Introducing Bobby Hackett! My favorite Trumpet Player

This is an intro to my favorite trumpet and cornet player, Bobby Hackett.  But, I have to warn you, listening to Bobby Hackett is an addictive step back into the nostalgic era of big bands, when melody and virtuosity counted, when drums were only a part of the ensemble, when romance drifted through the air like the sweet fragrance of honeysuckle, and “making love” expressed the tender emotions of being in love.  Nowhere is this more evident than in Hackett’s version of “Embraceable You.”

With melody written by George Gershwin and lyrics by his brother Ira, to get into the romance of this song (that has been recorded by almost every jazz musician and singer you can name), you need to first hear the words before listening to Bobby Hackett’s incomparable instrumental arrangement.  So, here’s Billy Holiday in a recording from circa 1944:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VaaGLNfrhI

Now, experience the enchanting sound of Bobby Hackett, as he plays all around the melody, permeates your soul and makes you want to hold the girl of your dreams in your arms and hope the music never ends.

I mentioned he played trumpet and cornet, very similar, but different instruments.  The first thing you notice is the cornet is shorter, more compact.  A second difference is the cornet’s tube that begins to expand just past the mouthpiece, while the trumpet’s tube doesn’t expand until the lead-in to the bell. But, bear in mind trumpets and cornets also come in a variety of shapes.

As with many musicians of the time, Bobby played other instruments.  After a dental procedure that left him unable to play the horn, at least for a while, he joined the Glenn Miller Orchestra to play guitar, as well as playing short trumpet solos on such songs as “String of Pearls.”

In the 1950s, Hackett was the trumpet soloist on many of Jackie Gleason’s full orchestra, easy listening albums.  Here is My Foolish  Heart with Bobby Hackett playing the eloquently understated trumpet solo in his seemingly effortless, inimitable style.

My Foolish Heart

Robert Leo “Bobby” Hackett’s musical career covered the big band and jazz era from the 1930s through the 1950s.  Mention big names and you’ll find that Bobby Hackett played with all of them, as well as on movie soundtracks.  Bennie Goodman.  Glenn Miller. Andrews Sisters.  Fred Astaire. Tony Bennett, Dizzy Gillespie.

It’s no wonder his music lives on.  His lyrical trumpet lightens the day and even when the music is over, it plays in your heart.  Want more?  YouTube has plenty.  Also online at jango.com

Jazz For A Lazy Sunday - La Vie en Rose

One of the most beautiful love songs!  La Vie en Rose, which I believe is pronounced La Vee In Rose. At least that's what a French speaking friend told me.  Louis Armstrong tries out several pronunciations, none of which quite fit, but that doesn't detract from the loveliness of the lyrics or the flowing beauty of the melody.

Louis Armstrong, as I'm sure you know, began his playing in New Orleans.  Too long a story to relate here, but over his career he certainly transcended any labels.  His short, almost staccato bursts of trumpet, let you know it's Louis and the growling vocals identify him anywhere.  One jazz critic was asked who his favorite trumpet player was and he immediately said, Louis Armstrong.

The response was, "So you think he was the best?"

"Not at all," the critic replied.  "Lots of better trumpet players, but that's not what you asked me."

The same applies to the vocals.  Who would have guessed Louis Armstrong could sell records with his one octave growl?  He never would have lasted on American Idol, but still his voice compels you to listen and feel.  His version of La Vie en Rose comes from the heart...and goes right to your heart.

What does La Vie en Rose mean, anyway?  The closest English equivalent is 'looking at the world through rose colored glasses.'  Another way to put it is seeing beauty in life because you're in love.

In the end, who cares about a translation.  The words and melody tell it all.  There's nothing quite like being in love and there's nothing better than hearing Louis Armstrong play and sing about it.

Jazz for a Lazy Sunday:Bunny Berigan & Orch-I Can't Get Started

Bunny Berigan, one of the most original jazz musicians of the 20;s and 30’s, was given a fiddle when he was a kid and later his grandfather gave him a trumpet.  He learned to play both and by high school, he was playing fiddle with the school band and trumpet professionally with a jazz orchestra.

Later he hooked up with Benny Goodman.  Want to hear some other great Berigan solos?  Listen to Goodman’s ‘King Porter Stomp’ and ‘Sometimes I’m Happy,’ both from 1935. 

Soon Berigan was on his way, with his own orchestra and a hit number called ‘I Can’t Get Started.’  Recorded in 1937, it was to be his one big shot.  By 1940, Berigan’s orchestra was gone, he’d gotten on with Tommy Dorsey’s band (Check out his solo on ‘Marie.’) and then been dropped.  Heavy drinking had worked its horrific transformation, turning promise and future into empty and past.  In 1942, at the age of 33, cirrhosis of the liver silenced the magic trumpet of Bernard R. Berigan.  But, the bits and pieces of solos and songs still thrill, their ups and downs, happiness and melancholy always reminding us of the talent that once was Bunny Berigan.