Friday Fun: Lost in the Fifties

For a little fun this Friday, let’s follow Juan Tizol’s Perdido into the 1950s for a quartet of lively instrumental takes...

Mary Lou Swings in London

First up is the great Mary Lou Williams with this 1953 cut on the Vogue label:

Wonderful as always. It may have been recorded in London, but Mary Lou swings the band wherever she goes!

Prado Brings the Mambo

Still in 1953, we have Pérez Prado with his mambo‑charged take on RCA Victor:

I’ve said before that I’m a total sucker for a Prado recording of a big‑band standard, and this one absolutely pushes that button.

Tex Goes Western Swing

Jumping to 1955, here’s Tex Williams on Decca, pushing my Western Swing button:

That was released on the same 45 rpm EP as Tex’s version of Take the “A” Train. If I’d been around in 1955, that side would’ve been worn down to a smooth circle!

Jordan’s Rare Detour 

Also from Decca in 1955, here’s Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five:

This record from late in Louis's legendary run with Decca is interesting for a couple of reasons — not only is it a rare instrumental, but I think it’s the only number from the Ellington songbook that Louis recorded for the label.

Sammy Swings the Lyrics

Before we go, let’s sneak in a vocal version to remind ourselves that Perdido does have lyrics. We stay with Decca for Sammy Davis, Jr. in 1957:

That’s from the album Sammy Swings. Truth in advertising!

Buttons Pushed, Weekend Achieved

A lot of buttons got pushed today — that’s Friday Fun!