Bobby Darin Birthday Celebration in California, May 14th

Just got word from DarinLand friend Jose about a fabulous Darin event in California on May 14th, for those who can't make it to Las Vegas for DarinFest 2007. Here are the details, directly from the organizers:

Join us Monday May 14th as we remember singer and song writer Bobby Darin.

Bobby Darin ~ Born on May 14th, 1936
Listen to some of his first hit records, "Splish Splash" and "Dream Lover," both of which he composed. Late in 1958, Bobby Darin recorded the album "That's All", an LP of standards. This LP contained his signature song "Mack the Knife," which won the 1959 "Record of the Year" and Darin the "Best New Artist" Grammy. We will be featuring his films, videos and music. Also, DJ Jose will be celebrating his Birthday. JOIN US for fun and surprises!

$3 COVER
8pm-12:30am
ALL AGES

Memories is Located at:
12901 Philadelphia Street
Whittier CA 90601

Click Here For Directions

For more info on Memories, the event, and for any questions, visit Jose on MySpace or www.memoriesdancing.com.

CURRENTLY SPINNING:

Roger McGuinn talks about Bobby Darin

I just stumbled across an interesting interview with Roger McGuinn, in which he comments on his time working with friend and mentor, Bobby Darin. Check it out here: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/accent/content/accent/epaper/2007/04/18/a1e_rogermcguinn_0418.html

Bobby Darin is Back in Vegas, May 11th-14th

Bobby Darin will be back in Vegas from May 11th-14th, 2007, when the DarinFest '07 fan gathering will be held in his honor. The festivities include guest appearances by Tommy Amato (Bobby's drummer from 1969-73), Roger Kellaway (Darin's friend, musical director and arranger for the "Dr. Dolittle" LP), Buddy Bregman (worked with Bobby on the LPs "This is Darin" and "At the Copa"), and more. Darin will also be honored with a Star on the Las Vegas Walk of Fame.

For more info, visit the event website, http://www.darinlifetimeevents07.org/

Bobby Darin Discussion Group

For those who enjoy email discussion groups, I run one at Yahoo Groups. It's been going for a little over a year now, and the people who post to it are some of the coolest folks I have ever known. Check it out here:

http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/bobbydarin/

Hope to see you there!

--Michael

David Winters, Friend of Bobby Darin and Producer of "The Darin Invasion"

I just put up a new interview on my Bobby Darin website, DarinLand.com, with David Winters (Bobby's long-time friend and Producer of the Darin Invasion TV special). David was also in the original Broadway cast of West Side Story, and in the film, and he recorded on Bobby's record label, and he has written, directed, acted in, danced in, choreographed, and produced countless movies, TV programs and stage productions. An amazing guy!

Check out the interview here:

David Winters Interview

Let me know what you think!

Darin Songs You Should Hear

Bobby Darin recorded a lot of songs during his short career, covering nearly every genre imaginable. The truly remarkable thing is, he managed to interpret each style as if he was born to it. Why? My theory is because he felt the songs, deep in his soul. He has been quoted as saying that he knew lyrics were more than just words. His delivery bears out that fact. He could tell a story with a degree of sincerity that was and still is unparalleled.

Sadly, most folks remember him for a handful of hits: "Mack the Knife," "Splish Splash," "Dream Lover," "Beyond the Sea." While each of these is a gem in its own right, they only scratch the surface when it comes to this man's versatility.

This is intended to be the first in a series of posts highlighting some of Bobby's lesser known tracks, Darin Songs You Should Hear...

"Distractions (Part 1)" is one of funniest songs Darin ever wrote. It originally appeared on the "Commitment" LP, released on Bobby's own Direction label. These days it can be found on the "Songs From Big Sur" compilation, put together by Official Darin Archivist Jimmy Scalia (half of the team responsible for the "Aces Back to Back" CD/DVD set and the "Seeing is Believing" DVD).

There are two versions on the "Big Sur" CD, and while both are great, it's the live version that really lights up. The lyrics tell a tale of a songwriter desperately trying to find some peace and solitude in order to work, while friends, fans and other assorted "distractions" pull his attention away. The comically forlorn sigh Bobby uses to punctuate the verses in the live version is absolutely brilliant. He always had a strong talent for comedy and this track is ample proof. The moment in the story where a fan asks him for an autograph, then tells him, "I used to hate you," points up very nicely the public reaction to Darin's periodic changes in style.

And speaking of changes in style, if you turn 180 degrees away from "Distractions," you might very well find yourself at "Caravan," a show stopping swing number that is every bit as powerful as "Mack" or "Beyond the Sea." From Bobby's second LP of standards, "This is Darin," "Caravan" is a captivating Richard Wess arranged track, replete with fabulous horns, intense percussion and Darin's patented thrilling delivery.

"This is Darin" was recorded just a few months after Bobby's groundbreaking "That's All" LP, but somehow tends to be overlooked when recounting his top albums. It's hard to say why. The record continues in the same vein as "That's All," bringing back Wess to apply his magic touch to a fantastic set of tunes. Along with "Caravan," the songs include a positively smokin' "Gal That Got Away" and a delightfully playful reading of "Have You Got Any Castles Baby." Buddy Bregman also contributes some classic arrangements, on the Darin signature tune "Clementine" and a gently swingin' "I Can't Give You Anything But Love."

Returning to "Caravan," the opening of this tune is, in a word, astounding. Bobby's voice bounces off the percussion as he tells the romantic tale of two lovers embracing under the stars while their caravan moves across the desert. "Sleep--upon my shoulder as we creep--across the sand so I may keep--this memory of our caravan." Bobby and the band are in perfect synch, building and building to a big finish and a lonnnnnng note that will knock your socks clear across the room.

There are so many more songs I want to talk about, blues numbers, country numbers, rock numbers and on and on--but I'll get to that in future posts. To be continued...

Beyond Cool: The Acting Career of Bobby Darin

I justed posted a new article to my Bobby Darin website: "Beyond Cool: The Acting Career of Bobby Darin," a comprehensive overview of Bobby's film and television work from the '50s to the '70s. Here's a sample...

"Imagine for a moment if Fabian, Frankie Avalon, Paul Anka or even Pat Boone—all of whom had successful film and musical careers—made the kind of films Bobby Darin chose to make. It seems impossible to picture any of Darin’s perceived contemporaries being involved with such maverick filmmakers as John Cassavetes, Don Siegel, Stanley Kramer, or Richard Brooks, and yet Bobby Darin sought out just such controversial filmmakers for his movie projects..."

You can read more at DarinLand.com

Other articles at the site include "Bobby Darin: The Singles (1966)," "Bobby Darin: The Singles (1961)," "The Capitol Years," and interviews with Darin Arranger/Conductor Perry Botkin, and Bobby's High School friend Jazz Vocalist Elli Fordyce.

I'm also always looking for new articles, reviews and contributions to the site. Email me with your ideas!

Bobby Darin and Roger McGuinn

The legendary Roger McGuinn is one of many talented performers who worked with Bobby Darin. For a wonderful account of how Roger and Bobby first met, check out this entry at Roger McGuinn’s Official Blog: Roadie Report 24 - Bobby Darin by Camilla McGuinn. The story is sweet, tender, funny and undeniably cool. Ha (and indeed) CHA!