Home » Jazz Articles » Interview » Rich Pulin: Clifford Brown and "It's You, LaRue"
Rich Pulin: Clifford Brown and "It's You, LaRue"
ByAll About Jazz: Rich, On behalf of All About Jazz, thanks for speaking with us.
Rich Pulin: Thank you, Nick.
AAJ: This is a fascinating bit of jazz history. What the genesis of "It's You, LaRue?"
RP: Purportedly, the song "LaRue" not only was Clifford's last composition before his tragic untimely demise, but it was a love song that he wrote to and for his wife, LaRue Brown. He played it for her on the Santa Monica Beach the night he proposed to her.
AAJ: You mentioned that Clifford's widow, LaRue came to you to write the lyrics?
RP: That's right. LaRue and I had become close friends in Los Angeles in the mid-1970's. We even co-hosted a radio show to celebrate what would have been Brownie's 49th birthday. Clark Terry, Blue Mitchell and other greats called in to share memories. I still have the tape and may post it on the Early Childhood Music Education Foundation website. One day, LaRue, shocked me when she asked me to write a lyric to Clifford's composition, "LaRue."
AAJ: I know that you play both trombone and trumpet. Were you a Clifford fan? Why?
RP: From the time I can remember, I was a huge Clifford Brown fan. Why? He had the greatest harmonic concept of any trumpeter up to that point. His beautiful and unique tone was unmatchable and Clifford's technique was light-years ahead of anyone on the scene.
AAJ: What year did you write the lyric lines?
RP: LaRue asked me in 1977 and I did it right awayno delay.
AAJ: Is the version with your lyrics recorded? Who recorded it? Is it available?
RP: The Cunningham's recorded it on Discovery Records in the 1980s. It was nominated for a jazz vocal group Grammy in 1989. Yes, it is available.
AAJ: I know that other musicians/singers have put "vocalese" lyrics to "Joy Spring" and other Brownie tunes. How is "It's You, LaRue" unique?
RP: Great question. Clifford was better known for the more up-tempo material. A beautiful and luscious ballad like "LaRue" was a bit of a musical departure... so poignant. And the timing... whew!
AAJ: I know Kenny Dorham recorded Clifford's "LaRue." Are there any other instrumental versions out there? Clifford Brown III, Clifford's grandsonalso a fine trumpeter-has a You Tube clip of him performing it.
RP: You can hear an Italian band playing it on You Tube too. And, I've always heard that Sonny Rollins recorded it, but I've never found or heard it.
AAJ: I wonder why Brownie didn't write lyrics to the tune? Any thoughts on that?
RP: Not everyone can write meaningful words. There's a big difference between creating musical notes and thoughts and words that are expressive. That's why among the Great American Songwriters, only a few did both.
AAJ: What was your creative process as you worked up the lyrics?
RP: A darkened room. I meditated and put myself in another realm. I felt Clifford present. I felt he actually helped me. When I handed the completed manuscript to La Rue Brown, she broke down in tears. I said, "LaRue, was it that bad?" to which she answered, "No, Rich. It is so beautiful. There are words and thoughts in the lyrics that heretofore only Cliff and I knew!"
AAJ: Was the process difficult?
RP: No, not at all!
AAJ: Why not?
RP: Spiritual guidance.
AAJ: What do you think Brownie would "say" about your lyrics?
RP: Well, since he helped me from "the great beyond," I'd like to think that he might say something like, "Rich, our song turned out great" or something like that.
AAJ: Have you done this with any other tunes? Brownie or any other?
RP Yes, although I write music and lyrics to my own songs, I provide music for folks that have meaningful lyrics, as well as the reverselike "LaRue," or "It's You, LaRue" as it is now entitledthe version with lyrics. I do this all the time. I'm writing a lyric right now to an incredibly beautiful melody written by UK saxophonist, Mike Smith.
AAJ: The tune and your lyrics are so beautiful, so apropos. Is "It's You, LaRue" available for artists for use? Who owns the rights?
RP: All songs require a publisher's approvalRP Music, in the case of "It's You, La Rue." BMI has the rights and the estate of Clifford Brown, of course, has their interest, too.
AAJ: Rich, this has been a fascinating conversation. Thanks for bringing this bit of history to our readers.
RP: My pleasure, Nick. It is always been a pleasure, honor and distinction to have my name associated with Clifford Brown and his music. Thank You!
< Previous
Search For Peace
Next >
Say When
Comments
Tags
Rich Pulin
Interview
Nicholas F. Mondello
United States
Nevada
Las Vegas
Clifford Brown
Los Angeles
Clark Terry
Blue Mitchell
Kenny Dorham
Sonny Rollins
Mike Smith