Album Information Section
Album Title: Red Hot + Blue (A Tribute To Cole Porter To Benefit AIDS Research And Relief
Artist: Various
Original Release Date: 1990
Label: Chrysalis
Genres: Jazz, Pop, R&B, Soul
Track Listing:
- 1. I’ve Got U Under My Skin
- 2. In The Still Of The Night
- 3. You Do Something To Me
- 4. Begin The Beguine
- 5. Love For Sale
- 6. Well, Did You Evah!
- 7. Miss Otis Regrets / Just One Of Those Things
- 8. Don’t Fence Me In
- 9. It’s All Right With Me
- 10. Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye
- 11. Night And Day
- 12. I Love Paris
- 13. So In Love
- 14. Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
- 15. Too Darn Hot
- 16. I Get A Kick Out Of You
- 17. Down In The Depths
- 18. From This Moment On
- 19. After You, Who?
- 20. Do I Love You?
Recording Information
The album “Red Hot + Blue” was recorded at the renowned Criteria Recording Studios located in Miami, Florida. The recording sessions took place in the late 1980s, culminating in its release in 1990. The album was produced by a talented team that included Hal Willner, who is well-known for his work on various tribute projects, and was engineered by Roger L. Smith. Willner’s approach to production often emphasized a mix of contemporary and traditional sounds, bringing a fresh perspective to Cole Porter’s classic compositions.
Notable recording techniques included the use of live orchestration alongside high-quality digital tracking, which allowed for a rich, layered sound. The album is particularly recognized for its diverse instrumentation and arrangements, adding depth to the vocal performances. An interesting production note is that many artists chose to reinterpret the songs in ways that blended their personal musical styles with Porter’s timeless melodies, creating a unique homage.
Band Context
At the time of the album’s release, “Red Hot + Blue” featured an eclectic lineup of various artists, including some of the biggest names in music across genres. The project was part of the Red Hot Organization, a nonprofit committed to raising funds for AIDS research and relief, founded in the late 1980s. This initiative was particularly significant during a time when the AIDS crisis was affecting countless lives, and the music community sought to raise awareness and support for those impacted.
The album followed a series of successful tribute albums and collaborations that celebrated notable figures in music, and its release coincided with a growing awareness of the need for activism within the music industry. The artists involved ranged from established stars to emerging talents, all contributing to a collective effort that underscored the impact of Cole Porter’s work on American music and culture.
Track Commentary
The album features a rich array of Cole Porter’s compositions, each interpreted through the unique lens of the contributing artists. The opening track, “I’ve Got U Under My Skin,” features a sultry rendition that showcases the vocal prowess of its performer, while “In The Still Of The Night” offers a smooth jazz interpretation that highlights the timelessness of Porter’s writing. “You Do Something To Me” and “Begin The Beguine” further explore the themes of romance and longing, embodying the emotional depth present in Porter’s work.
Tracks like “Miss Otis Regrets / Just One Of Those Things” creatively merge two of Porter’s classics into a seamless narrative, while “Love For Sale” presents a contemporary take on its themes of desire and commerce. Standout tracks such as “Night And Day” and “Too Darn Hot” received critical acclaim for their innovative arrangements and compelling performances, solidifying their place in the repertoire of jazz and pop standards.
The critical reception of the album was largely positive, noting its successful blending of various genres and the high caliber of performances. The legacy of “Red Hot + Blue” continues to resonate, not just as a tribute to Cole Porter, but also as a significant cultural artifact that contributed to the fight against AIDS and showcased the power of music as a force for social change.
