How Am I To Know? (1937) - Helen Ward

[@Trombonology]

For those of us who came to know the great Helen Ward through her extraordinary work with the Goodman orchestra, this record, which briefly followed her departure from the band, is a real treat. Helen was well-acquainted, of course, with Teddy Wilson, who was the pianist in the Goodman Trio and Quartet, with whom she recorded a couple of sides, as well as Goodman band guitarist, Allan Reuss. Harry James had joined the Goodman orch. shortly before Helen's last date. Teddy, while still touring with Goodman, had been recording for Brunswick for a few years, leading spectacular small group sessions that involved ad hoc groups, put together based on what sidemen from other orchestras were in town and available when a recording date was scheduled. As we know, in a professional association that achieved historic dimensions, Teddy generally used Billie Holiday as vocalist on these sessions. For whatever reason, for this date he employed Helen Ward, a happy circumstance that allows us to hear Helen singing a standard in a purely jazz environment. In addition to the Goodman sidemen, we hear Ellington's great alto saxist, Johnny Hodges; clarinetist Buster Bailey and bassist John Kirby, both from the Mills Blue Rhythm Band, as well as drummer Cozy Cole, then working in Willie Bryant's orchestra. Helen sings her heart out here, clearly inspired by the distinguished musical company!

[@swingman5635]

What a wonderful pairing here! Makes me long now,for a few more sides from this great pianist/leader,and this superlative vocalist. As crazy as I am for Benny's mid-30s work,I've always felt that many of his arrangements seemed a bit too hurried to do justice to Helen's talent. This side proves to me, that a slower style shows what she could do with a song,when given the chance.

[@Trombonology]

@@swingman5635 There are two other Helen vocals on that great date -- "There's a Lull in My Life" and "It's Swell of You," both of which are also excellent. They got together again in '40, for "Embraceable You" and "But Not For Me," with Teddy's working band; again in '42 for "You're My Favorite Memory," which was co-written by Teddy's wife. I've warmed to Helen in the last few years as a ballad singer. Before I was less enthusiastic about her on the slower tunes, preferring the typical Goodman tempos -- anywhere from medium to brisk. I love it when I wake up to something I somehow missed before! The bandleader who I think really sabotaged his "girl" singer" is Artie Shaw! Helen Forrest was always given dance tempos (and I don't mean slow dancing!), and I think it really hobbled her, despite her best efforts. Sometimes the lyrics were just too wordy to sing fast. I don't think Artie had real respect for any singer except Billie Holiday -- who, though great, wasn't the only highly capable vocalist.

[@jorgealbertorodriguez7525]

@@Trombonology Please don't forget "You came to my rescue", from 1936. The Wilson group includes Lionel Hampton on vibes and Goodman (probably under 'Shoeless' John Jackson name, as in other Wilson records, because he was under contract on Victor).

[@Trombonology]

@@jorgealbertorodriguez7525 Aw, right! -- beautiful record. That session was in Los Angeles, when the Goodman band, plus Teddy and Hamp, was there to appear in _The Big Broadcast of 1937_ . The other one from that date is "Here's Love in Your Eyes," on which guitarist Allan Reuss plays the intro. Thanks for reminding me!

[@swingman5635]

@@Trombonology Thank you,ma'am for those titles,I'll be looking them up! Oh yes,Artie displayed little regard for Helen in his arrangements. How she ever delivered such memorable performances while keeping up with the nearly "killer diller" tempo,is almost beyond comprehension! Joining Harry James' band must have been a welcome relief. She could finally breathe between lines!

[@paulviardot4400]

MADAME ward , vous êtes incomparable ! Nettement au-dessus du lot. Mille bravos pour cette interpretation empreinte de sobriété .

[@paulviardot4400]

Sublime version et sans fioritures !Le band de Teddy Wilson est d'une efficacité impressionnante.

[@paulviardot4400]

Sublime version !

[@paulviardot4400]

Brillante version!

[@JeudiCornejoBrealey]

Absolutely lovely. I think I'll have to add this song to my repertoire. Thanks for posting.

[@j.w.2391]

Wistfully Yearning tune composed by Dorothy Parker of all people for the C.B DeMille film, Dynamite (1929). Teddy Wilson, one of my favourite Jazz stylists gives splendid melancholy backup. The tune was re-style by the Great Billie Holiday for an even more laconic melancholic version in 1944.

[@paulviardot4400]

Je ne voudrais par oublier Benny Goodman et Teddy Wilson qui sont toujours au top.

[@Gustavsnaf]

Great stuff. Refreshing to sink back to good wholesome compositions music indrustry is truly disgraceful & talentless compared to this vibrant, sensual, resiliant sound