Stephen Sondheim: A Little Priest

Stephen Sondheim: A Little Priest

It was not consciously planned, but the songs I chose to start and end this week are both idealistic.  By contrast, today’s pick involves serial murder and cannibalism. For those who don’t know: Sweeney Todd is a vengeful barber who intends to slit the throat of a...
Vernon Duke: April in Paris

Vernon Duke: April in Paris

“April in Paris” was recorded by all the big mid-century pop singers; secondhandsongs.com lists more than 60 versions.  But my favorite recording omits the lyric. Here is the Count Basie Orchestra, swinging hard in a 1955 arrangement by Wild Bill Davis. I don’t...