Most know Jackie Gleason from either tv's "The Honeymooners", or roles in such movies as "The Hustler", "Smokey and the Bandit" and "The Toy". But few realize that in the 1950's and into the 60's, Gleason created a series of best-selling, jazzy "mood music" albums on Capitol Records. "Mood music" you ask? In case you didn't know, "mood music" was basically background music to play while making out on the sofa... Gleason might take a popular tune of the day, smooth it down... make it romantic, lush. Soft lighting, cigarettes, a warm brandy maybe... it's all in the mood. Apparently, the sexually restrained public in the 50's ate it up, as Gleason's first ten albums all sold over a million copies. Apparently there was a lot of making out in the dark back then...
I am a huge fan of "mood music"- I own the entire Ultra-Lounge series, as well as many of Jackie Gleason's full albums. This mood- that soft, warm 50's glow- that's my happy place. It's comforting...relaxing. This is music for martinis and memories. Gleason, Les Baxter, and Martin Denny- they certainly deliver. I am hopelessly obsessed with the 1950's- I always have been. And obsessed with this music as well... it's campy and kitschy. White-hot. If you have not discovered the wonderful world of the Ultra-Lounge, I highly suggest it. It changed my life. Forever. So turn out the lights, pour a cocktail, and pull up a chair. Tomorrow's a moonshot, kid...
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