Tunes on Tuesday: Pot Luck

Why this tune?

This week’s tune is an obscure bebop head written by Johnny Mandel for Stan Getz in the 1950s, that I came across while searching for some Mandel songs to suggest to singers I work with. It’s nothing like “The Shadow of Your Smile” and other more famous works, but still a fun and well-crafted bebop tune. As far as
I can find it was recorded only by Stan Getz on
a UK album and for Norman Grantz’s Clef label. although there are recordings of several other jazz tunes with the same name.

I decided write some lyrics to Mandel’s music during this January’s song-a-day challenge, using the title as inspiration. I shared it then and have been practicing it since. What came out was a fun ditty about the pleasures of organizing a “pot luck” meal with friends. I’m pretty happy with most of my choices, though I can feel the late Alan Bergman frowning at me for that “goodies/cookies” rhyme.

I’m happy to contribute this song to the long tradition
of lyrics written to instrumental jazz tunes. 
If you’re looking for a good writing exercise,
I recommend it!

Tunes On Tuesday Reel

Check it out!

Stan Getz