Leah Natale | Leah Natale

0 What Were They Thinking?

When certain classic tunes, some with modified lyrics, are used for commercials, I wonder how the producers got away with it. Here are four in particular that have made me scratch my head and say, “huh?”

Burger King: I am Woman Hear Me Roar, by Helen Reddy

Hardees: Hello Dolly, by Jerry Herman

Handi-Wrap: It Don’t Mean A Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing, by Duke Ellington

Lip Quencher: Moon River, by Henry Mancini

Is there a commercial that makes you shake your head with its song choice – or new lyrics? Please share below!

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0 Find Expression

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1 A Dose of Jazz

I really enjoy Melody Gardot’s voice. I found her video on “Jazz On The Tube.” Everyday a video is sent along with a short paragraph about a famous jazz artist. I’ve found it really interesting and a great way to learn about fellow jazz artists.

Just a reminder I’ll be at 13 Coins in SeaTac this Saturday night, 12/7, from 8:30p-12:30a, with the Paul Miranda Trio. For more information, please visit the calendar page on this site. I hope you can join us!

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0 A Master of Phrasing

Anita O’Day’s “Sweet Georgia Brown” is a favorite of mine.

She was a master of phrasing. Without messing with the melody much, Anita took jazz standards and turned it into a rhythmic master piece. Like a dance, she slowed down and speed up her phrasing, weaving around the pulse of the song, yet always hit her marks with the band.

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0 Jazz Up Your Feast

Back by popular demand, please enjoy Thanksgiving Jazz playlist on Spotify*, full of my favorites, for you to enjoy this weekend as background music during Thursday’s feast, decorating the tree, or while enjoying a quiet glass of mulled wine.

I’m deeply thankful for so much this year, especially each and every one of you. Your support means the world to me. I hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

*Signing up for Spotify is free and the best way to avoid ads and support musicians (Yes! Spotify sends me a check every now and then) is to upgrade to the $5 per month “Unlimited” option. To mute Spotify ads on a Mac download SpotiFree, a simple AppleScript, and for Windows download Blockify. Please use with care and at your own discretion.

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