April 12th: Lena Horne – I Concentrate On You

Lena Horne never got to record with Nelson Riddle, Billy May, Pete Rugolo et al – maybe because she was never signed to Capitol. Her albums were frequently arranged by husband Lennie Hayton – a highly competent musician but not quite in the Riddle class. For one date though she did get the absolute cream. In the early 60s she recorded an album with Marty Paich (Lovely and Alive). This is the opening number. There’s also a live version on YouTube where she almost explodes out of the screen. At this point she’s halfway between the sultry screen siren of the 40s and the red hot mama of The Lady And Her Music and you could power the whole studio off her.

 

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