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Alice Babs
Swedish born Hildur Alice Nilsson, professionally known as Alice Babs first appeared publicly at the age of twelve, and she achieved instant fame. Her first hit recording was a song known in English as “The Yodeling Girl”. A string of Swedish film roles turned her into a teen movie star. She sang with famous classical musicians, performed for the Swedish Royal Family, and during World War II played for soldiers with popular acts like Sammy Davis. The first exposure Babs had to America was in 1962 when she toured with the Swe-Danes, a trio made up of Babs, guitarist Ulrik Neumann, and violinist Svend Asmussen. The trip was a big success, landing the group several high profile gigs and an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. In 1963, when Duke Ellington was asked to appear on a Swedish television program, he began a search for a European singer to perform with his band. He was given a stack of records to listen to, and declared the search over upon hearing the voice of Alice Babs. “Come Sunday” and “Take the 'A' Train” were recorded for the show, with Babs on vocals. When there were no words left to sing she amazed everyone by turning her voice into a band instrument, singing solos she had heard Rex Stewart and Ben Webster play on previous Ellington recordings. Their most important collaboration, however, came with the Sacred Concerts, Ellington's heartfelt tribute to God. The first Sacred Concert was performed live only three times. “There were times during the performances when I had difficulty controlling my emotions. In the cathedral it was very beautiful...” the lighting, and the massive congregation! I had to remind myself that I was not the one to be moved, that the message was designed for the listeners.” After performing in Europe for a number of years, Babs retired in Spain due to health problems. She went back on tour in 1998, selling out theaters across Europe. Her voice as strong as it ever was, and she still sings Ellington tunes whenever she gets the chance.
Source: jazzbratTags
Duke Ellington's Concert of Sacred Music

by Chuck Lenatti
In 1964, Dean D.J. Bartlett and the Reverend John S. Yaryan invited Duke Ellington and his orchestra to present a concert to consecrate the renovated Grace Cathedral on Nob Hill in San Francisco during a year-long festival of Grace. At first, Duke demurred. In his autobiography, Music Is My Mistress (Da Capo, 1976), Ellington explained why he changed his mind: It has been said once that a man who could not play the organ or any ...
Continue ReadingAlice Babs: Vi minns Alice Babs

by Chris Mosey
This six-CD box set pays homage to Alice Babs, the Swedish jazz singer who died at the age of 90 in February, 2014. A soprano with a three octave range, she sang with Duke Ellington, most notably in his so-called sacred concerts. At the start of her career, in 1940, at the tender age of 16, Babs (real name Nilsson) was vilified in the Swedish press as a slyna, the politest translation of which is hussy."
Continue ReadingAlice Babs: Don't Be Blue

by Dave Nathan
Over a career of more than 60 years, Swedish vocalist Alice Babs has applied her delectable vocal chords to a variety of euphony including church music by Mozart and Duke Ellington, she worked with the latter in the 1960's, yodeling, and just regular jazz. Her 4th album for the Prophone label falls into the latter category. Joined by long time composer and band leader, Nils Lindberg, and the group Third Saxophones, a quintet of sax players, and a rhythm section, ...
Continue ReadingPassings: Alice Babs, Dick Berk

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Rifftides by Doug Ramsey
Alice Babs, the Swedish singer whom Duke Ellington once called “probably the most unique artist I know,” died today in her native Sweden. She was 90. Her breakthrough came in 1940 in the Swedishfilm Swing it magistern (Swing It, Teacher!) She went on to make her name in stage, motion picture and television work, singing in several genres and collaborating with violinist Svend Asmussen and other Scandinavian jazz artists. Her pure soprano voice and rhythmic ability brought her to Ellington’s ...
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