Shine On Your Shoes

Here's a rare and rather obscure take with Fats in top form as accompanist. Monette Moore was a blues/stage singer of the day now largely forgotten but what a voice! She sings her heart out in this session with Fats from 1932. The complete take has them starting with this number and then segueing into Louisiana Hayride, two songs she debuted only a few weeks earlier on Broadway in the Schwartz/Dietz musical "Flying Colors".

Fats' playing here is pure rhythm, harmony and joy! His accompaniment is quite "simple" but it swings irresistibly and is a perfect backing for Moore's vocals. Oh, to have such huge hands as to be able to play clean Ab and Db left-hand triad tenths so effortlessly! Moore's singing is passionate and exciting and she has lots of fun with various vocal growls and inflexions. There is much exuberance and fervour emanating from both performers.

I present another "hybrid" performance utilising technology to merge my digital transcription with the original recording to hear Fats' playing in context. Apologies to the purists but hopefully in the process I'm highlighting Fats' indelible contribution and at the same time keeping alive the legacy of Monette Moore's wonderful vocals.

Here is the original recording:

https://youtu.be/p4jP8fTmBCE

Youtube.com noteman