"The man has been utterly forgotten," writes annotator Barry Singer of lyricist Andy Razaf, an oversight Singer was to redress in 1992 with the publication of his biography, Black and Blue: The Life and Lyrics of Andy Razaf, but even before Bobby Short recorded this tribute album, Razaf was gaining prominence through the use of his songs in a series of all-black Broadway revues, starting with Ain't Misbehavin' in 1978. As songwriters go, composers tend to be better-known than lyricists, and performers tend to be better ...
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"The man has been utterly forgotten," writes annotator Barry Singer of lyricist Andy Razaf, an oversight Singer was to redress in 1992 with the publication of his biography, Black and Blue: The Life and Lyrics of Andy Razaf, but even before Bobby Short recorded this tribute album, Razaf was gaining prominence through the use of his songs in a series of all-black Broadway revues, starting with Ain't Misbehavin' in 1978. As songwriters go, composers tend to be better-known than lyricists, and performers tend to be better-known than non-performers, which is why Razaf's frequent songwriting partner, composer/performer Fats Waller, vastly overshadowed him. (Razaf also wrote with the likes of James P. Johnson and Eubie Blake.) But his songs, notably "Honeysuckle Rose" and "Ain't Misbehavin'," became standards. Short, leading a nine-piece jazz band with four horn players, including Marshall Royal and Harry "Sweets" Edison, performs those two hits and a collection of others in his inimitable supper-club style. He is careful to add the infrequently performed introductory verses to many of the songs, giving a sense of context and teasing the listener before the familiar refrains kick in. Razaf not only had the sophistication of Short favorites like Cole Porter, he was not above tweaking his famous white competitors, notably here in "A Porter's Love Song to a Chambermaid," which provides the "downstairs" equivalent of an "upstairs" Cole Porter focus on the rich. But whatever the listener does or does not know about Andy Razaf, this is a superior collection of songs from the '30s and '40s, performed by a master at bringing out all their nuances and pleasures. ~ William Ruhlmann, Rovi
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Add this copy of Guess Who's in Town to cart. $3.37, good condition, Sold by Goodwill Industries rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Eugene, OR, UNITED STATES, published 1987 by Atlantic.
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Disc(s) may have light surface scratches unless noted as being NIP (New In Package). DVD's are guaranteed to play as new or your money back. Case conditions will vary. Purchasing this item from Goodwill provides vocational opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment.
Add this copy of Guess Who's in Town: Bobby Short Performs the Songs of to cart. $3.98, very good condition, Sold by Movie Surplus rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Mobile, AL, UNITED STATES, published 1987 by Atlantic.
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Blake/Razaf; Brooks/Razaf/Waller; Denniker/Razaf; Johnson/Razaf; Razaf/Waller; Razaf/Weldon. Very Good. Used-Very Good Condition. Case and disc(s) is in great condition with no significant scratches or marks. Includes original artwork and liner notes when applicable.
Add this copy of Guess Who's in Town to cart. $4.75, very good condition, Sold by Ezekial Books, LLC rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Manchester, NH, UNITED STATES, published 1987 by Atlantic.
Add this copy of Guess Who's in Town to cart. $7.69, very good condition, Sold by Wonder Book - Member ABAA/ILAB rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Frederick, MD, UNITED STATES, published 1987 by Atlantic.
Add this copy of Guess Who's in Town to cart. $10.49, like new condition, Sold by insomniacsonline rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from South Hackensack, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 1990 by Atlantic / Wea.
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Like New. Size: 5x4x0; Buy from insomniacs! We dont sleep until your order is shipped! Professional packaging, same day shipping on most orders. View our feedback and buy with confidence.
