Mildred Bailey: The Weekend of a Private Secretary

Track

The Weekend of a Private Secretary

Group

Red Norvo Orchestra

CD

The Incomparable Mildred Bailey (Columbia/Legacy)

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Musicians:

Mildred Bailey (vocals), Red Norvo (xylophone, maracas),

Zeke Zarchy, Barney Zudecoff, Jimmy Blake (trumpets), Wes Hein (trombone), Hank D’Amico, Leonard Goldstein (clarinets, alto saxes), Charles Lamphere, Jerry Jerome (clarinets, tenor saxes), Bill Miller (piano), Allen Hanlon (guitar), Pete Peterson (bass), George Wettling (drums)

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Composed by Johnny Mercer & Bernie Hanighen; arranged by Eddie Sauter

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Recorded: New York, February 10, 1938

Albumcovertheincomparablemildredbailey

Rating: 90/100 (learn more)

This novelty song depicts a shy clerk who comes alive on a weekend trip to Havana. Mildred Bailey seems to get a kick out of telling the story. Red Norvo plays the maracas as well as the 'phone, and the band members join in on the chorus. Everybody has a rollicking good time.

Reviewer: Sue Russell

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  • 1 Ray Granger // Nov 23, 2008 at 11:52 PM
    Mildred Bailey's finest hour – well, three minutes – and arguably Johnny Mercer's too. A perfect encapsualation of what can be done in the space of a 10" 78.