Sometimes there is just one thing you can say about the world around you, and in that spirit Wilderworld now unleashes upon the world the mythical and hilarious If You See Kay, with words by Alec Wilder and music by Morty Palitz. This recording is from an acetate, privately waxed by Jimmy Carroll and Orchestra in 1950. It has rarely, if ever, been heard over the past 70 years.
In 2011, we asked legendary publisher Howie Richmond, of TRO, about If You See Kay.
He said, "I plead guilty to being 'the publisher.' It was really a joke which Alec, together with Bill Engvick, Morty Palitz and Jimmy Carroll had recorded during one of their sessions. A dub copy was given to a NYC late night disc jockey, named Jack Eigen who had a show at the Paradise Restaurant on the mezzanine floor of the Brlll building. His format was to introduce new releases via advance pressings, requesting the audience to call in and offer their opinions.
"Some of the listeners caught on to the title and that evening there was a genuine commotion. Within a day or two it was gone and forgotten, and Mr. Eigen ceased auditioning new releases."
Bill Engvick's recollection of the song was, "It was played on the air just once, and the switchboard lit up with furious listeners. I resented their waste of a nice tune, so TRO published it under the title If You See Jean."
Enjoy!
Don't miss the 35th Annual Friends of Alec Wilder Concert on November 7, 2020 at 2p EST. You can watch this year's performances from the comfort of your home! See the photo for more details, and go to www.alecwildermusicandlife.com to find the link to the Concert on Youtube, when it is posted.
