Shows
WILDERWORLD182 - American Popular Song: In Reprise and Retrospect (1978)The final show, # 40, originally broadcast March 30, 1978Host Alec Wilder Co-host Loonis McGlohonYes, that's Alec singing on If I'd Only Done What Mother Told Me To
2022-03-1857 min
WILDERWORLD181 - If You See Kay (1950)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...
2020-10-1903 min
WILDERWORLD180 - Peacock Feathers (1964)Music by Alec Wilder, from the film Open the Door and See All the People by Jerome HillOrchestra conducted by Samuel BaronSIDE A - 1. I See It Now 2. 5/4 Dance 3. Love Is When 4. Bill’s Theme 5. Taylor Mead Theme 6. Hat In Sky 7. Potted Palm #1 8. Potted Palm #2 9. Gypsy Theme 10. Recorder and Bass Duet 11. Steak Chase 12. Vespa WaltzSIDE B – 1. Platform Dance (Two Versions) 2. Astroillogical Parlor 3. Chase Through Woods 4. Mimosa’s Solitude 5. Lonely Girl 6. Mimosa and Me 7. Unbelievable (Two Versions) 8. Mimosa’s Paris Dance 9. Potted Palm #3 10. Dance for B.B.How many melodies can you...
2020-04-1532 min
WILDERWORLD179 - Entertainment No. 2 (1966)Performed by the Eastman Orchestra, Rochester, New YorkDon't miss the 34th annual FRIENDS OF ALEC WILDER CONCERT on Saturday October 12, 2019 at 3 p.m. at St. Peter's Church, 619 Lexington Avenue in New York CitySee photo for detailsSee you there!
2019-10-0911 min
WILDERWORLD178 - American Popular Song: The Songs of Willard Robison (1976)Recorded in early April 1976, with a broadcast date of October 3, 1976, it's American Popular Song Show #1! This is the first show NPR listeners heard, and, for many, their first exposure to Alec Wilder Singer Barbara Lea joins Alec and Loonis for a lively exploration of the pastoral songs of Willard Robison (1894-1968), "a strange, indigenous talent"All songs by Willard Robison, exceptPlenty Good Enough For Me lyrics by Loonis McGlohon, music by Alec WilderMel Alexander plays bass, Tony Cooper drums. Clarinet on Deep Ellum Blues by Bob MitchellThank...
2018-08-2958 min
WILDERWORLD177 - Western Star (1975)A rare example of Alec Wilder singing his own song, accompanied on piano by Loonis McGlohon, recorded October 8, 1975Words by Arnold Sundgaard, Music by Alec WilderFrom the musical play Western Star, originally titled The Wind Blows Free and based upon the Book of JobPhoto of Alec and Loonis taken February 1970 by Elmer Horton
2018-08-0502 min
WILDERWORLD176 - I'll Be Around (1961)Words and Music by Alec Wilder (and, on this record only, "S. Murphy")The 33rd annual Friends of Alec Wilder Concert will take place on Sunday, September 16, 2018 at the Shapeshifter Lab, 18 Whitwell Place in Brooklyn, New York at 3 p.m. Be there!
2018-08-0402 min
WILDERWORLD175 - When I Get Old Enough to Vote (1953)Words by William Engvick, Music by Alec Wilder. By Jimmy Boyd with the Norman Luboff Choir.This is an acetate of a never-released Columbia Records recording featuring child singing star Boyd, and produced by Mitch Miller. Very timely tune!Today marks the 10th Anniversary of the day I started the Wilderworld podcast! Thank you to all who have come here over the past decade to enjoy Alec's music. It is gratifying to have had the opportunity to share my extensive Wilder collection with tens of thousands of music appreciators around the world.As a...
2016-10-3102 min
WILDERWORLD173 - Miss Chicken Little (1953)A Cantata for The TheatreText by William Engvick, Music by Alec Wilder Miss Chicken Little was broadcast on CBS' Omnibus television program on December 27, 1953 Jo Sullivan as Miss Chicken Little, with Charlotte Rae and Jim Hawthorne Recording is from a live soundstage air check acetate disc At 7:29 the missing line is, "It was just an acorn," sung by one of the hens The late, great wordsmith of this remarkable production, William Clark Engvick, was born on July 1, 1914, 100 years ago today. Happy birthday, Bill! Obituary...
2014-07-0127 min
WILDERWORLD172 - The Lowland Sea (1963)Libretto by Arnold Sundgaard, Music by Alec WilderWritten in 1952Performed May 16 & 17, 1963 in Dolton, Illinois at the Thornridge High School Spring MusicaleChorus and Orchestra under the direction of John PearceBetty Smith as Dorie Davis, Paul Maddux as Johhny Dee"The Lowland Sea was written as a remembering of the sea and sea songs - of dunes, of harbors, of voyaging, of loneliness, of waiting. It is hoped that it will seem familiar to anyone who has walked (or wanted to walk) the streets of Nantucket, or has waited...
2014-02-1754 min
WILDERWORLD171 - Highlights of the 28th Annual Friends of Alec Wilder Concert Part 2 (2013)All music and words by Alec Wilder unless otherwise indicatedOctets introduced by Mike McGinnis and played by the Four BagsSuch a Tender NightDance Man Buys a FarmLittle Girl Grows UpJack, This is My HusbandThe Four Bags are Brian Drye trombone, Jacob Garchik accordion, Sean Moran guitar and Mike McGinnis clarinetPopular songs by Hilary Kole piano and vocal with Gene Bertoncini guitarWhile We're Young with Morty Palitz, words by Bill EngvickBlackberry Winter words by Loonis McGlohonThe...
2013-12-2955 min
WILDERWORLD170 - Highlights of the 28th Annual Friends of Alec Wilder Concert Part 1 (2013)New York City April 14, 2013 Honorary Host and piano Aaron GandyAll music by Alec Wilder and words by William Engvick, except as notedMimosa and MeSong from Moulin Rouge (Where is Your Heart), music by Georges AuricI See It NowSo Long to All That, from the unproduced musical Chance of a Ghost'Tain't a Fit Night Out The Long WayWalking Home in SpringIt's a Fine Day for Walkin' Country StyleSingers include Juliette Trafton, Dewey Caddell, Merrill Grant, Chris Ware...
2013-10-191h 02
WILDERWORLD169 - Engvick on Wilder (2001)Bill Engvick delivered this speech at the annual Alec Wilder Concert in New York on April 22, 2001While We're Young performed by Melinda Dillon from the soundtrack to Staying Together, a Hemdale film, 1989Pictured are Engvick and Wilder in Stony Point, NY, March 1952 Photo by Fran MillerHappy Birthday Alec Wilder, who was born 106 years ago on February 16Be sure to attend the 28th Annual Friends of Alec Wilder Concert on April 14, 2013 at 120 W. 69th Street, New York, at 3 p.m. Among those performing will be Hilary Kole, Aaron Gandy and the...
2013-02-2109 min
WILDERWORLD168 - I See It Now (1972)Words by Bill Engvick, Music by Alec WilderPerformed by Mabel Mercer with Buddy Barnes, pianoFrom An Evening with Mabel Mercer and Bobby Short, broadcast on PBS Television December 1972Thank you Mark WalterSee also wilderworld 68
2013-01-1602 min
WILDERWORLD167 - In the Morning (1946)Words by William Engvick (pictured), Music and Orchestration by Alec WilderPerformed by Eileen Farrell with Mitch Miller conducting the CBS Symphony, August 29, 1946My love took wings and flew awayIn the morningIn the morningSaid "I'll be back on SaturdayIn the morning"He wore his suit with wings of goldIn the morningIn the morningAnd three big coats for up there it's coldIn the morningHe made a joke like he always didIn the morningIn the...
2012-12-1904 min
WILDERWORLD166 - Highlights of the 27th Annual Concert Part 2 (2012)Sonata No. 3 for Bassoon and Piano in Five Movements, played by Carl Rath, bassoon and Jeongwon Ham, pianoI Like It Here words by Bill Engvick, The Sounds Around the House words by Johnny Mercer, Photographs words by Fran Landesman, The Winter of My Discontent, Moon and Sand words by Engvick, Where Is the One? music by Eddie Finckel words by Alec Wilder, I See It Now words by Engvick, Blackberry Winter with Loonis McGlohon, Summer Is a-Comin' In words by Marshall Barer, I'll Be Around performed by Eric Comstock, vocals and piano, Barbara Fasano, vocals, Gene Bertoncini...
2012-09-0954 min
WILDERWORLD165 - Highlights from the 27th Annual Concert Part 1 (2012)New York City April 15, 2012All words and music by Alec Wilder unless otherwise indicatedBob Levy introduces Honorary Guest Host Joe WilderIf Someday Comes Ever Again words by Johnny Mercer, Ellen and Lovers and Losers words by Bill Engvick, arranged by Roger Wesby and performed by The SalvatonesSuite for Piano I Movement 3, Suite for Piano III Movement 3, Hardy Suite Movements 1 and 3, Suite for Piano II Movement 1, Un Deuxieme Essai Movements 1 and 6, Suite for Piano IV Movements 1 and 4, Sonata Fantasy Movements 2 and 4, performed by John Noel Roberts, piano (pictured)...
2012-09-0636 min
WILDERWORLD164 - Highlights from the 26th Annual Concert Part 2 (2011)All music by Alec Wilder except as indicatedLove Among the Young, Walk Pretty, Night Talk, Blue Fool, It's a Fine Day for Walking Country Style - John Carlson trumpet, John Dirac guitar, Douglas Yates bass clarinetPhotographs (words by Fran Landesman), Whistle Stop (music by Hugh Martin, developed by Alec Wilder), While We're Young (words by William Engvick, music by Alec Wilder and Morty Palitz), I'll Be Around (words and music by Alec Wilder) - Kathleen Landis vocal and piano, Bob Levy trumpet and MC (pictured)
2011-05-1533 min
WILDERWORLD163 - Highlights from the 26th Annual Concert Part 1 (2011)April 10 in New York brought another rich and varied presentation of the extraordinary music of Alec Wilder Air for Oboe and Strings oboe Rita Mitsel, piano Maria Dessena When You Are Old (poem by W. B. Yeats), The Moon (Percy Bysshe Shelley), Suddenly (based upon the poem Everyone Sang by Siegfried Sassoon) vocal Carla Wesby, piano Barbara LeeSonata No. 1 for Tuba and Piano tuba Michael Salzman, piano Barbara Lee (pictured)I Moderato II Allegro III Andante IV AllegroAll music by Alec Wilder
2011-05-0522 min
WILDERWORLD162 - Pantagleize Suite (1966)Composed by Alec Wilder for a production of the play Pantagleize by Michel de Ghelderode at Jerome Hill's 3rd Annual Festival de Cassis in Cassis, France, August 1966Performed by the New York Woodwind Quintet: Samuel Baron flute, Ronald Roseman oboe, Ralph Froelich french horn, David Glazer clarinet and Arthur Weisberg bassoonAlec's notes to Jerome: “I wrote a suite keeping in mind your point of ‘les folies.’ Three of the four movements I and Sam [Baron] feel convey this spirit. The only problem will be the style of drumming in Bamboola’s song. It must be straight...
2011-02-1515 min
WILDERWORLD161 - Alec Wilder's Tribute to the Phillips Family (1973)All music by Alec Wilder1 Song for Carol written 19682 Suite No 2 for Tuba and Piano (Jesse's Suite) 19643 Suite No 3 for Tuba and Piano (Little Harvey Suite) 19664 Suite No 4 for Tuba and Piano (Thomas Suite) 19685 Suite No 5 for Tuba and Piano (Ethan Ayer Suite) 1963All Suites contain four movementsHarvey Phillips, tuba; Bernie Leighton, pianoFrom LP Harvey Phillips: Alec Wilder's Tribute to the Phillips family... (Golden Crest RE 7054)R.I.P Harvey Phillips, a giant in the world of tuba and the...
2010-11-1922 min
WILDERWORLD160 - Walkin'All words and music by Alec Wilder except as indicatedMilwaukee words by Marshall Barer, performed by Kitty Kallen (Mercury 5315 1949)Walkin' Sad music by Loonis McGlohon, sung by Mark Murphy from LP Songs of Alec Wilder (JJA 19795 1979)Walk Pretty words by Fran Landesman, performed by Jackie and Roy recorded in 1976 from CD Echoes (Jazzed Media 2007)Will You Come for a Walk with Me? words by Marshall Barer, performed by Mike Stewart with Mitch Miller and Orchestra (Golden R-288 1956)It's a Fine Day for Walkin' Country Style words by William Engvick...
2010-09-2419 min
WILDERWORLD159 - Piece for English Horn (1953)aka BarbaraComposed by Alec WilderPerformed by Mitch Miller on English Horn with Percy Faith and his Orchestra from the LP Music Till Midnight (Columbia CL 551)wilderworld is saddened by the death last week of Mitch Miller at the great age of 99. No one was more important to the success of Alec Wilder than Mitch, who championed and sustained Alec and his music from day one
2010-08-0703 min
WILDERWORLD158 - Six by Bill Engvick and Alec Wilder (1968)Words by Bill Engvick, Music by Alec WilderI See It Now, Ellen and I Like It Here sung by Jack CarrollThe April Age and The Lady Sings the Blues by Elaine Delmar from LP Elaine Sings Wilder (Columbia Records SX 6044 1966) Lovers and Losers sung by Marlene VerPlanckThe full title of this LP, produced in a small quantity by The Richmond Organization, publishers of much of the music of Alec Wilder, is "Songs for Peggy Lee / Sinatra / Ella / Tony Bennett and singers like that..." Sinatra recorded I See It Now...
2010-07-0118 min
WILDERWORLD157 - Trio for Flute, Clarinet and Bassoon (2010)Composed by Alec Wilder in 1979Paul Lustig Dunkel flute, Stephen Hart clarinet, Harrison Hollingsworth bassoonAnother selection from the 25th Annual Friends of Alec Wilder Concert on April 11, 2010Recorded by David LitofskyPhoto by Lou Ouzer
2010-05-2410 min
WILDERWORLD156 - Sunday Excursion (2010)Libretto by Arnold Sundgaard, Music by Alec WilderWritten in 1953"Sunday Excursion has been written specifically as a companion piece for those operas, serious in tone but modest in length, which demand a curtain-raiser for their effective presentation. Serving, as it does, the function of welcoming the audience to the theater, it strives to achieve, through the character of its music and story, a lightness of touch and a friendliness of tone."Performed April 11, 2010 at the 25th Annual Friends of Alec Wilder Concert by Aaron Gandy conductor, piano; Maria Dessena piano; David Auxier, Michael...
2010-05-0628 min
WILDERWORLD155 - Love All the Quiet Flower People (1976)Words and Music by Alec WilderWritten in 1968Sung by Marlene VerPlanck with the Loonis McGlohon Trio (see wilderworld 107) From LP JJA Presents the Music of Alec Wilder (JJA 19795B 1979)Originally recorded for the American Popular Song radio programMs. VerPlanck (pictured above) will be the Host of the 25th annual Friends of Alec Wilder Concert in New York on Sunday, April 11 at 3 pm at the Christ and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 120 West 69th Street. This year's program will include performances of the Trio for Flute, Clarinet and Bassoon and the one-act...
2010-03-1502 min
WILDERWORLD154 - Suite for Piano (1974)Composed by Alec WilderFrom LP Barry Snyder Piano (Golden Crest RE-7058)"Until Barry Snyder played the pieces he has recorded here, I had never heard them. I wrote them for a friend who though I'm sure was grateful and even enthusiastic about my having written them for her, never got around to performing them."A number of years have elapsed since I wrote them, along with perhaps thirty others. So by the time I finally heard them, I had concluded they were inadequate and unworthy of performance."I'm still uncertain of...
2010-02-1714 min
WILDERWORLD153 - Whippa Whippa Woo (1950)Words by William Webster aka Marshall Barer, Music by Conrad Miller aka Alec WilderIssued as Columbia 39001Recorded September 1950
2010-01-0903 min
WILDERWORLD152 - The Reindeers' Dance and Pull Together (1952)The Reindeers' Dance Music by Alec Wilder (Golden LGR2B)Pull Together Words by Marshall Barer, Music by Alec Wilder (Golden LGR3F)
2009-12-2403 min
WILDERWORLD151 - Ready to Go Steady (1947)Words by Alec Wilder, Music by Eddie FinckelRecorded August 1946"The pert rhythm harmonies of the De Marco Sisters spin out with much attraction for the tuneful riff rhythm ditty, Ready to Go Steady, with plenty of bounce quality to both the lyrical blend and the instrumental beat of the studio men, directed by Phil Davis." -Record Review, The Billboard, February 1, 1947
2009-11-1702 min
WILDERWORLD150 - Nonet for Brass (1970)Composed by Alec Wilder1st Moderate2nd Song3rd With Good Humor4th Swing A LittleFrom Mirafone presents Deskants and Tubens, featuring Members of the Horn Club of Los Angeles (Mirafone SZB-3216 7" for demonstration only, excerpted from LP Angel S-36036) Conducted by Gunther Schuller"Wilder's Nonet for Brass was composed in the spring, 1969. Direct and to the point, it readily invites listening of the most pleasurable kind. It has been described as a spectacular tour de force for the instruments, including two 'descant' (high F) horns, two normal French Horns...
2009-10-1108 min
WILDERWORLD149 - The Owl and the Pussycat (1949)Words by Edward Lear, Music by Alec WilderFrom LP Puff the magic dragon and Other Songs (Golden LP 149) Originally issued as Little Golden Record 25, featuring Anne Lloyd, Mitchell Miller and OrchestraWhen visiting Children's Fairyland in Oakland, California, be sure to insert your Magic Key in the Storybook Box at the Owl and the Pussycat attraction to hear this recording of Alec Wilder's The Owl and the Pussycat Pictured above: The Turkey who Lives on the Hill and friends
2009-09-2601 min
WILDERWORLD148 - Where Do You Go? (1961)Words by Arnold Sundgaard, Music by Alec Wilder (see wilderworld 91)From LP Chris Connor and Maynard Ferguson Two's Company (Roulette R-52068) Connor vocal, Ferguson trumpet Recorded December 22, 1960R.I.P. Chris Connor, the wonderful singer who died on August 28 at the age of 81. Ms. Connor also recorded masterful renditions of The Lady Sings the Blues (see wilderworld 70) and Trouble is a Man Pictured above: Wilder writings found on the back of a folded up letter circa 1940s
2009-09-1503 min
WILDERWORLD147 - I'll Be Around (1959)Words and Music by Alec WilderPerhaps the only version of this oft-recorded song to include an opening verse (not composed by Wilder)See wilderworld 73“The Castaleers*** I’ll Be Around – Felsted 8585 –Okay reading of the old Mills Brothers hit.Some coin possible. (Regent, BMI)”-Billboard Reviews of New Pop Records, August 24, 1959
2009-08-2602 min
WILDERWORLD146 - Station Breaks (1957)Elegie to a Pet RobinAire for TrumpetRock Without Rollin'A Dream Takes Only a MinuteWritten and scored by Alec WilderFrom LP Station Breaks (Golden Crest CR 3034), conducted by Jack Zimmermann"Station Breaks--One Minute Spots--were planned originally as a professional music service to disk jockeys. All of the original compositions in this album are precisely 60 seconds in length. They were especially written to be used as musical 'fillers' when needed to complete a segment of air time on a radio program. There are times when even the most...
2009-07-2504 min
WILDERWORLD145 - American Popular Song: The Songs of Billie Holiday (1977)From director Dick Phipps' Columbia, South Carolina lakeside living room it's Alec Wilder and Loonis McGlohon with another complete one hour episode of their great American Popular Song radio show! This episode, number 21, originally aired on February 20, 1977 and features guest vocalist Carrie SmithThe Lady Sings the Blues written in 1956, Words by William Engvick, Music by Alec Wilder (see wilderworld 70)Please note that although Loonis suggests - and Alec assents - that The Lady Sings the Blues was written "in honor of" Billie Holiday, Mr. Engvick has told wilderworld that the song "was completely...
2009-07-0358 min
WILDERWORLD144 - Looey the Local Locomotive (1949)Words by Ben Ross Berenberg, Music by Alec WilderThis wilderworld episode is dedicated to the memory of Louis "Looey" Geller July 15, 1955 - June 13, 2009
2009-06-2103 min
WILDERWORLD143 - Woodwind Quintet No. 3 (1962)Composed by Alec Wilder in 1958From notes by Samuel Baron: "Quintet No. 3 is...energetic and angular in its outer movements but it has a characteristic Wilder tenderness in the second movement and characteristic Wilder whimsy in the Scherzo. The original meaning of Scherzo is 'joke' and this particular Scherzo has a joke within a joke. I refer to the section in the middle where the tempo suddenly doubles and assumes a rakish, strutting gait, not a little Chaplinesque. Towards the end of the third movement and in the fourth movement again, there appears a thematic phenomenon not usually asso...
2009-06-1012 min
WILDERWORLD142 - Friends of Alec Wilder Concert Highlights (2009)This year’s concert in New York was yet another rich and moving presentation of the varied musical talents of Alec Wilder. Here are some highlights from an afternoon of wondrous performancesAll words and music by Alec Wilder except as notedMovements I, III and IV from Suite No. 2 for Tenor Saxophone and Strings (for Zoot Sims 1966) and Movement III from Suite No. 1 for Tenor Saxophone and Strings (for Stan Getz) [see wilderworld 88] David Demsey saxophone, Billy Test pianoEvening Song (Soft Through the Woodland) from Hansel and Gretel; words by William Engvick; Kr...
2009-05-0126 min
WILDERWORLD141 - Suite for Soprano Saxophone and Clarinet (1980)Composed by Alec WilderPaul Brodie saxophone, James Campbell clarinetTranscribed from Suite for Two Clarinets written in 1976From LP Paul Brodie and Camerata (Golden Crest CRS 4194) Fibre Sculpture "Enchanted Forest" by Rima BrodieRecorded April 1980"This suite exploits some of the similarities and differences between the sonorities of the clarinet and saxophone, heard separately and together. The first and second movements are in 4/4 time, the third movement is in 5/8, 3/4 and 7/8 time and is marked 'Freely'. The fourth movement is in a slow 3/4 time and the fifth and sixth movements...
2009-03-2607 min
WILDERWORLD140 - Rain, Rain (Don't Go 'Way) (1982)Words by Marshall Barer, Music by Alec WilderWritten in 1955From LP Bernie Knee (Audiophile AP-144) Knee vocal, Loonis McGlohon piano, Terry Lassiter bass and Jim Lackey drums. Recorded November 1977 for the American Popular Song radio program"Absolutely marvelous, all of you!" - Alec Wilder Happy 102nd Birthday Alec!!
2009-02-1603 min
WILDERWORLD139 - An Old Friend is the Best Friend (1950)Words by William Engvick, Music by Alec WilderWritten in 1945Recorded August 1950
2009-01-2703 min
WILDERWORLD138 - Project 60 part 2 (1960)All words and music by Alec Wilder except as indicatedTacet for Neurotics from LP New Music of Alec Wilder (Riverside RLP 12-219 1956) [for complete track see wilderworld 36]Air for Clarinet from LP The New York Woodwind Quintet Plays Alec Wilder (Golden Crest CR 3019 1957)Animals of Farmer Jones (Golden 13A 1948) Words by Jane WernerAir for English Horn from LP Frank Sinatra Conducts the Music of Alec Wilder (Columbia ML 4271 1950) 1 Dans Quixotic, 2 Slow and Sweet, 3 Song movements of Suite for Horn and Piano from LP John Barrows and his French...
2008-12-2052 min
WILDERWORLD137 - Project 60 part 1 (1960)A Personality Portrait of Alec Wilder was written and produced by Loonis McGlohon for WBT Radio in Charlotte, North CarolinaThe first of many collaborations between Wilder and McGlohon, who was Musical Director at WBT for several years. All words and music by Alec Wilder except as notedI’ll Be Around from LP Percy Faith and Mitch Miller It’s So Peaceful in the Country (Columbia CL 779 1956) [see wilderworld 73]Seldom the Sun by the Alec Wilder Octet (Columbia 35648 1940) Recorded July 1940 [same personnel as wilderworld 09]Tuba Showpiece aka Movement III of S...
2008-12-1141 min
WILDERWORLD136 - Four Studies for Four French Horns (1970)"Alec Wilder gives us short, pleasant to listen to pieces which amount to three songs and a march"Written in 1962Burt Hardin, professor of Horn at Eastern Illinois University, plays all four parts with the aid of modern multi-track recording technology. "If I have any recommendation for anyone contemplating such a project, it is to hire a recording studio and three other horn players. It is much easier in the long run!"
2008-10-1503 min
WILDERWORLD135 - Kalamazoo for KidsTwo examples of Alec Wilder songs rewritten to make them more appealing to childrenKalamazoo to Timbuktu (see wilderworld 38) from Songs of Travel (Golden Record Library RL 9911 1959) Song of the Sparrow (Golden R343 1956); see wilderworld 48
2008-09-2503 min
WILDERWORLD134 - Summer Rain (1963)Words by Fred Hellerman, Music by Alec Wilder From LP An Evening with Carol Lawrence (Cameo C-1077) Written in 1953 wilderworld recently asked Mr. Hellerman, one of The Weavers of folk legend, about how his unlikely collaboration with Alec on Summer Rain came about: “Summer Rain has the distinction of being the only song I ever wrote for which I didn't write the music. It's nowhere near being a ‘folky’ type song, but was written as a pop ballad. It came about, oddly enough, when I had read the comments at the graveside of the...
2008-08-2202 min
WILDERWORLD133 - Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra (1953)Music by Alec WilderFrom LP Presenting Robert Farnon (London LL 812); Denny Vaughan, piano, with Robert Farnon and his orchestraRecorded January 27, 1950aka From Dawn to Dusk
2008-07-1006 min
WILDERWORLD132 - Wish Me Well (1965)Words by William Engvick, Music by Alec Wilder Written in 1952 From LP Morgana King Winter of My Discontent (Ascot AM 13014) (see wilderworld 11) Clipping from Down Beat Magazine August 13, 1947 HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILL ENGVICK!! Well and writing at age 94
2008-07-0102 min
WILDERWORLD131 - Horns O' Plenty (1952)Composed by Alec WilderFourth of four movementssee wilderworld 14
2008-05-0602 min
WILDERWORLD130 - Hansel and Gretel (1958)The second of two live NBC television productions to feature music by Alec Wilder aired on Sunday April 27, 1958 (see wilderworld 111)Words by William EngvickThe Hansel and Gretel Song (Much Too Happy Dancing), Market Today, Men Run the World, Evening Song (Soft Through the Woodland), Morning Song, Eenie Meenie Miney Moe, What are Little Girls Made Of?, FinaleFrom LP Hansel and Gretel (MGM E3690). Performed by Red Buttons, Barbara Cook, Rudy Vallee, Stubby Kaye and Paula Lawrence
2008-04-2814 min
WILDERWORLD129 - In the Spring of the Year (1951)Words by Lee Kuhn, Music by Alec WilderWritten in 1947Sung by Lee Kuhn, piano player unknownYes, it's spring, so it must be time for the annual Friends of Alec Wilder Concert! If you're in the New York area, don't miss the 23rd annual concert this Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 3:00 pm. at St. Peter's Church, 54th Street and Lexington Avenue in New York City. Each year's concert features a wonderful array of artists presenting a wide variety of Alec Wilder material. Highlights from this year's program include a performance of the rarely heard "Trio...
2008-04-0801 min
WILDERWORLD128 - Entertainment No. 1 (1980)Movement OneMovement TwoMovement ThreeMovement FourMovement FiveWritten in 1960From LP The Compositions of Alec Wilder (Golden Crest ATH-5070); Performed by the University of South Florida Wind Ensemble, guest conducted by Frederick FennellPhoto by Lou Ouzer of Alec Wilder with the steel I-beam played in Movement Five of the premiere performance of Entertainment No. 1 in Rochester on May 1, 1961. Wilder's use of the I-beam was in response to a reviewer's criticism that he couldn't write "loud"
2008-04-0419 min
WILDERWORLD127 - Spring Magic (1946)Words by William Engvick, Music by Alec Wilder and Bert Reisfeld based on a melody from the third, Nocturne movement of the String Quartet in D by Alexander Borodin Recorded April 15, 1946
2008-03-2103 min
WILDERWORLD126 - Where is the One? (1949)Words by Alec Wilder, Music by Eddie FinckelDecca 24558Dick Haymes with orchestra conducted by Gordon JenkinsRecorded December 21, 1947
2008-03-1702 min
WILDERWORLD125 - Welcome Home (1980)Words by Judy Holliday, Music by Alec WilderWritten in 1976From LP Mark Murphy Satisfaction Guaranteed (Muse MR 5215)Photo by Lou OuzerHAPPY 101st BIRTHDAY ALEC WILDER!!
2008-02-1605 min
2008-02-0202 min
WILDERWORLD122 - Ragtime Music (1961)Composed and orchestrated by Alec WilderFrom the 1960 film The Sand Castle, produced and directed by Jerome HillLP The Sand Castle (Columbia CS 8249); Orchestra conducted by Samuel BaronRagtime Music, with the addition of newly-composed words by William Engvick, was recently published as the song Jam! in The Alec Wilder Song Collection Centennial Edition (see wilderworld 114)
2008-01-2702 min
WILDERWORLD121 - 'Tain't a Fit Night Out (1943)Words by William Engvick, Music by Alec WilderPerformed by the Four Vagabonds (Standard X-134)
2008-01-2002 min
2008-01-1201 min
WILDERWORLD118 - The Baggage Room Blues (1956)Words by Arnold Sundgaard, Music by Alec WilderWritten in 1954From LP Tom Kennedy On His Way (Golden Crest CR 3011)
2007-12-1503 min
WILDERWORLD117 - The Bowling Song (1942)Words by Dort DuBois (aka Bill Engvick), Music by Al Alder (aka Alec Wilder)
2007-12-0702 min
2007-11-1502 min
WILDERWORLD114 - Dear World (2006)Words by William Engvick, Music by Alec WilderThe music was originally composed as Slow Waltz, or Sand Castle Waltz, for Jerome Hill's 1960 film The Sand Castle. It was used during the color dream sequence in the film, but was not included on the soundtrack LP, and lay dormant until words were added in 2005Jimmy Bennett vocal, Dorothy Martin piano from the Friends of Alec Wilder Concert in New York on March 11, 2006Dear World has just been published - along with three other freshly-minted Wilder-Engvick collaborations - for the first time in The Richmond...
2007-10-3102 min
WILDERWORLD113 - Moon in the Sea (1941)Words by Alec Wilder, Music by Enric MadrigueraRecorded March 28, 1941
2007-10-2403 min
WILDERWORLD112 - Jack, This Is My Husband (1949)Alec Wilder Octet as on wilderworld 59From LP Alec Wilder Octets (Mercury 25008)
2007-10-1603 min
WILDERWORLD111 - Pinocchio (1957)On October 13, 1957 - 50 years ago today - NBC aired a live, nationally-televised production of Pinocchio featuring music composed by Alec Wilder. It is widely considered one of the classics from "the Golden Age of Television" wilderworld recently asked Pinocchio lyricist William Engvick to share his recollections of the production. Here is some of what he related:“I thought it was pretty good. The night of the broadcast I was in the studio. I watched it from a room - I wasn’t with the players. Mickey Rooney was friendly and nice. I can’t remember if Alec w...
2007-10-1410 min
WILDERWORLD110 - It's So Peaceful in the CountryIt's So Peaceful in the Country words and music by Alec Wilder (see wilderworld 15)by the Delta Rhythm Boys (1941), Creed Taylor Orchestra from LP Shock Music in Hi-Fi (ABC Paramount ABCS-259 1958), Tak Shindo from LP Accent on Bamboo (Capitol ST-1433 1960) and Bill Mays from Alec Wilder Centennial Concert in New York April 29, 2007Poor Mr. Flibberty-Jib words by Marshall Barer, music by Wilder; Anne Lloyd, Gilbert Mack, Dick Byron, The Sandpipers, Mitchell Miller and Orchestra (Golden Records R53A 1951)A Month in the Country words by William Engvick, music by Wilder; Frank Baker vocal, Walter...
2007-10-0213 min
WILDERWORLD109 - Chicago Centennial Concert (2007)On August 3 the majestic Harold Washington Library was the site of a marvelous tribute to the music and words of Alec Wilder. The brainchild of Chicago native Richard Wyszynski, conductor and friend of Wilder, the free concert featured orchestral pieces, selections from the Lullabies and Night Songs (see wilderworld 96) and a few Octets. Here are some highlights of that afternoon All music by Alec WilderAir for English Horn (1945) was transcribed for and performed on clarinet by Gail Schechter, with the Cardinal Chamber OrchestraStar Wish (words traditional), The Answers (words by Robert Clairmont...
2007-08-1914 min
2007-08-1102 min
WILDERWORLD107 - I Wish I Had the Blues AgainMany are familiar with I Wish I Had the Blues Again, the Alec Wilder-Loonis McGlohon song written in 1978 and memorably performed by Marlene VerPlanck. Fewer are aware that 30 years earlier Alec co-wrote a completely different song with the same title: I Wish I Had the Blues Again. With music by Eddie Finckel (see wilderworld 13), it was recorded by Nat King Cole and his trio on November 29, 1947 but rejected by Capitol Records. Alec, not one to let a good idea go to waste, scavenged the title and a line or twoFrom Nat King Cole 1947-1949 (Classics 1155 2000) Cole (piano...
2007-07-2906 min
WILDERWORLD106 - Beguiner's Luck (1956)“Beguiner’s Luck is a seldom-heard composition from the pen of Alec Wilder. An exciting beguine strongly flavored by the incessant rhythmic sounds of the bongo drums with bass figures predominant in the low-pitched marimbas of the ensemble. An excellent yardstick to guage the low frequency response of any high fidelity system.”From LP Leo Arnaud and His Orchestra Spectra-Sonic-Sounds!! (Liberty LRP 3009) Recorded January 1955
2007-07-2402 min
WILDERWORLD105 - Out on a Limb (1939)Words and Music by Alec Wilder Recorded September 18, 1939Alec's first vocal record!
2007-06-2602 min
WILDERWORLD104 - Whom Can I Turn To, Mildred?Words by William Engvick, Music by Alec Wilder. The first song they wrote together (see wilderworld 20)Recorded August 20, 1941Who Can I Turn To? by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra with Jo Stafford on vocals (Victor 27701, September 18, 1941) Hold On by Mildred Bailey and the Alec Wilder Octet (Columbia 35348, November 3, 1939)Nostalgia was later re-arranged for woodwinds and recorded by the Alec Wilder Octet as Remember Me to Youth (see wilderworld 59). From the Mildred Bailey Show CBS radio broadcast of December 5, 1944
2007-06-1310 min
WILDERWORLD103 - The Moon Just Winked at Me (2007)The Alec Wilder Centennial Concert in New York on April 29 was a phenomenal event. One highlight was the world premiere of this great song from the long-dormant unused score for the film Daddy Long LegsWords by William Engvick, Music by Alec WilderWritten in 1953Thrillingly performed by Lily DePaula vocal and Aaron Gandy piano
2007-05-1104 min
WILDERWORLD101 – American Popular Song: Mildred Bailey and the Band Singers Part 1 (1976)We're back! And now...From the Columbia, South Carolina lakeside living room of Mr. Dick Phipps, it's Alec Wilder and Loonis McGlohon with a complete one hour episode of their great American Popular Song radio show! This episode, number 9, was recorded in March 1976, aired on November 28, 1976 and features guest vocalist Teddi King (photo left)See wilderworld 40 for more about the American Popular Song radio seriesIt’s So Peaceful in the Country words and music by Alec Wilder (see wilderworld 15)Many of the performances aired on American Popular Song were later re...
2007-03-2731 min
WILDERWORLD102 – American Popular Song: Mildred Bailey and the Band Singers Part 2Lovers and Losers words by William Engvick, music by Alec Wilder; written in 1968Blackberry Winter by Alec Wilder and Loonis McGlohon (see wilderworld 72)
2007-03-2734 min
WILDERWORLD100 - A Child is Born (1972)Words by Alec Wilder, Music by Thad JonesWritten in 1969From LP Free Design There is a Song (Light In The Attic 015 2005, originally released as Ambrotype 1016)HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY ALEC WILDER!!
2007-02-1603 min
WILDERWORLD98 - South – To a Warmer Place (1981)Words by Loonis McGlohon, Music by Alec WilderWritten in 1980One of the last two songs composed by Alec Wilder, commissioned by Frank Sinatra for his LP She Shot Me Down (Reprise FS 2305)Arranged and conducted by Gordon JenkinsRecorded July 21, 1981
2007-02-1403 min
WILDERWORLD97 - A Debutante's Diary (1939)The first Alec Wilder Octet sideRecorded December 19, 1938
2007-02-1302 min
WILDERWORLD96 - Seal Lullaby (1985)Words by Rudyard Kipling, Music by Alec WilderWritten in 1965 Jan DeGaetani vocal; Gretchen Van Hoesen harp; orchestrated and conducted by Rayburn Wright From LP Lullabies and Night Songs (Caedmon TC 1777)Illustration by Maurice Sendak from the book
2007-02-1102 min
WILDERWORLD95 - The Sounds Around the House (1978)Words by Johnny Mercer, Music by Alec WilderWritten in 1976From LP Dick Haymes For You, For Me, For Evermore (Audiophile AP 130)Loonis McGlohon piano; Terry Lassiter bass; Jim Lackey drumsRecorded December 1976 for the American Popular Song radio program (see wilderworld 40)
2007-02-0902 min
WILDERWORLD94 - Effie Suite (1972)Composed by Alec Wilderaka Suite No. 1 for Tuba and PianoWritten in 1959 for a children's album which would depict six imaginary experiences of an elephant named Effie1. Effie Chases a Monkey; 2. Effie Falls in Love; 3. Effie Takes a Dancing Lesson; 4. Effie Joins the Carnival; 5. Effie Goes Folk Dancing; 6. Effie Sings a LullabyHarvey Phillips tuba; Arthur Harris piano; Bradley Spinney drums and xylophoneLP Golden Crest RE-7054
2007-02-0812 min
2007-02-0702 min
WILDERWORLD92 - The Churkendoose (1947)Story and Words by Ben Ross Berenberg, Music by Alec WilderWritten in 1946Ray Bolger as The Churkendoose; Orchestra conducted by Mitchell MillerDecca CU 103
2007-02-0609 min
WILDERWORLD91 - Where Do You Go? (1957)Words by Arnold Sundgaard; Music by Alec WilderWritten in 1948From the musical play Western StarFrom LP Songs for Patricia and other Music of Alec Wilder (Riverside RLP 12-805); Shannon Bolin vocal; Milton Kaye piano
2007-02-0501 min
WILDERWORLD90 - Give Me Time (1940)Written, Arranged and Conducted by Alec WilderRecorded January 25, 1940
2007-02-0403 min
WILDERWORLD89 - Sweet Lorena (1955)Words by Jeremy Stephen aka Arnold SundgaardMusic by Alec Wilder, derived from Lorena by Joseph Philbrick WebsterFrom EP Songs of the South
2007-02-0302 min
WILDERWORLD87 - Sleep, My Heart (1971)Words by William Engvick; Music by Alec WilderWritten in 1941From LP The Heart and Soul of Joe Williams and George Shearing (Sheba ST 102)Williams vocals; Shearing piano; Andy Simpkins bass; Stix Hooper drumsRecorded March 1971
2007-02-0102 min
WILDERWORLD86 - Suite for Flute and Marimba (1979)In six movementsWritten in 1977Virginia Nanzetta flute; Gordon Stout marimbaFrom LP Alec Wilder's Music for Marimba with Other Instruments (Golden Crest CRS-4190)
2007-01-3109 min
WILDERWORLD85 - Be a Child (1982)Words by Loonis McGlohon, Music by Alec WilderWritten in 1976Cleo Laine vocal, Dudley Moore piano, Ray Brown bass, Nick Ceroli drums
2007-01-3004 min
WILDERWORLD83 - The Phoenix Love Theme (1964)English words by Alec Wilder; Music by Gino PaoliWritten in 1961From LP Peggy Lee In the Name of Love (Capitol T-2096)
2007-01-2802 min
WILDERWORLD81 - The House Detective Registers (1941)Composed by Alec WilderRecorded December 28, 1939Alec Wilder Octet as on wilderworld 09Columbia 36188
2007-01-2502 min
WILDERWORLD66 - Where's That Heartache? (1990)Words and piano by Loonis McGlohon, Music by Alec WilderWritten in 1980From LP Eileen Farrell sings Alec Wilder (Reference Recordings RR-36)
2007-01-1002 min
WILDERWORLD54 - It's Silk, Feel It! (1939)Composed by Alec WilderRecorded June 13, 1939Alec Wilder Octet as on wilderworld 01From LP Columbia Nonbreakable ML 4271 1950
2006-12-2702 min
WILDERWORLD52 - Children's Plea for Peace (1969)Written and Narrated by Alec WilderRecorded May 1969The text is derived from essays written by the children of Avon, New YorkPerformed by the Eastman Children's Chorus and 20 members of the Eastman Wind Ensemble, conducted by Milford FargoLP Turnabout TV-S 34413 Alec Wilder died on this date in 1980
2006-12-2415 min
WILDERWORLD40 - Let Me Stay (1976)Words by Loonis McGlohon, Music by Alec WilderWritten in 1970The theme of Wilder and McGlohon's American Popular Song series which ran on National Public Radio for 38 episodes between October 3, 1976 and March 30, 1980Performed by Ed Montiero with the regular American Popular Song backing combo of McGlohon piano, Terry Lassiter bass and Jim Lackey drums. From LP The Songs of Alec Wilder (Box Office JJA 19795 1979)
2006-12-1301 min
WILDERWORLD36 - Tacet for Neurotics (1956)Music by Alec WilderRecorded June 12, 1956From LP New Music of Alec Wilder (Riverside RLP 12-219)Mundell Lowe and his Orchestra: Joe Wilder (tp) John Barrows, Jim Buffington (frh) Don Hammond (fl) Jerry Roth (ob) Bernard Garfield (basn) Jimmy Carroll (cl, bcl) Mundell Lowe (g) Trigger Alpert (b) Ed Shaughnessy (d)
2006-12-0802 min
WILDERWORLD03 - Zorch! (1957)Words by William Engvick, Music by Alec WilderRecorded November 1953See redblanchard dot com for context, and to hear Things are Mighty Dimph in South Pahrumph (1961) also by Engvick-Wilder
2006-11-0102 min