Diana Lynn, Part 2

Back in August I featured a Diana Lynn LP called Piano Moods. At that time, I said I thought the six Cole Porter items on the record were from a 78 album and the other two items (Lover and Slaughter on 10th Avenue) were from another album.

Pretty good guess - this is the 78 album those two items are from. It was in my collection all along. I forgot I had it.

As I mentioned in the earlier post, Diana Lynn nowadays is remembered for her films, although she started out as a musician. She was good at both arts - a very facile pianist and a very charming film presence. Also very good looking. We should all be so gifted.

A technical note: the arrangement of Mozart's Ronda alla Turca sounds like it was sped up in the mastering, perhaps so it would sound more impressively dynamic. In this transfer, I've kept that fast version but added one that is slowed down so it is pitched a semitone lower. That alternative sounds more natural to me, but you decide.

As with the previous set, the piano arrangements are by George Greeley, and the band is led by Paul Weston. This post is for my friend Mel.

Diana Lynn

While Diana Lynn is best known today as an actor, she started out as a piano prodigy, breaking into films for her musical ability. But her charm and good looks were apparent, and soon she was something of a juvenile lead.

Diana made a number of records during the 40s, collected in this 10-inch LP on Capitol. I believe that the six Cole Porter tunes were recorded for a 78 album, with Slaughter on Tenth Avenue and Lover added later to make this LP - but not certain of that.

All the tunes here display her considerable skills and beautiful tone, and are graced by Paul Weston's fine orchestral arrangements. The piano arrangements are by George Greeley, who made many records of his own. Capitol's sound is excellent.

This post is for my friend Mel of Sallie and Mel's Golden Age of Hollywood, one of the sites over at Isbum's Place.