This is my blog where I write about music, jewelry, and myself. Vaudeville, burlesque, blues, jazz, songs about baltimore, novelties, and whatever else I feel like posting. Mostly from my own LPs and 78s. Subscribe via any of the methods in the right-hand column. Please do not link directly to the mp3 files.

This little gem on the eclectic nonesuch label does what I dreamed of doing 25 years later - re-recording the signature songs of the most famous vaudeville ladies.
I chose the first track, which appropriately is Eva Tanguay's "I Don't Care".
The musicians on this record, Joan Morris & William Bolcom are apparently married and still going strong.
In fact, they have a new CD out.. today (this is a complete coincidence with me pulling out this record).
I can't say that I found Morris' voice compelling. For example when I listen to this song I've posted, I get the feeling that she does care. However, I am aware that I am prejudiced against these types of reenacting performers, probably because I'm jealous or have some high expectations.
Therefore, I am now interested in setting aside my attitude problem to give a fair listen to their new release. The description of "Someone Talked: Memories of World War II" declares that it was recorded/released "pride and respect for those who sacrificed to preserve democracy during the turbulent years of World War II", but the title suggests something more. It is narrated by an NPR host. I'm sure he will shed some wry NPR light on the subject, so I can wrap my adult contemporary mind around it.

Joan Morris & William Bolcom
I Don't Care
Vaudeville: Songs of the Great Ladies of the Musical stage
1976 Nonesuch Records



sorry, this is the illustration on the record

Labels: history, vaudeville

Posted by: Kara Mae 9/30/2009