Bobby Hackett Question

[DMP]

I once saw a reference to the many versions of "Embracable You," and the author said that the 2 best versions (now THERE'S an argument!) were by Charlie Parker and Bobby Hackett... Which Hackett version was he referring to? And is there any agreement on this?

[Larry Kart]

The April 13, 1939 recording with Hackett's big band.

[jazztrain]

What about the earlier April 30, 1938 version recorded for Commodore by Eddie Condon and His Windy City Seven that featured Hackett? That's the one I think of first.

Hackett also recorded a nice version of the tune for Decca on December 23, 1943 that isn't too shabby (but not as magical as the others).

[Brownian Motion]

All three of these versions are top-shelf. But I would agree with jazztrain in singling out the '38 version, if only for Pee Wee Russell's clarinet solo.

[Larry Kart]

What about the earlier April 30, 1938 version recorded for Commodore by Eddie Condon and His Windy City Seven that featured Hackett? That's the one I think of first.

Hackett also recorded a nice version of the tune for Decca on December 23, 1943 that isn't too shabby (but not as magical as the others).

First, the Vocalion big band version was the one that had such a big impact on fans and other players (including Miles). It was at once lovely and famous, like his 12 bars on Glenn Miller's "A String of Pearls." Second, FWIW, here is the late Dick Sudhalter in his book "Lost Chords":

"The peak [of the band's first record date] ... comes last, on 'Embraceable You.' Compared to this, the Commodore performance of a year before seems a warm up. The Hackett charms are in full early bloom: balanced phrasing, the melodic essence glowing through the embellishments, and unerring ability, as Ruby Braff observed, to select the most poignant intervals and chordal voices -- all delivered with a heartwarming tone. From his first lilting phrase, an oblique allusion to the Harry Warren-Al Dubin 'Shadow Waltz,' he comes close to recomposing Gershwin's melody."

[DMP]

Thanks to all! I have the '38 version on a budget Hackett set ("Quadromania," recommended by someone here last year), and just sent for a used "Classics" CD that (I think) has the '39 version. Hackett-mania!