Diva/Mensch pair for Feb 26, 2025

Wynton Marsalis got the 1987 Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Group for his amazing album Standard Time, Vol 1. The first track, "Caravan," is a classic example of using an arrangement to reveal a song in an unexpected way. It has sass and lots of drive. There's our Diva.

The Mensch, "Memories of You," is just as intellectually satisfying but it makes you smile as opposed to marvel at the craft. It opens with a stellar piano solo by Marcus Roberts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_7uaWJAiOA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eztb6a8c2GA

I'm giving you a bonus - - Audra McDonald singing "Memories of You" in the Broadway musical Shuffle Along, or, the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed. Such an amazing show, I saw it twice and bought the T-shirt! The only bit of merch I've ever bought at a Broadway show. This song was a show-stopping and heart-stopping moment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L0m4v61uf8