, both perfect, as most of this CD, for parties and gatherings. "Moritat(A Theme from The Threepenny Opera)" is one of my favorites, though, popularly known as "Mack the Knife", here an instrumental piece. This really illustrates the resurgence of the old music hall rag-piano sound of the late 50s-60s, perfectly complimenting this piece. So, I give you part history, yet, unlike what the other "Bachelor Den" CDs appear to be, also a very listenable compilation, perfect for a party.
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Now THIS is music for the millions !!!
This CD entitled Music For A Bachelor's Den contains excellent numbers from the late 1950s and early 1960s when Latin dance crazes were taking the country by storm, Cadillacs had fins and milk came in bottles. Men loved the new "Hi-Fi" records and record players; they entertained and romanced their women to many of these tunes.
The CD opens with "Once In A While" performed by Terry Snyder and his band. The musical arrangement makes excellent use of the percussion and some sounds come out the left speaker while others come out the right--this took advantage of the new stereophonic record players of the day. The xylophone adds a lot to the arrangement; too. The Latin beat is blended with the sound of a big band to produce a very special, memorable effect. Impressive!
"Love For Sale" by The Arthur Lyman Group follows and this number does not disappoint. The percussion, drums and xylophone carry the tune as the piano playing enhances the beauty of this track. This may be from the 1950s but it still sounds great to me today! Romantic, seductive and engaging all at once, "Love For Sale" is a highlight of this CD.
The George Shearing Quintet makes a contribution to the CD with their medley number entitled "Medley: As Long As I Live/Let's Live Again." The two numbers are joined together quite smoothly and the piano shines in the arrangement. "Like Young" by Linda Lawson provides a non-instrumental track for this CD; Linda's voice is rich, warm and vibrant. The arrangement with its use of the percussion and horn enhances the seductive and romantic flavor of this song. Excellent!
Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra perform the "Theme From 'Route 66;'" and the California based John Buzon Trio masterfully perform "Ill Wind" with the organ and the horns carrying most of the melody. The Arthur Lyman Group performs a second number on this CD with a heavenly version of "Yellow Bird." The xylophone, guitar and Latin beat give "Yellow Bird" an unforgettable quality. "Yellow Bird" enjoyed great popularity when it was released; and now you have a chance to see why! Moreover, The Dick Hyman Trio performs "Moritat (A Theme From The Threepenny Opera);" you just might recognize this as the melody for "Mack The Knife!"
One reviewer writes that the "Theme From 'The Honeymooners' (Melancholy Serenade)" does not match the melody used by The Honeymooners television show--and they are right. The version on this CD uses much more of an orchestral approach to this ballad; but I believe it remains beautiful nonetheless.
The CD ends fittingly with "Around The World (From 'Around The World In 80 Days).'" This ballad gets the orchestral treatment complete with a large strings section, flutes, piano and harp. You will enjoy the beauty of this final track.
The liner notes offer an essay by Paul Phillips and you get the song credits, too. The art work for the CD reflects forethought as well.
I highly recommend this CD for people who enjoyed this music when it first came out on record albums; and people who enjoy "lounge music" will thrill to every minute of this CD. The romantic flavor of each track is greatly enhanced by the often simultaneous Latin beat to produce a very exceptional effect that I rarely enjoy these days.
May you get this CD and enjoy it as much as I do. ¡Viva música!
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