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12/02/2012

Russell links a series of apparently disconnected songs into a musical daisy-chain that ranges from a 1911 song, recorded by Jessica Molaskey, to a bit of Spike Milligan.

Russell links a series of apparently disconnected songs and performances into a musical daisy-chain that ranges from a 21st century performance of a 1911 song, recorded by Jessica Molaskey, to a bit of the great Spike Milligan's dotty daftness interpreted by Dame Cleo Laine and Sir John Dankworth.

A song recorded exactly a century ago by Billy Murray - Gee But I Like Music With My Meals - prompts a rumination on background music and the one time Russell was grateful for it - introducing him to the voice of Madeleine Peyroux.

This brings into the mix composer Fred Ahlert and his original lyricist, Roy Turk who wrote Love you Funny Thing. Russell notes its similarity to Neil Moret's Chloe (we hear Satchmo sing that). One more Turk & Ahlert song, I'll Get By, we hear in a performance by Bing Crosby with The Ipana Troubadours. Ipana, a now defunct brand of US toothpaste, brings us to teeth, hence The Simpsons, Allan Sherman etc.

Finally, Russell pays tribute to recently departed musician and manager John Levy, through one of his performances and a pair by some of his clients - Nancy Wilson, George Shearing and Joe Williams.

57 minutes

Last on

Sun 12 Feb 2012 21:00

Music Played

  • Jessica Molaskey

    Oh You Beautiful Doll

    “Pentimento” Jessica Milaskey

    • PS CLASSICS.
    • PS205.
  • Billy Murray

    Gee But I Like Music With My Meals

    78 RPM Single

    • Victor (78 RPM).
    • No 17064-A.
  • Madeleine Peyroux

    I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter

    “Madeleine Peyroux – Dreamland”

    • Atlantic.
    • 7567-82946-2.
  • Mel Tormé

    Love, You Funny Thing

    2CD De Luxe Edition Mel Tormé

    • Dejavu Retro-Gold.
    • R2CD 42-13.
  • Louis Armstrong W. Gordon Jenkins’ Orchestra

    Chloe

    “Satchmo In Style”

    • Verve.
    • 549 594-2.
  • Sam Lanin’s Ipana Troubadours

    I'll Get By

    “Chronological Bing Crosby June ’28-Jan ‘29”

    • Jonzo.
    • JZCD-5.
  • Dan Castellaneta & Julie Kavner

    I Love To See You Smile

    “The Simpsons Sing The Blues”

    • Geffen.
    • 7599-24308-2.
  • Allan Sherman

    The Painless Dentist Song [The Continental]

    “My Name Is Allan”

    • Collectors’ Choice Music.
    • CCM 2142.
  • The Boswell Sisters

    Hand Me Down My Walking Cane

    “The Boswell Sisters Collection”

    • Storyville.
    • 1088608.
  • Ben Selvin Orchestra/The Pickens Sisters

    My Sweet Tooth Says 'I Wanna'

    “Ben Selvin: The Columbia House Bands Vol 1”

    • The Old Masters [Tom].
    • MB 102.
  • Billy Taylor Quartet

    I Don't Ask Questions – I Just Have Fun

    “The Complete Hrs Sessions“ [6 Cd Set]

    • Mosaic.
    • MD6 - 187.
  • Nancy Wilson

    Hello Young Lovers

    “Nancy Wilson – Broadway – My Way”

    • Capitol.
    • 0946 3 64638 2 7.
  • Joe Williams & George Shearing - Here's To Life

    “Here’s To Life: Joe Wiliams/Robert Farnon Orch”

  • Cleo Laine

    English Teeth

    “Cleo Laine – Wordsongs”

    • Philips.
    • 830 461-2.

Broadcast

  • Sun 12 Feb 2012 21:00