Following up on yesterday’s "Frantic" V-Disc, I wanted to share another "secret" recording from that same 1945 window. While the general public had to wait for commercial releases, the troops overseas were treated to Hollywood Hangover.
This track is a masterclass in the "Warehouse" thrill of discovery. Like Frantic Fantasy, it wasn't a standard studio single—it was cut specifically for the men and women in uniform.
Let’s give it a spin:
The "Dope" on the High Notes
The spotlight here belongs to the one and only Cat Anderson.
If you’ve ever wondered why Duke kept Cat (shown at top of page) in the trumpet section off and on for decades, this is your answer. While Rex Stewart (yesterday's star) was playing inside the trumpet with his half-valves, Cat Anderson was playing above it. His ability to hit those "screamer" high notes with pinpoint accuracy was Duke’s ultimate secret weapon!
The Buck Doesn’t Stop
Interestingly, “Hollywood Hangover” isn't an Ellington composition. It was written by Buck Clayton, the star trumpet player for Count Basie’s band who was in the service at the time.
I always wonder what Buck thought of Cat’s trumpet pyrotechnics on his tune! It’s a rare moment where we get to hear the Ellington engine running on a "Basie-style" blueprint.
The V-Disc Connection
One of the most fascinating things about V-Discs is that they gave artists a chance to record songs they never touched for their "official" labels.
Both Frantic Fantasy and Hollywood Hangover were staples of Duke’s radio broadcasts and live appearances during this era, yet he never recorded them for Victor. Without these V-Discs, these performances might have been lost to the Warehouse of history!
Which V-Disc "Secret" do you prefer: Rex’s "Frantic" gymnastics or Cat’s "Hollywood" high notes?
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