One of the most durable songs in the jazz and pop repertoire, from its introduction in 1924, OH, LADY BE GOOD has always been performed at a rather brisk tempo. Here’s an early dance band version:
and many jazz musicians took their cue from the 1936 Jones-Smith, Inc. version. But Basie and others knew that too fast is never good, that the sprinters can wear themselves out. So I take special pleasure in this groovy performance from the 2017 Cleveland Classic Jazz Party (alas, now a memory) by Ehud Asherie, piano; Scott Robinson, tenor saxophone; Hal Smith, drums; Randy Reinhart, cornet; Joel Forbes, string bass.
Whether the Lady behaved herself in response to this entreaty, I cannot say. But making the request at this tempo was a real pleasure.
May your happiness increase!
And those wonderful tracks of Fred with Oscar Peterson and his rhythm section at the time as well as Charlie Shavers and Flip Phillips.
We are so grateful that you recorded to share with those not fortunate enough to attend Chautauqua, and then Cleveland! Thrilled to know there’s more to folllow!!
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