Artist:Marian McPartland
Song:Willow Weep for Me
Album:On 52nd Street
Marian McPartland was a jazz pianist when it was very difficult for women in jazz other than singers. She started out in the 50s and was active until her 2013 death. This recording of the jazz standard Willow Weep for Me is from 1952. She was born Mar. 20, 1918 in Slough, Buckinghamshire, England. Marian didn't study piano as a child but she learned how to play by ear. She studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Marian's parents wanted her to be a classical pianist. But she liked jazz musicians like Duke Ellington, Fats Waller and especially Mary Lou Williams. Her family wanted her to earn her degree at Guildhall. But she went to music hall pianist Billy Mayerl and toured with him. After the tour, she joined ENSA to entertain troops during WWII and then the USO. While on tour in Belgium, she met cornetist Jimmy McPartland, joined his band and got married. After WWII, they moved to New York. Marian started her own trio in 1950. She was positively reviewed by Downbeat Magazine's Leonard Feather but he questioned if fans would accept a woman in jazz. Musicians didn't care. She could play so they liked her. Marian signed with Savoy Records in 1951 and had a regular gig at New York's Hickory House. Duke Ellington was frequently in attendance. Willow Weep for Me is from Marian's 1952 album Lullaby of Birdland. This was Marian's second album. Musicians are Bob Carter on bass and Joe Morello on drums. Of course Morello is best known for his days with Dave Brubeck. Carter worked with Charlie Ventura. Willow Weep for Me is a jazz standard that was popularized by Stan Kenton and singer June Christy in 1946. This 2000 album On 52nd Street is mainly a live recording from 1953. But Willow Weep for Me is from the 1952 album Lullaby of Birdland. That album has also been rereleased. Both albums are available as digital downloads. Marian moved to Capitol Records in 1954. She also recorded for Argo, Sesac, Time, Dot and she started her own Halcyon label in 1969. In the mid-60s, she started reviewing albums and doing interviews for Downbeat. This led to her own radio show and she started her long running NPR show Piano Jazz in 1978. This ran until 2011. Marian closed her label in 1979 and recorded for Concord until her death on Aug. 20, 2013 at age 95. Here's Marian McPartland performing Willow Weep for Me at her 1986 International Jazz Association Hall of Fame induction.
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