JOKER
CD39040 (CD), 2000, EU
ANYTHING YOU CAN DO / YOU’RE SO UNDERSTANDING / SWANEE / GHOST RIDERS IN THE SKY / SOMEDAY / SEPTEMBER SONG / FIVE FOOT TWO, EYES OF BLUE / DARKTOWN STRUTTERS’ BALL / WHERE ARE YOU / JUST FOR FUN / LET’S TAKE AN OLD FASHIONED WALK / THERE’S “YES YES” IN YOUR EYES / ROOM FULL OF ROSES / THROUGH A LONG AND SLEEPLESS NIGHT / I’VE GOT THE SUN IN THE MORNING / SWEETHEART OF SIGMA CHI / OH MARIE / WALKIN’ MY BABY BACK HOME / SANTA LUCIA* / HOLD ME* / MEMORY LANE* / LOUISE*
Original radio and TV performances, except *; compilation by the DMA; sleeve notes by Bernard as follows:
“DEAN MARTIN
As well as the numerous and well-known studio recordings of songs that superb entertainer Dean Martin made in his life from 1946 to 1985, there are also many more performances he made for radio, television and concert dates throughout his most successful career as a singer.
Although he performed in all chapters of showbusiness (except the ‘live’ theatre, where he was never inclined to work) including films, television, radio and his live appearances, he will always be most fondly remembered as a relaxed purveyor of the art of singing. It is within two single set albums of rare radio performances from Dino that we have included a selection of songs, many of which have not been heard since the original broadcasts.
Some of the titles will already be familiar to you, songs which Dean recorded in the studios for commercial release.
But these versions are from original broadcasts and it is interesting to hear the different style and phrasing here with these as well as other songs not quite so familiar.
Compared to many artistes of the nineties, Dean Martin did not start in this business until his late twenties.
He always loved to sing, but this was not always approved of by his friends of that time: some of whom thought he would be better off doing something else!!!
Born June 7th 1917 in Ohio, he had a good life enjoying the music and the girls; he was a great admirer of both.
Determined to succeed, Dino Paul Crocetti, continued to sing and work, eventually meeting by chance a young comedian by the name of Joseph Levitch.
Together as Martin and Lewis, they stormed the world with their unique talents – separating in 1956 to pursue solo careers. Dean worked hard to establish his sole career from then on, making a huge success of everything he attempted, all with the panache and style that made him so lovable and popular to both men and women alike.
As he said to me many years ago: ‘I love this job that I do, how many people can HONESTLY say that? Plus, of course, I get paid good money as well. There’s not much else I can say.’
That really sums up the man; a great entertainer and friend, who did not ever realise just how much everyone loved him for what he was.
A sad loss to me and many millions of others when he finally went to the great singer’s paradise in heaven Christmas Day 1995.
Listen and enjoy these songs; experience the charm that is Dino; they are a very welcome addition to this man’s fine and lasting legacy.
BERNARD H. THORPE”
THE DEAN MARTIN ASSOCIATION 