Premiering on Broadway in 1950, "Guys & Dolls" is a musical, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, based on the short stories of author Damon Runyon, specifically "The Idyll Of Miss Sarah Brown" and "Blood Pressure". The film version, released in 1955 starred Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, Jean Simmons and Vivian Blaine.
In 1958, The Kirby Stone Four included their rendition of "Fugue For Tinhorns" from the show on their debut album for Columbia, "Baubles, Bangles And Beads". Four years later, they released "Frank Loessers Broadway Hit Guys & Dolls (Like Today)", an album featuring all of the songs from the show. Using new arrangements and rewriting many of the lyrics, the album was to be "the first in a series of Broadway shows for the ear alone" i.e. the music and lyrics "would carry enough of the story line... so as to make visual aids unnecessary". Unfortunately, the proposed series did not eventuate, with this album marking their second last one for the Columbia label. However, in 1964, they did release "My Fair Lady Swings" on Warner Bros.
It should be noted, that on both albums, the 1958 recording of "Fugue For Tinhorns" was utilised. As close to perfect as this recording is, it is a shame that they did not re-record it, if for no other reason than to hear what type of arrangement Dick Hyman would have used (he arranged the rest of the 1962 album, with the 1958 sessions being led by Jimmy Carroll).
Thanks for posting this, been looking for it everywhere ! Thanks !
jdollinter 2 years ago
Another cool one, first time hearing this one!
vinylvend 2 years ago