the wedding present

Well, it's been quite a week!

First up an engagement party for some friends in Derby, which was fabulous. Then the next day we (Mrs Domino and I) headed over to France for the wedding of our good friends Holly & Richard in a château near Bergerac...

[a brief pause to allow UK readers of a certain age to reminisce about John Nettles and George Fenton's evocative theme tune...]

... which was every bit as cool as it sounds.

The day after we got back it was time for another wedding, this time for my cousin. Always a pleasure to see Mr & Mrs Oxbow.

What with bloggers getting spliced across the oceans (congrats SVC!) coupled with all of the above PLUS a final-minute announcement of more impending nuptials, it seemed an opportune moment to post the soundtrack Mr & Mrs Domino's 1st dance, nearly one year ago...

Chet Baker - Time After Time

There's something for everyone here - beautiful lyrics and a gorgeous melody for all the smug marrieds (hi there!) and - for anyone hating this trip to thirtysomething country - horrible stories about Chet's startling fall from grace, from matinee idol to toothless smackhead. With terrible balance. Just Say No, kids.

But what a voice!

Frankosonic has always been a big fan and he's currently hosting a great Chet Baker take on "Everything Happens To Me". So here's a fantastic solo version from the mighty Thelonious Sphere Monk.

Thelonious Monk - Everything Happens To Me [Take 3]

I've always loved the way he tried to approximate the way that string and woodwind players bend the notes by mashing out great clusters of sound - playing between the keys, indeed. The person who bought me this CD thought it sounded like Les Dawson... we don't talk anymore.

If you're in any doubt as to why he was a true original and a great visionary, get The Complete Columbia Solo Studio Recordings and listen to his rock-steady left hand - he has the best rhythm!

Buy - The Best Of Chet Baker Sings
Buy - Thelonious Monk, The Complete Columbia Solo Studio Recordings