Search - Perry Como, Ted Weems :: Class Will Tell

Heartaches! In Appreciation of Ted Weems

townsend@istar.ca | Nova Scotia, Canada | 07/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These recordings need to listened appreciatively within the context of their time and the wonderful band directed by Ted Weems with which Perry worked for six years from 1936 to 1941. The Weems band has been called a "singer's delight" which featured a range of talented singers, one after another, of which Perry is undoubtedly the most famous. And though these recordings, all recorded during Perry's stint with Weems, will be of great interest to Como fans, curious to hear what he sounded like during these very early years, the real reasons for listening to them should be to appreciate Weems and the talents of all who performed in his band. Perry's performances are all secondary and I make this claim respectfully. Ted Weems ". . . interspersed his crisp, unsophisticated ensemble sounds with the crooning of Como; the sweet, ingénue-singing of little Mary Lee; the more sexy emoting of Marvell Maxwell (who later changed her name to Marilyn Maxwell and became a Hollywood star); the novelties of Red Ingle, whom Como calls "one of the most talented men I've ever met" and who later made a hit record of "Timtayshun" with Jo Stafford; the straightforward rhythmic singing of Parker Gibbs, [ who went on to be ] a top NBC radio producer; the stylized, semi-hillbilly performances of "Country" Washburn, and the whistling of Elmo Tanner." When you listen to these recordings, think about these people and not just Perry alone. Now, that's the good news about these recordings. The bad news concerns this CD compilation which is sourced from pirated and bootlegged records by a new breed of entrepreneur who seeks to capitalize on the talents of others solely for their own gain. Whether or not this kind of activity is legal or not, it certainly isn't ethical! Because these recordings are seen to fall outside copyright protection ( a contentious issue ) companies like Jasmine act freely to replicate then from old records without paying the artists one red cent ( or penny as in the UK ) and this should be cause for alarm. The original Decca first generation masters are owned by someone, somewhere, and those original masters are without the best sources for true digital remastering. Will we ever hear them? It's not likely as long as this unethical practice continues. You can't compete fairly with someone who pays nothing. Everyone will agree that Perry Como doesn't need the money but what about the families of Ted Weems, Elmo Tanner, "Country" Washburn and Parker Gibbs? There will be those who argue against these "funny" old-fashioned ideas of integrity and ethics suggesting, perhaps, that these wonderful performers wouldn't have received any monies anyway. But that's not the point. If you can listen to these recordings comfortably then please do so. But why not copy the disc on tape and return this CD for a refund? Then wait for the label to squeal "breach of copyright"! This may give them heartaches, but justifiably so, and Ted Weems from his new home on high will likely be pleased!"

Great material; equalization a bit dull

townsend@istar.ca | 09/05/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Weems and Como. 'Nuff said. A necessity."