Entries continue to arrive in the unlikely-pairings sweepstakes. As we head into the weekend, here’s the latest batch.
Doug,
Here are a few “Odd Couplings”:
Gary Burton & Stephane Grappelli – Paris Encounter – Atlantic
Barry Harris with Don Cherry, Steve Lacy, Charlie Rouse, & Roswell Rudd – Interpretations Of Monk – DIW
Peter Friedman
Mixings of generations and styles don’t always work. Those collaborations did, because the participants had open ears and open minds. Interpretations of Monk has dicey moments, particularly in volume two. Over all, however, fun and musical values outweigh confusion.
Doug,
The one Johnny Hodges album I was always afraid to buy was the collaboration with Lawrence Welk.
Michael Moore
On the other hand, From a Rifftides reader who identifies himself as “Ellingtonrecords†(I wonder if that’s the first name or the last).
You did not mention one of the oddest pairings in the history of recorded jazz, the album Johnny Hodges and Lawrence Welk. I have it and while not a great album, it is not bad either. Welk had the good sense to let Johnny Hodges be Johnny Hodges. He hired big name arrangers for each of the songs on the album. It is far better than many of Johnny’s Verve label albums from the 1960’s.
Agreed. It’s a lovely album.
Doug,
The obvious one that comes to mind is one I haven’t heard, mostly out of fear. It’s Mary Lou Williams and Cecil Taylor’ Embraced, which is by all accounts a bit of a train wreck.
John Shade
Couplings don’t come much odder, or much less successful. The minds did not embrace.
Doug,
How about the odd couple that turned up on Joe Pass’ final studio date? Roy Clark & Joe Pass Play Hank Williams.
I don’t even know whether the Buster Ann label is still around, but it is an entertaining set.
Ken Dryden
How much is odd-couple entertainment worth? Amazon lists the Pass-Clark CD at $39.95.
Have a good weekend.