Sunday, August 17, 2014

Record #0559: Can't I / Blue Gardenia – NAT "KING" COLE

Capitol F2389 (original) USA, Aug. 15, 1953
Words & Music bySide A – Ivan Mogull, Leroy Lovett; Side BBob Russell, Lester Lee
Musicians: Nat Cole (lead vocals), Side A - Willie Smith (alto sax), Ted Nash, Richard Clay (tenor sax), Charles Deremo (sax), Robert Dawes (sax), Conrad Gozzo, Tony Facciuto, Robert McKinzie, Andre Peele, Jack Laubach (trumpets), Si Zentner, Dick Nash, Karl De Karske, Robert Reisiger (trombones), Cliff Fishback (piano), John Collins (guitar), Jack Agee or Ralph Pena (bass), John Markham (drums), Jack Costanzo (percussion), Billy May (conductor); Side B - Vince de Rosa, John Cave (french horns), Paul Tanner, Milt Bernhart (trombones), Kathryn Julyie (harp), Buddy Cole (piano/celeste), Charlie Harris (bass), John Collins (guitar), Lee Young (drums), Nelson Riddle (conductor) and strings & flutes
Recording sessions: Capitol Recording Studio, Hollywood, CA, Side A - Jan. 14; Side B - Jan. 20, 1953
Highest chart positions:  US #16, US R&B #7, UK #6

This was the follow-up for "Pretend", which was one of Cole's biggest hits. Though not quite as successful, this still made it to the Top 10 in US R&B and UK.

The flip was the title song in a 1953 movie "The Blue Gardenia", starring Anne Baxter. Cole also appeared in the movie.

List price:  Very Good+ is $5, Near Mint is $10

No comments:

Post a Comment