Thu 12 Feb 2009
Oh Dearie!
Posted by Cobban under The Basics
[5] Comments
The same day that I received news about my friend Brooke, I also found out that jazz legend Blossom Dearie died. While some people may not know Ms. Dearie by name, any kid from the School House Rock generation knows her distinctive voice…
Figure Eight
Unpack Your Adjectives
As a child, Figure Eight left a strong impression on me. I’m not sure if it was the haunting melody or the warning about skating on thin ice and seeing the boy falling in the freezing cold water. Either way, her wispy voice stuck in my head for years. I had no idea that she was an accomplished musician and had released several albums–a couple being added to my music collection over recnt years. I am sad to hear she passed away.
My favorite Blossom Dearie song:
Rhode Island is Famous for You
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
I love Blossom Dearie. I never made the School House Rock connection. She will be missed.
I’d never heard of her period, but I remember that haunting Figure 8 song (“Adjectives” didn’t occur to me until I re-listened to it here). Funny how we never think about the people behind all the animated stuff we’ve seen over the years – how many other great voices participated in projects we’re really familiar with, yet wouldn’t recognize the performers?
Holy Crap, ‘Figure 8′ is some spooky shit. I only remembered it after playing the clip. I can’t believe how serious that melody is. You totally need to do your own cover of that, Cobban. Only more serious. It would be gorgeous.
One of my favorite performers of all time.
…am the delighted caretaker of a double record album from guess where…take care, Grandma Coole