Episode 15-November 1, 1948

We skip along to November 1, 1948-the day before Dewey defeated Truman, and the day that Bob, Jud De Naut (bass), Ralph Collier (drums), and Tommy Todd (piano) first got together on the air. We can hear Todd’s unique approach right away on the Sweet Georgia Brown intro. It may be that Tommy could have used one more rehearsal on “Cuanto Le Gusta”, a tune recorded by Carmen Miranda, Bing Crosby, and Jack Smith (with the Clark Sisters). Note how Ralph Collier deftly switches from maracas to brushes, then back to maracas and bongo. Our clever announcer Eddie sidles up to song star Margo Powers before she caresses the Gershwin classic “Someone To Watch Over Me”, with Tommy more than redeeming himself in accompaniment. Bob’s bop tune “Hop The Ditty” showcases Todd and Bain’s inventiveness and highlights the group’s tight co-ordination. The rather more pedestrian “Slow Boat To China” swings well and Margo sounds great. The group closes out the show with “’S Wonderful” and Tommy Todd again displays the skills and promise which Bob saw in him.