Partnerships In Jazz

In this blog I would like to show how music and life come together to produce delightful and memorable sounds for the masses to be enjoyed forever. I am not one hundred percent certain that the ‘partnership’ shows, but it is clear that something special is taking place in the creative process. One has only to listen to some of the couples’ music that follows this article to see and hear some of the wonderful records and cds (and cassettes) that have evolved throughout the genre’s history for our enjoyment. Let us see if we can determine that special sauce which is unlike any other flavor you have ever experienced.

The first couple that I can recall, who may have set the standard for other couples to follow; and who in the 20’s-30’s created the first collective improvisational groups, were Louis and Lil (Hardin)Armstrong with The Hot 5 & 7 groups. Two other examples might be John Dankworth & Cleo Laine from the UK, who produced several concept albums, which were highly unique. They included tributes to author Charles Dickens, playwright William Shakespeare, and the million dollar painters. In 1961, Dave and Iola Brubeck inspired a Broadway revue called ‘The Real Ambassadors, which included such stars as Satchmo Armstrong, Carmen McRae, and the hottest vocal group in jazz, Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. In Canada, composer/band leader Jill Townsend and husband guitarist Bill Coon have created a delightful concept album, “Tales From The Sea’ which deserves much more exposure than it received in the past. Finally, pianist/singer Roy Kral and wife vocalist Jackie Cain have produced many fine albums over the years, including a marvelous tribute to composer Cy Coleman. It has also been written somewhere that one of the 20th century’s greatest composer/lyricist, Cole Porter, never published one of his masterpieces unless his wife first approved it. Listed below are some essential partnership albums:

Essential Husband-Wife Albums

1. Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five with Lil Hardin, 1927-1928 (Joker Records)
2. John Dankworth and Cleo Laine – Shakespeare & All That Jazz (Fontana Recs., 195?)
3. Dave & Iola Brubeck – The Real Ambassadors (Columbia Recs, 1961)
4. Toshiko Akiyoshi & Lew Tabackin – Salted Grinko Nuts (Ascent Recs, 1982)
5. Jill Townsend & Bill Coon – Tales From The Sea (Pagetown Records, 2003)
6. Ranee Lee & Richard Ring – Maple Groove (Justin Time 2000)
7. Paul Weston and Jo Stafford (various)
8. Les Paul & Mary Ford – Bye Bye Blues (195?)
9. Bobby Troup and Julie London – About The Blues (London Recs, 195?)
10. Peggy Lee and Dave Barbour (various)