Jon Hendricks was the James Joyce of Jazz. He wrote lyrics to some of the most familiar yet challenging jazz charts and solos of the day. He always told a story in words and rhyme and did it with humor, grace and in swing time, His cohorts, the late Dave Lambert, and the delightful Annie Ross were no less skilled jazz singers. Together, they defined vocalese. And, in the credit where it's due department, Annie wrote the original Twisted. Joni lifted the arrangement and vocal note for note. Can't improve on perfection.
Twisted - the original studio recording with stick cartoons
Lambert, Hendricks and Ross perform "Four". 1961
Inspirational verse: "Of the wonderful things that you get out of life, there are four... and baby,, that may not be many but nobody needs any more ..."
LHR perform with Count Basie before Hugh Hefner, Tony Bennett, a bevy of beauties and who knows who else.
Avenue C with Count Basie
Annie Ross was delightfully twisted.
Lambert, Hendricks and Bavan (standing in for Annie)
sing John Coltrane's Cousin Mary
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