"I've Got A Right To Sing The Blues", "Blues In The Night", "Blue Moon", "Am I Blue", "Blue & Broken Hearted", I Ain't Got Nothin' But The Blues", "Birth Of The Blues", "St. Louis Blues", "Bye Bye Blues", "Jailhouse Blues", "Basin Street Blues", "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues".....etc., etc., etc.
Never Treats Me Sweet And Gentle, The Way He Should, I've Got It Bad And That Ain't Good.
My Poor Heart Is Sentimental, Not Made Of Wood, I've Got It Bad And That Ain't Good.
But When The Weekend's Over, And Monday Rolls Around, I end up like I start Out, Just Crying My Heart Out.
He Don't Love Me Like I Love Him, Nobody Could, I've Got It Bad, And That Ain't Good.
Carmen McRae.....The Best! She is my favorite singer of ALL time. I first became acquainted with her around 1953-54, and over the many years, her incredible talent never ceased to amaze me. She was a great musician, (She was a superb pianist) and she was also one of the finest interpreters of the Blues/Jazz Ballad.....
I was lucky enough to see her perform a number of times over the years, and even got to meet her a few times, too. I admired her so very much I always had this dream/fantasy of hearing her sing one of my songs, and then about three years before she died, I had the opportunity to see her perform in a little Jazz Club here in Hollywood called The Catalina Bar & Grill. She was so great that we stayed for her second show, too. There was a song of mine I wanted her to hear. I told her that I didn't think it was a song she would probably ever sing, but that I would love for her to hear it anyway, because her opinion was so important to me. And she told me to mail the song to her at her home in Los Angeles. So, I did. And a few days later, she called me. 
She was very complimentary about the song, which thrilled me no end, but indeed said, that I was correct in feeling she might not want to sing this song. It had to do with her own life experiences and the fact that this particular song was not in her experience and she therefor felt she couldn't do it justice. Having admired her for so very many years, it was particularly meaningful to me that she took the time to listen to the song and also that she found it very touching. She was a true 'artist', in every way. All through her long career, she was incredibly popular all over the world, and particularly in Japan...
And one more Blues clip....The Great Great Joe Williams along with another man, the Great Jimmy Rushing, singing with Count Basie's Band....This clip is from The Newport Jazz Festival back in 1962....
Williams and Basie had a very long professional relationship...an amazing collaboration that produced so very many memorable recordings and "live" performances, too.....And it all stemmed from 'the blues'......
More To Come.......
NOTE: Blogger is being particularly screwy today--tonight! None of these Videos may be right...Forgive me. I tried, and tried, and tried....BUT, The Blogger Gremlins will not let me do what want.....UGH! They keep showing up different, each time I "publish"....
So, if none of it is right.....I apologize.....Blame Blogger.....!
- had this to say:
This looks like a really interesting post since you're writing about music and musicians I, too, especially enjoy. I was able to read some of it, but Blogger has your videos overlapping in such a way on my screen I didn't try to listen to them. When Blogger messes up, they really do it big time. Maybe they'll get it right in a day or so and you can try publishing this piece again.
Makes me think, maybe all the problem with picture and narrative placement I had a week or so ago on my Part II Rose Parade series wasn't all my fault. That series was my first effort at posting photos and videos on my blog.
I recall finally getting to visit the Catalina Bar and Grill years ago -- a truly intimate little place. They've had many artists and groups there I would have loved to be able to hear. Are they still in business? Another performer I'd like to hear is Corky Hale who I think has a club on Sunset Strip.- Monday, February 16, 2009 at 2:26:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Hey, that is pretty cool, such a nice contribution on the blues. I'm a great music lover. But I'm not on a good PC to listen, so I'll come back when I'm at home.
“The ho pimped me here”.- Monday, February 16, 2009 at 3:37:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
I love blues and your blues' selection!! oh, blogger...!
I am very slowly catching up, it's been a long while!- Monday, February 16, 2009 at 6:00:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
You probably are having some problems with the codes. It's best sometimes to just start over instead of trying to fix things in the "compose mode." Before I learned a smattering of HTML code, "compose" used to drive me nuts. In fact, I would refer to it as "compost" mode.
Cheers.- Monday, February 16, 2009 at 6:45:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
I love the blues. Anything from BB King to John Hooker and Boom, Boom. Sometimes I can get more stress release from getting lost in the Blues than even Jazz.
- Monday, February 16, 2009 at 8:28:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Lots of B's there with those 'blues' songs! How wonderful that Carmen McRae read your song and was so sweet about it!
- Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:20:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Carmen McRae... wow. What a terrific voice, terrific emotion in her voice, and terrific stage presence. I can see why you like her so much.
How neat that she listened to your song and took time to call you and compliment you.
The blues speak to the deepest part of us. Some blues singers and musicians really tap into raw emotion.- Monday, February 16, 2009 at 11:10:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Loving the blues and indeed I wrote a blues song of my own a few days ago about liquidity easement. Tongue in cheek, of course.
But what I really wanted to say was that I finally found an excuse to put up a few pix from around your way, in support of bob-kat's meme...See if you recognise anything here
best regards, as always!- Monday, February 16, 2009 at 11:35:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
The old artists are so increibly talented, they really pour their heart and soul into the music. I wish it was like that today - genuine, throbbing, melancholy, magical...
- Monday, February 16, 2009 at 12:51:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Dear Naomi- it looks like you are having a 'Pat' day and I sympathise. I'm going back to the top to listen to the music.
- Monday, February 16, 2009 at 2:44:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
The videos were fine. I couldn't read all of the copy. One of blogger's little jokes!
I tried to post a video of Lena Horne singing 'Honey Suckle Rose' but one isn't allowed to.- Monday, February 16, 2009 at 2:57:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
The blues are some of my favorite music, Naomi. We have a radio station that plays blues on Sat. and I try to listen every week. I'm sorry that blogger isn't cooperating, as I sure would like to read this post, but I can't. It all overlaps.
- Monday, February 16, 2009 at 4:25:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I enjoy the blues but don't know alot of artists. so thank you for this reprotoire! yes, a very cool story about carmen listening to your song...do you still write music?
- Monday, February 16, 2009 at 4:27:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Nice blues...but indeed your design is a bit messy... ;-)
- Monday, February 16, 2009 at 5:34:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I love the blues!! comes from deep down and speaks to everyone
- Monday, February 16, 2009 at 6:10:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I couldn't read your post :-( but I'm off to listen to the music.
Hope all is well
xo- Monday, February 16, 2009 at 6:42:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
The Blues make me feel so good. You hit all the classics. Yes, either lower you down or pick you up.
- Monday, February 16, 2009 at 7:25:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
The videos are working fine for me Naomi, and how I love them. The Blues occupy a special place in my heart...I love it
- Monday, February 16, 2009 at 7:44:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
I'll check bbbbe bbback later. All the words are written on top of other words and I can't read! xo
- Monday, February 16, 2009 at 8:58:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I think the blues is a genre most people can relate to, though not quite sure what the youth of today think of such 'old' tunes. There are some great blues bands out there, not ones from yesteryear, but new and upcoming blues bands....
- Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:47:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
That's good stuff. I'm going to make a point to catch some old school blues when I go to New Orleans in October.
- Monday, February 16, 2009 at 11:18:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I am happy to report that this post is perfect in IE!! I don't know why it looked all jumbled in Firefox, but I am sure glad I have a chance to read it all and listen to the wonderful music. Carmen was always one of my favorites, too!!
- Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 6:08:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Thanks for the feast of good music.
Carmen McRae and Joe Williams are wondereful.
Will stop by often,
Love,
Herrad- Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 6:13:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
I love the blues too...... really all kinds of music!
Boo to the blogger gremlins! How's THAT for a B!- Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 7:01:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Thanks for your visit and the L.A. geography lesson!
Strictly for scientific purposes, I've 'stolen' one of your pictures to add to my blog as an addition to the L.A. pictures.
I noticed I'd also taken a Century City snap, so I've put one of each of ours together!
They are here- Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 9:16:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Hi Naomi, that is a fine parade of blues singers :-)
I'm not a huge fan of the blues, but I do love Nina Simone's voice and style.
My dad loves blues and jazz and my childhood was interspersed with Duke Ellington, Porgy and Bess and so on.
cq- Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 11:05:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
I could read it in Safari :-) Thanks
- Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 1:24:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Naome: thanks for the good advice re internet Explorer and it worked. I don't remember how Firefox came into my life but the children think it is not right for me.
Anyway I was able to appreciate and enjoy the post as well as the videos. Thank you:)- Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 1:42:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Hope your able to clear the videos up soon.
Good luck with blogher..
Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com- Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 6:00:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
I'm back on Internet Explorer and had a listen to the clip and enjoyed Carmen M.'s performance and learning about your interaction with her. I like to dance to blues influenced music like that of Eric Clapton.
I hope the blog boo boo heals up.- Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 8:21:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Just making rounds tonight and seeing who has what up. Nice choices though. I like some blues to be honest with you. I am a spring chicken to you but I like some blues songs... LOL.. Take care and hugs Tweety..
- Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 9:44:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Naomi, your blog is all over the place...
- Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 9:58:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
Thanks for the vids, BTW. I needed a little musical pick-me-up with my morning coffee.
Cheers.- Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 7:43:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
OK Naomi, now we are cooking with gas..... Internet Explorer is bringing it up just fine....
Great story, I love the blues too.- Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 11:56:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Naomi,
by reasons I can't control,
my Internet browser went wild this late evening.
I promise: It's not my eyes, but your blog was presented three-fold. That's why it would be stupid of me to pretend to have read and comment seriously.
But, this Wednesday, I did think about something Wordless.
Something that made me and Anna Wordless:
Your 2009 Calendar.
Conclusion: I did post 2 photos:
One of February and the second where your Calendar is placed in our humble home.
With link to your, for us, very special and eminent storytelling blog.- Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 3:43:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
All the videos came through and I enjoyed the opportunity to quietly listen to some old favorites. Enjoyed your post as always.
- Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 5:51:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
At first I thought you were feeling down and I thought I'd come in and cheer you up, but you've done that for me with your "B" post this evening.
I love that your favorite singer of all time listened to your song and took the time to explain her thoughts on it. Even though she didn't sing it, her explanation makes perfect sense and she did compliment you on it. What a thrill that must've been for you!
Keep lovin' them blues, Naomi. ;)- Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 9:03:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I hope this posts okay as something very weird has happened to your blog. I have tried to read what I can but so much is overlapping :(
Anyway, I wanted to let you know I had been by and hope all is well with you. Hugs :)- Friday, February 20, 2009 at 4:12:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
Well, you know its hard to read this post, but also that I love blues.
Whatever: I wish you the loveliest weekend Naomi :-)- Friday, February 20, 2009 at 12:19:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Oh my dear Naomi,
I still see some very confusing and unreadable posts of your excellent blog.
I can not understand why.
We are bot using Blogger, and when the visibility is like what I've experienced lately, well I must check what's going on.
Why, because all other blogs and sites are for me seen normal - as should be, to say it that way.
Grrr. I say no more.
Btw. Sorry for not visiting and commenting your excellent blog for a while. I can explain.- Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 5:05:00 PM PST
x4
