August 2007 Archives

Step into the Divaville Lounge on Sunday, August 26 for our regularly scheduled program of great jazz and pop vocalists, big band and lounge/exotica.

A catchy blend of American jumping jive and Spanish lyrics, "Chicas Patas Boogie" is a classic example of pachuco music. Pachucos were a Mexican-American youth culture, mainly in California, in the 1930s and 1940s. The pachucos were seen as gang members and were involved in the infamous "zoot suit riots," racially motivated violence by US sailors against the Mexican-American zoot suiters. But the music of the pachucos is nonpolitical, all about the fun of a swing lifestyle.

Composer and performer Lalo Guerrero began as a pachuco, and went on to become a major figure in the Chicano movement. Late in life he was declared a national folk treasure by the Smithsonian, and received the National Medal of the Arts from President Bill Clinton. Guerrero continued to work throughout his life, recording his final album in 1999. "Chicas Patas Boogie" is a great introduction to the early work of this influential and talented musician.

After the Latin a la Lounge show, I'd like to make specialty or "theme" shows a regular part of Divaville Lounge. Once every month or two I'll plan a show around a theme or topic. I want to know what you think, and what you'd enjoy hearing! Send me an email or post a comment with your thoughts on theme shows.

What kind of theme shows would you like to hear in the future? Select all that apply:
1. Another "Latin a la Lounge"
2. Other styles of music such as big band, lounge/exotica, hot jazz
3. Guest co-hosts
4. Tributes to individual singers or composers
5. Topical, i.e. patriotic songs on July 4th, songs about food on Thanksgiving, etc.
6. I have an even better theme show idea (tell me!)
7. None, I hate theme shows!

Good news for fans of the original Divaville: Christa has found a new home for Divaville at KMHD Portland. Divaville will be back on the air starting Wed. September 12 from 9 to 11 pm eastern time. Visit her website at divaville.org for more information. Now you can get a double dose of Divaville Lounge on Sunday afternoons and original Divaville on Wednesday evenings!

Samba, tango, bossa nova ... music from south of the border has had a huge influence on American jazz and popular music. On August 19 from 3-5 pm we'll celebrate the intersection of US and Latin sound. WXDU's own Latin music expert, Santa Salsera, will cohost with Sarah. We'll hear from Latino musicians like Xavier Cugat and Desi Arnaz who lived and worked north of the border; American singers like Peggy Lee , Nat King Cole and Mel Torme who recorded songs or even whole albums of Latin music; and a few crazy cool oddball gems too. Take a break from the summer heat with two swanky hours at the Divaville Lounge, Latin style!

Be sure to tune into guest host Santa Salsera's own show of excellent Latin music, every Wednesday night from 6-8 pm on WXDU Durham.

Step into the Divaville Lounge on Sunday, August 12 from 3-5 pm for our regularly scheduled program of great jazz and pop vocalists, big band and lounge/exotica.

With its unusual vocal rhythm and edgy lyrics, "Twisted" is an unforgettable song. It's probably the most famous example of vocalese, the singing style where lyrics are either improvised or (as in this case) written for a jazz instrumental.

The best version of "Twisted" is the first. Singer Annie Ross also wrote the lyrics, for music by Wardell Gray. Annie Ross was a prolific singer, lyricist and actor who recorded several great albums with the trio Lambert, Hendricks and Ross. At age 77 Ross is still performing a weekly show at the Metropolitan Room at Gotham in New York City.

Step into the Divaville Lounge on Sunday, August 5 for our regularly scheduled program of great jazz and pop vocalists, big band and lounge/exotica.