[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Publius, and thank you for Rachmaninov’s “The Star Spangled Banner”.

[Publius]

THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK

HAROLD ARLEN

RHYTH-MANIA: ”BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA”

In its early years, this song was classified as “race music,” something we classify today as “rhythm and blues.” This was due to the song’s genesis at the Cotton Club. In 1932, Satchmo put his brand on the song, and when Louis said it was jazz, it was jazz! His vocal style was inelegant, but it works just perfectly with this song. When puts that trumpet to his lips, even muted, it takes off for the sky.

Louis Armstrong: “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea”