Showing posts with label standards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label standards. Show all posts

2012-05-11

Sergio Mendes, Walter Wanderley, & More - Bossa Nova Friday

It's a Bossa Nova Friday!

Some bossa nova from Walter Wanderley, seems fitting in this age where the telephone is more than a telephone. Enoch light with a space-age version of the old classic "Brazil", done in a stero-rama kind of way that only Enoch Light could do.

Neal Hefti with a gay, as in, traditional meaning of the word, song called Tomatoes, which is from the Odd Couple sound track. If you don't feel a little happy, in that gay sort of way, after hearing this tune, you should probably see your therapist.

Well, not being happy is understandable, if you're Shirley Bassey, with her rather sad song about going away. There is something quite dynamic about Shirley Bassey, her voice is incredibly dynamic. You can really hear the emotion in her voice, it's quite sad in that powerful Shirley Bassey sort of way. It's almost too emotional for triviacompanion, but it's worth a listen. Quite powerful indeed.

Sergio Mendes pulls us out of our Shirley Bassey depression, more bossa nova with "Like A Lover" (summer time really is the time for Sergio Mendes) I feel like I'm working in some kind of 1970's sit com show when I listen to this song, the melody kind of carries me along.

But, before we get too carried away in the bossa nova, Julie London comes in, with another semi-sad song, "Cry Me a River". Which, really isn't all that sad, it's kind of uplifting in that liberating sort of way. The guitars in this song really come out, undistorted, un-mangled, just clear, beautiful, electric guitar.

I can't pronounce Martin Botcher but it sure makes me feel good, especially after listening to the hyper-emotional song from Shirley Bassey. It's an easy listening bossa nova in a feels free, feels good kind of way. While it has a choir, there aren't any words, just the beautiful, mellow sounds of human voices with a bossa nova background.

Finally, Serge Gainsbourg ties it up with his jazzy in a get you moving sort of way, song "Woom Woom Woom" which is actually sort of bluesy, but not in a country way. It's more like organ blues. This nice thing about it is, there are no words, so we got to take the lazy way out! (no need for researching the lyrics!)

Tracks in the Spotlight


  • Walter Wanderley - Telefone
  • Enoch Light - Brazil
  • Neal Hefti - Tomatoes
  • Shirley Bassey - If You Go Away (Ne Me Quitte Pas)
  • Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 - Like A Lover
  • Julie London - Cry Me A River
  • Martin Botcher & sein Orchester - Fiesta in Belo Horizonte
  • Serge Gainsbourg - Woom Woom Woom

  • 2012-04-22

    Bossa Nova

    Some classics from Frank Sinatra (actually one more than listed here, but we'll leave that as a surprise), and Shirley Bassey.

    Bossa Nova

    It's a Bossa Nova weekend, with music from Astrud Gilberto, Stan Getz, Sergio Mendes and Walter Wanderley. We'll probably be bringing more Bossa Nova music in as time progresses.

    Trivia: Is it possible to cook an egg, using a cel phone? can an uncovered cup of water explode in your microwave? Tune in and find out! TriviaCompanion brings back... trivia

    Server Woes My apologies to anyone who was bounced out the other day, it turns out our hosting provider has a habit of rebooting the server, I think their cat is playing with the power cord or something.

    Hope you're having a great weekend!

    New Tracks

  • Stan Getz - Desafinado
  • Astrud Gilberto - Stay
  • Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 - Watch What Happens
  • Frank Sinatra - Ring-A-Ding Ding
  • Shirley Bassey - The Greatest Performance of My Life
  • Walter Wanderley - Por Causa De Voce, Menina
  • 2012-04-20

    Love Is Blue and Julie London

    We're dusting off a few things around the studio, but it sure feels good to be back!

    This would be a great time to tell your friends about us, A lot seems to have changed in the land of internet radio over the past year, with any luck, people will find us again. We've added a flash based player over at triviacompanion.com, If you couldn't hear us before, do try again. The flash player should work in most office environments.

    The Odd Couple: this is the version from Neal Hefti , it actually has lyrics. Vicky Leandros brings us an excellent version of Love is Blue, which I'm sure you'll enjoy.

    On the lyrics kick, Julie London with Around Midnight. Probably the most famous version of this song is from Oscar Peterson, 'Round Midnight. I didn't realize the song had lyrics until I'd heard Miss Julie London!

    For a final twist, Ray Conniffs Mack the knife, well, it isn't what you'd expect... I just leave it at that.

    I hope your week is going well.

    New Tracks

  • Vicky Leandros - L'Amour est Bleu
  • Neal Hefti - The Odd Couple (Vocal)
  • Julie London - Around Midnight
  • Ray Conniff - Mack The Knife
  • 2011-02-21

    Bossa Nova, Nelson Riddle and more!

    Hope you're not burried in snow! it has been one crazy winter here in Minnesota, this was the year to have a snow blower. Hope your week is going well.

    We're always looking for feedback, let us know how we're doing! now would be a good time to mention, you can donate to triviacompanion without spending any money. (of course, a little cash goes a long way too!)

    New Tracks

  • Andy Williams - So Nice
  • Johnny Dankworth - Tomorrow's World
  • David Rose and his Orchestra - Four Twenty AM
  • Pete Winslow & The King Sized Brass - I Love Paris
  • Roy Budd - Bossa Nova U.S.A.
  • Sydney Dale Orchestra - The Brass'illian Band - TV Interval Music
  • Nelson Riddle - I Get Along Without You Very Well
  • Earl Grant - Black Coffee
  • Norrie Paramor & The Midland Radio Orchestra - Dance In The Old Fashioned Way
  • The Mike Samms Singers - Things Are Swingin
  • Ray Conniff - I've Got You Under My Skin
  • Robert Gaulet - What A Wonderful World
  • 2011-02-17

    Ray Anthony, Laurie Johnson and more!

    Some more music for your enjoyment, including another rendition of "I Say a Little Prayer" by Paul Mauriat. Did you know you can donate to triviacompanion without spending any money? it's true! we're always looking for help!

    New Tracks

  • Laurie Johnson Orchestra - It's A Raggy Waltz
  • The Anita Kerr Quartet - Charade
  • Alberto Baldan Bembo - tropical club
  • Ray Anthony - Chop Sticks
  • Paul Mauriat - I Say A Little Prayer
  • Garry Blake Orchestra - Soul Coaxing
  • 2010-06-18

    Frank Sinatra ... and more

    Some music from Frank Sinatra with Learning the Blues, also some more from Quincy Jones (and several more.)

    A cool Brazil tune from Joanie Sommers with "Quiet Nights", the Garry Blake Orchestra with "The Odd Couple" theme, and "Two Note Samba". A musical variation of "Wives and Lovers".

    You know, I don't really care for the lyrics of Wives & Lovers, seems a bit sexist for our current enlightened era, but I do like the music behind it and I hope you enjoy it as I do.

    Hope everyone has a great weekend!

    New Tracks

    • Orchestra Copacabana - Hernando's Hideaway
    • Joanie Sommers - Quiet Nights
    • Garry Blake Orchestra - The Odd Couple
    • Stephane Grappelli & Yehudi Mehuhin - Puttin' on the Ritz
    • Frank Sinatra - Learning The Blues
    • Mitchell Ayers Orchestra - Wives & Lovers
    • Quincy Jones - Abso-Bleedin'-Lutely
    • Garry Blake Orchestra - Two Note Samba

    2010-05-19

    Diane Michelle and Opus One Studios

    Some new music from Diane Michelle/Opus One Studios with "We Haven't Got a Home to Our Name", a song referencing an era in the united states when there was a housing shortage, just before the baby boom. Hope you enjoy!

    Also, Elmer Bernstein with "Santiago", from Honey West, Shirley Bassey, the King Sisters and a mellow tune from Armando Trovaioli.

    If you have any requests, lame jokes or just have something to say, please do contact us over at triviacompanion.com and leave a message, we'd be delighted to hear from you!

    New Tracks

    • Diane Michelle - We Haven't Got a Home to Our Name
    • King Sisters - What's New
    • Shirley Bassey - If I Were A Bell
    • Armando Trovaioli - Vivere Felice
    • Elmer Bernstein - Santiago

    2010-03-05

    Herb Alpert, Percy Faith and more

    Some cheery music from Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass Band (I always want to say "Brass Brand" for some reason. Some tunes from Billy May, Anita Kerr, Johnny Mann and Pat Suzuki.

    Finally, an interesting version of Don't Sleep In the Subway from Percy Faith, while it's certainly nicer weather, I don't think March in Minnesota is quite suitable for subway sleeping anyway. Enjoy!

    New Tracks

    • Billy May - The Girls Against The Boys
    • Percy Faith - Don't Sleep In The Subway
    • Anita Kerr - The World We Knew
    • Johnny Mann - On the Sunny Side of the Street
    • Pat Suzuki - Daddy
    • Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass - Lollipops And Roses

    2010-02-22

    Herb Alpert, Percy Faith and More..

    Well, it's been a busy month over at HQ, there was a lot going on behind the scenes, in case you wonder what happened.

    Some new music to start your tuesday off right, including some Herb Alpert, Percy Faith, Keely Smith and more. Enjoy!

    New Tracks

    • Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass - I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
    • Percy Faith - Reza
    • Johnny Mann/Simon Zenther - Am I Blue
    • Sergio Rafael Orchestra - Moon River
    • Keely Smith - I'll Get By

    2010-01-05

    Henry Mancini, Sergio Rafael & more!

    Well, the cold snap continues despite our best efforts. At least it's warm indoors!

    Some more music to warm up your night and make that cubicle just a little more fun. If you have any suggestions, please do contact us.

    New Tracks

    • Billy May - I've Never Been In Love
    • Gogi Grant - No Fool Like An Old Fool
    • Henry Mancini - Moanin'
    • Sergio Rafael Orchestra - What Now My Love (Et Maintenant)
    • Urbie Green - When It Rains

    2010-01-03

    Whatever Lola Wants (wish she wanted warmer temps!)

    Happy New Year! We're breaking in the new year with near record breaking low temperatures. Hopefully these tracks will warm you up!

    Some Jazzy tunes from Johnny Mann, Simon Zenther and Billy May. Relaxing music from the Sergio Rafael Orchestra and Percy Faith. A very interesting version of "Whatever Lola Wants" from Abbe Lane. Wrapping it up with Joni James and "You Make Me Feel So Young".

    So, did everyone catch Elevator Heaven? I hope so, but if not, the schedule is posted over at triviacompanion.com, you'll get one more chance to hear it this week, then it's on with the next show.

    New Tracks

    • Billy May - Heart
    • Johnny Mann; Simon Zenther - Baubles, Bangles and Beads
    • Abbe Lane/Tito Puente & His Orchestra - Whatever Lola Wants
    • Sergio Rafael Orchestra - Schiwago Melodie
    • Percy Faith - No Balanco Do Jequiba
    • Joni James - You Make Me Feel So Young

    2009-12-22

    Esquivel, Quincy Jones and More

    It's weird how 20 degree weather can seem almost tropical when you've spent time in -10 weather isn't it?

    Some more from Elmer Bernstein with "Finale", it's the kind of tune you hear and think, I know I've heard this some place, but where?

    Quincy Jones with "Enchanted Melody", a nice tune to mellow out with.

    Some space age bachelor pad music from Esquivel, "Johnson Rag"

    Doug Ferony with "Almost Like Being in Love", you know, I really wish I had the voice of Doug Ferony, but then, I imagine every guy out there does!

    Finally, to get in the holiday spirit, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" from Mark Anderson, some christmas music done on an organ. This one isn't so much added to the playlist, we just play it now and then. (Believe it or not, triviacompanion isn't entirely robot driven, sometimes there's an actual person there)

    New Tracks

    • Elmer Bernstein - Finale
    • Mark Andersen - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
    • Quincy Jones - Enchanted Melody
    • Doug Ferony - Almost Like Being in Love
    • Esquivel And His Orchestra - Johnson Rag

    2009-12-16

    Lena Horne, Piero Umiliani & more

    An awesome track from Piero Umiliani, (one of the nice things about a blog in written form is that I don't have to pronounce that!) "Toccata e Samba", I must warn you, it is a highly addictive track, we've been playing it here "in studio" as it were, over and over. Figured it was about time to share it with you!

    Also some more from the SG Sound, a 60's retro-pop sound with "The Pleasure Center".

    Elmer Bernstein (did he also do the background for MASH?) with "Hallies Jazz".

    Finally, Lena Horne with "It Had Better Be Tonight".

    New Tracks

    • Elmer Bernstein - Hallies Jazz
    • Piero Umiliani - Toccata e samba
    • Lena Horne - It Had Better Be Tonight (1997 Digital Remaster)
    • The SG Sound - The Pleasure Center

    Astrud Gilberto & Walter Wanderley

    From high atop the iceberg of the mid-west, TriviaCompanion brings you some music sure to transform your shiver into a dance.

    Mary Rademacher sings "Zippity Do Dah", in that classic standards kind of way.

    A bit of bachelor pad music from Nelson Riddle with "Live and Let Live", which kind of reminds me of walking down a sidewalk on leave it to beaver, if it were some-how possible to jump back in time and do that sort of thing.

    A fun, mellow, vocal-free version of "The Girl From Ipanema" done by the Golden Saxophones, I don't know why, but I was never terribly fond of the song, but it does sound good without lyrics.

    Astrud Gilberto and Walter Wanderly team up to bring you "Portuguese Washerwoman", I don't think I've ever heard anyone that can match Astrud Gilberto's voice, she is truly one of a kind.

    New Music

    • Nelson Riddle & His Orchestra - Live And Let Live
    • Mary Rademacher - Zippity Do Dah
    • The Golden Saxophones - The Girl From Ipanema
    • Astrud Gilberto & Walter Wanderley - Portuguese Washerwoman

    2009-12-14

    Golden Saxophones, Mary Rademacher & more

    From the icebox at the top of the midwest, the triviacompanion shivers under the strain of the mighty snowflake and brings you more cool music.

    More standards style female vocals from Mary Rademacher with "I'm Beginning to see the light", which I'm sure you'll enjoy.

    Enoch Light with a spaced out version of Mas Que Nada, Hope you're in the mood for a little moog music!

    A really fun version of "Calcutta" from The Golden Saxophones, it will pick you up!

    And finally, a funky tune from Light Hampton with "Blackout", it's a bit on the rock and roll side that sounds a bit like something of the "James Gang" to me.

    Remember kids, don't stick your tongue on any cold steel, because, you don't know where that metal has been!

    New Tracks

    • Mary Rademacher - I'm Beginning to see the Light
    • Enoch Light - Mas Que Nada
    • The Golden Saxophones - Calcutta
    • Lionel Hampton - Blackout

    2009-12-07

    Shirley Bassey, and the SG Sound pickup.

    Hope your monday went well! we've got some new tunes for your tuesday morning, monday night pleasure.

    Some more from the SG Sound and an upbeat tune from Shirley Bassey, might want to stand up for that one! Also, Wendy Bradshaw Puts on the Ritz and Marcos Valle with Pepino Beach. (out here.. any beach is well.. I guess you could make an igloo instead of a sand castle..)

    Enjoy the music!

    New Tracks

    • The SG Sound - Palm Springs Overdrive
    • Shirley Bassey - Don't Rain On My Parade
    • Wendy Bradshaw , Irving Berlin - Puttin' On The Ritz
    • Marcos Valle - Pepino Beach

    2009-12-05

    Astrud Gilberto - Fly Me to the Moon

    Hope your weekend is good so far. We haven't added anything from Astrud Gilberto in awhile, and, well, it's time to do something about that. Also more from Santisteban and the Tikiyaki Orchestra.

    New Tracks

    • Astrud Gilberto - Fly Me To The Moon
    • Xavier Cugat & His Orchestra - Cugi's Cocktail (Hully Gully Cha Cha)
    • The Tikiyaki Orchestra - Bali Hai-ball
    • La Nueva Banda De Santisteban - Man

    2009-11-29

    Take Five, Quincy Jones style!

    Hope everyone had a good weekend! As always, hope you enjoy the new tracks. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to contact us.

    Quincy Jones has really cool take on Take Five, some big band music from Orchestra Copacabana. Excellent up-beat tune from The Laurie Lewis Quintet, and Vic Damone with This Can't Be Love. Enjoy!

    New Tracks

    • Orchestra Copacabana - Wave
    • Quincy Jones - Take Five
    • Vic Damone - This Can't Be Love
    • The Laurie Lewis Quintet - It's On Again

    2009-11-26

    Irene Kral, Joe Cain and more book of records

    Hope everyone in the US had a good thanksgiving and that people who don't live in the US didn't have to put up with too much turkey-talk.

    Todays Tracks: I hope you enjoy Joe Cain and Irene Kral as much as I do! Also, some more music from Ray Flowers and Henry Mancini.

    In continuation of the GWR series, we added some more material, some of which is available on our website for your horror and disgust.

    New Tracks

    • Joe Cain - Blusette
    • Irene Kral with Junior Mance - Better Than Anything
    • Ray Flowers - Be Strong (featuring Claire Martin)
    • Henry Mancini - One Eyed Cat

    2009-11-21

    More Music!

    Some more trivia from GWR, I hope you'll enjoy as much as I did, we've also adjusted the news feed to a lower checking frequency, instead of every 2 hours, it checks the news feed every 3 hours.

    If you know of another news provider (non-political) and the price is right.. please let us know! (I realize the VOA can be a bit.. long winded)

    Also note that our station number has changed, I'd really like to hear from you! Please visit triviacompanion.com and let us know what you think!

    New Tracks

    Some more from Jacki Cooper, Philips Westin, Dean Tellefson and Bob Mersey - enjoy!

    • Jacki Cooper - Chega De Suadade
    • Philips Westin Orchestra - Over the Rainbow
    • Dean Tellefson - Night Breezes
    • Bob Mersey - Fat Boy

    Music for your jet-set life

    Music for your jet-set life
    Internet Radio Stream - Jazzy