Supperclub Diva Julie Wilson was the first chanteuse I had the pleasure of enjoying in person. These were the days in the mid to late '50's when nite clubs with live entertainment consisting of bands and singers were prevalent. Everyone dressed up, guys in suits or tuxedos and women in what were considered classic sophisticated sexy cocktail dresses or longer floor length gowns with fancy high heel shoes. Women usually had a "little black dress" sometimes low cut in the front, sleeveless, body clinging, to wear in the evening for just such a glamorous occasion. A pearl necklace or maybe some rhinestone jewelery would suffice in place of diamonds for those of us with lesser means.
Here's a look at what one such dress of that era looked like, referred to here as a "Marilyn-dress." I don't recall any of us thinking of Marilyn Monroe in conjunction with wearing this dress as this name implies so think it's likely a recent name concoction. I didn't know anyone who aspired to be that Marilyn as most of us thought she wasn't too bright and a little shallow if all she had to offer was a sexy appearance. Some men may have thought differently. This dress would have fit me just fine except the waist and hip sizes are each two inches too large. Inevitably seems my girl pals were small and petite so while I knew I looked good, I actually thought I was too big. Well ..... I couldn't fit into that dress today and it wouldn't be too big anywhere.
In those late '50's I was living in a midwest Great Lakes state small town to which I had moved earlier from a southern state further west so I welcomed learning all I could about this new area. A new friend told me about a supperclub called Danny Deeds Maramor that her older boyfriend had often described to her. She said she thought it would be fun to go there. He was a traveling sales manager for whom she had once worked but was out of town again as he often seemed to be, returning only on occasional weekends. This was "the club" where name entertainers from New York to Chicago and Los Angeles were booked to perform, but was located in a metropolitan city a distant two hours away.
The times were such that respectable young single women in this part of our country did not usually go out to clubs, or other venues where both genders might be unless they had a male escort. The women who did go without a male were often assumed to be of questionable character, especially in our little town, even by people who knew the young women from very respectable daytime settings. We discovered my friend who had often been in some local settings with her boyfriend was even presumed to have some nefarious purpose in mind if she showed up when he was out of town to mix with friends they both had. We concluded we could overcome that view when I expressed a willingness to join her for occasional nights out anyway. I had long since concluded I knew what I was about and believed I could easily handle any undesirable situation that came my way and did, as needed.
Then there was the day I always remember when I was tapped on the shoulder one lunch time as I gazed at a department store window display. I turned to see what appeared to be a middle-aged woman I had never seen before and did not know. She smiled and kindly shared with me that "You are such a nice girl, but your friend is not good company and I wouldn't want to see you corrupted," or words to that effect. I was so startled but she was quickly gone, having scurried back to a man I assume must have been her husband. I was only bemused by this poor well-meaning creature once I recovered from her intrusion. I trust her conscience was relieved that she had done her utmost to protect me from exploitation.
Despite all this my friend and I decided we would make the two hour drive to "the big city." Though her boyfriend wouldn't be there, she thought we could stay in the respectable downtown hotel where he stayed when in town on business. She also knew of the nearby equally respectable club that had excellent food and live musical entertainment. At that time in that part of the country people generally considered having to drive an hour or more, or even less, hardly a drive to undertake just for entertainment. But we were young and adventurous so we drove to the city one Saturday, checked into our hotel, dressed ourselves in our evening attire after applying our obligatory makeup, carried our evening wrap and gloves (the well-dressed woman didn't go anywhere without gloves even in the daytime) and sauntered purposefully over to this supperclub for dinner and entertainment.
Years later when I worked at the Columbus, Ohio television station after moving to this city, the live program I helped produce booked entertainers from the Maramor club to entertain our audience and viewers while promoting their local appearance. My husband sometimes accompanied name entertainers there who needed what are known as pickup musicians to augment their own instrumentation, including Betty Hutton
of "Annie Get Your Gun" fame. Some of those entertainers, Gordon and Sheila MacRae I recall, used to come to a nearby hotel after their show ended to unwind and listen to the piano player who was accompanied on acoustic bass by my husband, a duo.
I recall returning to that club when my husband and I were dating for an evening of dinner and listening to Mel Torme's perfect pitch singing voice. Our table was ringside, a far cry from the table practically behind a post my girlfriend and I were given my first night ever in that club.
That night my girlfriend and I did not sense that we were welcomed by the club's owner, probably for two reasons. We didn't have a reservation and two young women unescorted by a male might well be there for questionable reasons. Two males unescorted by females would have been fine, because they clearly would come only for the food and entertainment to see this provocative sexy singer.
I don't remember the dinner, though I'm sure the food was quite good. The bill, and I assume we left a tip (though tipping protocol would have been new to us,) coupled with any cover charge probably was quite expensive for us considering our working girl salaries. I don't recall my friend's reaction to the evening as she didn't share my enthusiasms for many experiences, but I thoroughly enjoyed the night. I was ever so pleased we were actually going to be entertained by one of the most sought after supperclub divas who performed in the top New York City supperclubs and other similar classy venues and in London.
Julie Wilson, a Broadway star and cabaret singer was born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1924 as described in the msn.com biography. In New York she performed at the Latin Quarter and Copacabana. Here's the young Julie who appeared in an American television production of Kiss Me, Kate in 1958 singing "Always True to You (Darlin' In My Fashion")
"She starred in the London musical Bet Your Life (February 18, 1952), which ran for 361 performances and produced a cast album on the English Columbia label, and she replaced Mary Martin in the starring role in the London production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific. While remaining based in London, but commuting back to New York, she resumed her career as a nightclub singer, appearing in the Persian Room at the Plaza Hotel" according to the MSN biography.
She sings from her 1957 album "My Old Flame:"
"You Don't Know What Love Is"
This is the Julie Wilson cabaret singer I recall seeing as she sings
"I Refuse to Rock and Roll" on her 1958 live album "At the St. Regis."
Here's Julie at the open mic at the Gardenia:
Julie performing at age 85 with her trademark boas sexy as ever singing
"I'm a Bad Woman" "but I'm good company" she says.
This is Julie "...performing at the Mabel Mercer Foundation's NYC Cabaret Convention ("I Can't Give You Anything But Love", "The Man I Love"), introduced by Donald Smith, with musical director Christopher Denny at the piano" the YouTube information provides.
Producer/Director: Richard Currier (excerpt from "Put Your Hands Together") with "Bravo" from writer columnist Liz Smith as noted on YouTube:
"JULIE HAS THE LAST LAUGH!!! At 85, the "kid from Omaha" Nebraska and actor (Holt McCallany)'s mom, still tosses her famed "Red Boa" around like "nobody's business". This clip, from her Cabaret Sh..."
I really love when these now older performers, men and women, but especially women revered as sex symbols demonstrate they're still vibrant and alive.
I don't know if Julie Wilson has had any more recent appearances, but I wouldn't be surprised if she's still swinging her trademark red boa somewhere.
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Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Sunday, February 20, 2011
PIANIST BOB ALLEN - MASTER MUSICIAN
Music has been on my mind since viewing the recent televised Grammy Awards that I intended to write about. Then, yesterday I was startled to receive an email informing me Columbus, Ohio pianist Bob Allen, a truly master musician, was experiencing a serious medical challenge. Bob has undergone a double leg amputation. My husband had regularly performed with Bob as part of a piano bass duo years ago.
The Columbus jazz community wants to help Bob by arranging a benefit concert. I am unable to attend but perhaps the information here will reach some interested readers, fans and friends.
Twelve of Columbus’ finest jazz pianists will perform in Mees Hall at Capital University, whose Music Department is well known for producing superb quality musicians.
A great afternoon of jazz is scheduled Sunday, March 6th at 2 P.M.
No Reserved Seating. Donations Accepted at the Door, or send donations to:
Bob Allen Support Fund, 8415 Springston Lane, Columbus, Ohio 43235
Here’s Bob playing his unique piano solo arrangement of “One Less Bell To Answer”
Bob Allen’s music has been enjoyed for almost fifty years with his appearances in the U. S. and Canada. Bob Allen (Phrahin,) blind since birth, spent his early years in Cleveland, where he began studying piano at age six. He studied classical music, graduated from Capital University, played with symphonies, and teaches classical piano. Bob has created a distinctive musical style unmistakably his own with classical influences evident in jazz and pop standards.
“His arrangements encompass a wide range of musical idioms, from well-known standards to original compositions. He is noted for the classical touches which frequently adorn his work.”
Barbara Zuck wrote in the Columbus Dispatch newspaper a very descriptive account of an evening listening to The Bob Allen Trio in the lounge at Hyde Park Grille steakhouse in Upper Arlington, Ohio, north of Columbus. His Trio has appeared there regularly for numerous years having previously performed at various other area popular clubs, restaurants and lounges. Two of Bob’s most well-known Columbus music venues were The Maramor and The Christopher Inn (neither exist now) where famous entertainers including Mel Torme, Tony Bennett, George Shearing (a friend of Bob’s who died recently, also a blind pianist,) Carol Channing, Gordon and Sheila MacRae, Betty Hutton, Julie Wilson - Supperclub Chanteuse, and comedienne Phyllis Diller entertained to name only a few.
Ms Zuck shared her impression of one of Bob’s performances that she attended on an April 2006 night. I was reminded of a summer night three months later when I was in Columbus listening to the Trio after traveling from California to join family and friends. Earlier in the afternoon friends had arranged a special memorial service celebrating my recently deceased husband’s life during which Bob had graciously played a few special piano solo numbers. Ms Zuck wrote the following about her evening listening to Bob’s trio which was much as I experienced the night after the service.
“Midway through the first number, On the Street Where You Live, he [Bob] tore into an improvisation in the 18 th-century counterpoint style of Bach.
‘‘He is like an orchestra," said Paul Hickfang, professor emeritus at Ohio State University’s School of Music. ‘‘He is an orchestra. He commands your attention. He’s an artist with any and all genres of music. He makes me cry, and he’ll make you jump for joy with Bach, Mozart or the Beatles."
Ms Zuck continues:
“On that Saturday night, Allen teased listeners by dropping Rachmaninoff and Schumann into well-known tunes by Richard Rodgers and Henry Mancini.
‘‘I don’t always play what most people call jazz," he [Bob Allen] said. ‘‘I like to take a popular tune and use it as raw material for a composition so that the original song assumes lesser importance than the new piece I am playing. That’s good or bad, depending on how you feel about the song."
I first met Bob at a newly opened Stouffer’s University Inn on Olentangy River Road next to the WLWC-TV station north of Ohio State University where I worked when I first began dating my future husband. My husband-to-be, Morrie, was part of a duo accompanying on bass Bob’s already special piano arrangements. A year or so later the spectacular new Christopher Inn opened down town where the duo began playing regularly. By that time Morrie and I were married. Many of the famous entertainers appearing at The Maramor, or elsewhere, would stop by after their shows to listen to Bob. We moved away from the area, but Bob continued performing, and formed new groups through the succeeding years. The Inn supported Bob recording a 33 1/3 rpm vinyl album of his then trio, a copy of which we were able to obtain when we later visited town and I still have. Bob confirmed a humorous story Ms Zuck relates in her article about Phyllis Diller’s outspoken forceful reaction to an inconsiderate noisy audience member when he was performing. Ms Diller had stopped by to hear Bob play one night after her Maramor appearance.
The Bob Allen Trio of recent years has consisted of Roger Hines bassist and Joe Ong, percussionist. Hines was musical director touring with Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Diane Schuur. He also toured and recorded with Ray Charles until Charles death in 2004. Ong has studied at Bowling Green State University, Capital University, and lectured at Ohio State University. His performances have included tours in the United States and Europe.
Columbus, Ohio has a very active musician community including The Jazz Arts Group of Columbus (JAG.) JAG “is America’s oldest not-for-profit arts organization dedicated to producing, performing and promoting jazz. The Jazz Arts Group (JAG) divides its resources among two areas: performance and education. JAG serves as an “umbrella” organization to the Columbus Jazz Orchestra (CJO.)"
"The Columbus Jazz Orchestra (CJO) was formed as a vehicle to create performance opportunities for jazz musicians in a big band setting,for over 35 years…the CJO audience has the largest jazz orchestra subscription base in the United States. The CJO performs an outdoor summer concert series, JazZoo!, at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. JAG has broadened its performance scope by presenting a contemporary music series. The Jazz Arts Group believes in the power of music to transform lives and is committed to offering lifelong-learning opportunities for individuals of all ages, interests, backgrounds and abilities."
I hope the power of music will sustain Bob Allen in his recovery. I look forward to his return to the piano’s 88 ivorys and any adaptations he may choose. Perhaps there will be demand for a re-issue of his unique music creations from some of his previous LP and/or CD recordings.
The Columbus jazz community wants to help Bob by arranging a benefit concert. I am unable to attend but perhaps the information here will reach some interested readers, fans and friends.
Twelve of Columbus’ finest jazz pianists will perform in Mees Hall at Capital University, whose Music Department is well known for producing superb quality musicians.
A great afternoon of jazz is scheduled Sunday, March 6th at 2 P.M.
No Reserved Seating. Donations Accepted at the Door, or send donations to:
Bob Allen Support Fund, 8415 Springston Lane, Columbus, Ohio 43235
Here’s Bob playing his unique piano solo arrangement of “One Less Bell To Answer”
Bob Allen’s music has been enjoyed for almost fifty years with his appearances in the U. S. and Canada. Bob Allen (Phrahin,) blind since birth, spent his early years in Cleveland, where he began studying piano at age six. He studied classical music, graduated from Capital University, played with symphonies, and teaches classical piano. Bob has created a distinctive musical style unmistakably his own with classical influences evident in jazz and pop standards.
“His arrangements encompass a wide range of musical idioms, from well-known standards to original compositions. He is noted for the classical touches which frequently adorn his work.”
Barbara Zuck wrote in the Columbus Dispatch newspaper a very descriptive account of an evening listening to The Bob Allen Trio in the lounge at Hyde Park Grille steakhouse in Upper Arlington, Ohio, north of Columbus. His Trio has appeared there regularly for numerous years having previously performed at various other area popular clubs, restaurants and lounges. Two of Bob’s most well-known Columbus music venues were The Maramor and The Christopher Inn (neither exist now) where famous entertainers including Mel Torme, Tony Bennett, George Shearing (a friend of Bob’s who died recently, also a blind pianist,) Carol Channing, Gordon and Sheila MacRae, Betty Hutton, Julie Wilson - Supperclub Chanteuse, and comedienne Phyllis Diller entertained to name only a few.
Ms Zuck shared her impression of one of Bob’s performances that she attended on an April 2006 night. I was reminded of a summer night three months later when I was in Columbus listening to the Trio after traveling from California to join family and friends. Earlier in the afternoon friends had arranged a special memorial service celebrating my recently deceased husband’s life during which Bob had graciously played a few special piano solo numbers. Ms Zuck wrote the following about her evening listening to Bob’s trio which was much as I experienced the night after the service.
“Midway through the first number, On the Street Where You Live, he [Bob] tore into an improvisation in the 18 th-century counterpoint style of Bach.
‘‘He is like an orchestra," said Paul Hickfang, professor emeritus at Ohio State University’s School of Music. ‘‘He is an orchestra. He commands your attention. He’s an artist with any and all genres of music. He makes me cry, and he’ll make you jump for joy with Bach, Mozart or the Beatles."
Ms Zuck continues:
“On that Saturday night, Allen teased listeners by dropping Rachmaninoff and Schumann into well-known tunes by Richard Rodgers and Henry Mancini.
‘‘I don’t always play what most people call jazz," he [Bob Allen] said. ‘‘I like to take a popular tune and use it as raw material for a composition so that the original song assumes lesser importance than the new piece I am playing. That’s good or bad, depending on how you feel about the song."
I first met Bob at a newly opened Stouffer’s University Inn on Olentangy River Road next to the WLWC-TV station north of Ohio State University where I worked when I first began dating my future husband. My husband-to-be, Morrie, was part of a duo accompanying on bass Bob’s already special piano arrangements. A year or so later the spectacular new Christopher Inn opened down town where the duo began playing regularly. By that time Morrie and I were married. Many of the famous entertainers appearing at The Maramor, or elsewhere, would stop by after their shows to listen to Bob. We moved away from the area, but Bob continued performing, and formed new groups through the succeeding years. The Inn supported Bob recording a 33 1/3 rpm vinyl album of his then trio, a copy of which we were able to obtain when we later visited town and I still have. Bob confirmed a humorous story Ms Zuck relates in her article about Phyllis Diller’s outspoken forceful reaction to an inconsiderate noisy audience member when he was performing. Ms Diller had stopped by to hear Bob play one night after her Maramor appearance.
The Bob Allen Trio of recent years has consisted of Roger Hines bassist and Joe Ong, percussionist. Hines was musical director touring with Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Diane Schuur. He also toured and recorded with Ray Charles until Charles death in 2004. Ong has studied at Bowling Green State University, Capital University, and lectured at Ohio State University. His performances have included tours in the United States and Europe.
Columbus, Ohio has a very active musician community including The Jazz Arts Group of Columbus (JAG.) JAG “is America’s oldest not-for-profit arts organization dedicated to producing, performing and promoting jazz. The Jazz Arts Group (JAG) divides its resources among two areas: performance and education. JAG serves as an “umbrella” organization to the Columbus Jazz Orchestra (CJO.)"
"The Columbus Jazz Orchestra (CJO) was formed as a vehicle to create performance opportunities for jazz musicians in a big band setting,for over 35 years…the CJO audience has the largest jazz orchestra subscription base in the United States. The CJO performs an outdoor summer concert series, JazZoo!, at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. JAG has broadened its performance scope by presenting a contemporary music series. The Jazz Arts Group believes in the power of music to transform lives and is committed to offering lifelong-learning opportunities for individuals of all ages, interests, backgrounds and abilities."
I hope the power of music will sustain Bob Allen in his recovery. I look forward to his return to the piano’s 88 ivorys and any adaptations he may choose. Perhaps there will be demand for a re-issue of his unique music creations from some of his previous LP and/or CD recordings.
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