Bing Crosby was the first to record BLACK MOONLIGHT but not first to perform it as it was a score written for a 1933 film 'Too Much Harmony' (sung by Kitty Kelly and dubbed by Barbara Van Brunt). My introduction to the song was by Ernestine Anderson, recorded in 1960. Before that there were a few others; Perry Como, Mel Torme and Anita Oday. I am thrilled to be bring this out into the light in 2017! I've got a dvd now of the film and will share bits and pieces of it later.
Yes! My Debut CD is here, digitally and physically. lotusartlab is me. which means I also art directed and designed my cd package. It probably took longer than usual since I was doing it for myself, and that is not as easy as it would seem. But Voila! here it is.
Exploring how to create a CINEMAGRAPH or Animated GIF today,
using my CD cover image for Black Moonlight. Fun!
You've probably already viewed the video for the title track of the Black Moonlight CD. That was fun, however there was a bit of a learning curve, a few errors and frustrations as using Adobe Premiere is new to me. I think now I am getting the hang of it. I've created a new video using public domain vintage images along with one of my tracks.
I'll be offering this single track as a preview, free download and/or you may choose to pay what you like online. https://noisetrade.com/lindacarone
CREDITS are at the end of the video listing of all the fantabulous musicians on this album and I feel its important to note the writer of this tune, UNA MAE CARLISLE / recorded May 1st, 1941 – Una was a protege of Fats Waller who was a definite influence on her boogie woogie/stride piano playing. Here's a clip of her singing and playing. She's so darn cute, she couldn't possibly be Evil, right?
It's been a few months now since these photo were taken in the recording studio. For this upcoming cd we cut 10 bed tracks in one weekend. The musicians who worked on this album made it smooth sailing. Stars and Pros all the way. Soon this cd will be available online for pre-sale purchase on iTunes. Stay tuned!
Yes, this is number 1. It's my debut cd and I’ve got a stellar line-up of musicians and a kick-ass producer joining me in this collaboration. I’m inviting YOU to get in on the details as they happen. Stay close so that I can get your ideas and input. Please send your EMAIL address and get on the mailing LIST. disegnodonna@sympatico.ca
December 5th...
Today in America is what is known as Repeal Day. The Day Prohibition ended December 5, 1933, with the adoption of the 21st Amendment. Of course, prohibition did not stop people from drinking and having fun for those 13 years prior to that day. People flocked to the speakeasies, where jazz bands played. There was a Liberation, Revolution!, Wild Dancing, Men and Women drank together and you know what that can lead to!
So it’s no surprise that Repeal Day parties are popular this time of the year. Time to Celebrate! I had the pleasure of entertaining the crowd at Spirithouse in Toronto as part as a Repeal Day Celebration being held there.
This particular video represents the essence of this era, although it is not a song about alcohol, it is about Marihuana which at the time was legal in some states and not in others, during the time of prohibition. This song was originally called SWEET MARIJUANA (aka "Marahuana”) (by Arthur Johnston and Sam Coslow). It was a song and dance number from a 1934 film called 'Murder at the Vanities’. The song was censored and then went through lyrical changes as well as a title change, now known as LOTUS BLOSSOM (aka "Sweet Lotus Blossom”). Here is a little clip from my last gig singing it!
