(I Don't Believe It But) Say It Again (1939) - Pha Terrell

from Decca 2774 78 rpm
with Andy Kirk and his Clouds of Joy
Music by Abner Silver - Lyrics by Harry Richman

[@Trombonology]

I became acquainted with this winning number through this Kirk band version. Much later I came upon an early '30s _Ripley's Believe It Or Not_ Vitaphone short, in which the tune was used, appropriately enough, in the opening and closing credits. Turns out that the song, with a lyric by multi-talent Harry Richman, goes all the way back to '26! As we may appreciate, the Kirk crew's joyful treatment takes the tune right up to the then present! Though popular, Pha, even in his brief heyday (the poor chap died in only '45 -- at a mere thirty-five!) was not everybody's cup of tea as a vocalist, but I've always liked his tone and sincere delivery. Unlike as in this title, I'd believe him! The great Mary Lou Williams and underappreciated tenor man Dick Wilson (another to die young -- at only thirty!) contribute excellent solos.

[@georgehewett6243]

Another first-time-heard pleasure today, 7-10-24, for which I thank you; I’d like to hear a rendition sung at a ballad tempo.