Classic Recordings

To my way of thinking nothing puts over a ballad by a soloist more than a lush background of strings.   Strings are the instruments of the "heavens". The emotional presence of this kind of orchestration is just what people enjoy, especially at that magical moment when they feel in a romantic mood.

Lawrence Brown former trombonist with the Duke Ellington band was a special "artist" in this kind of playing.   He not only had that "romantic" sound but his interpretations were absolutely captivating. Other trombonists had his technical expertise but didn't seem to capture that "soul" which is the heart of ballad playing. Not all instrumentalist have this special quality in their playing.

An album that is engrossing in this style is called "For Lovers Only" which features another unique artist on cornet by the name of Bobby Hackett.  

This album unfortunately doesn't even mention Hackett's memorable renditions on the jacket (an intentional omission) and the orchestra (which was primarily strings and rhythm) was conducted by none other than Jackie Gleason. (Who's name is prominently displayed.) Hmm?

Most people realize that Jackie Gleason wasn't a musician of any consequence or even for that matter a conductor. However he was very gifted in other areas and people were pleasantly surprised that he could do this kind of musical undertaking considering his limited background. 

As it turned out he had a natural understanding of what music should convey, especially in these ballad pieces. He always seemed to be able to draw a "special" performance from his orchestra regardless of his conducting short-comings.

It's interesting that in spite of his lack of formal conducting skills he did manage to "communicate" the nuances of the orchestration very successfully. His rather limited approach might have been the thing that made the recordings work. Perhaps he didn't know enough about music to get in the way of the musicians.

People used to approach Bobby Hackett some years later and compliment him on his artist playing on "For Lovers Only". It was assumed that he made a lot of money from this project because the album was a "best" seller.   However Bobby was somewhat reluctant to admit that he only got paid the required recording minimum Union scale for his efforts.

Gleason tried other soloists later for other albums (perhaps after Hackett asked for more money) but the results were not as magical as the recording he did with Bobby. He didn't recognize that this specialness was a unique quality of Bobby's artistry that made the recording the huge success that it was. This is unfortunate because it is Bobby Hackett's playing that makes this album a real "keeper." It has been reprinted since that initial release and new generations of music lovers the world over have discovered its aesthetic beauty.

One fan of Hackett's asked him what in Bobby's opinion was the "thing" that Gleason brought to the session considering his limited musical acumen.

Bobby pondered the question and answered somewhat facetiously, "The significant thing that Gleason brought to the table was the "cheque."  

I doubt Bobby ever "complained" in this manner. He was such a mild mannered individual. As a gesture to Bobby's exceptional playing on that album it would have been nice to be at least appreciated by the size of the cheque.  It would have been an appropriate gesture of thanks.

Bobby Hackett was a great artist and wonderful human being and his playing on this and other recordings is never the less, appreciated by his many fans everywhere.

We can assume that in time Bobby had resigned himself that this is the way it was going to be. 

I guess some people find it difficult to share the limelight. Apparently there are times that "limelight" is in short supply. 

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