We haven't heard anything from The Burgoo Boys for a while, and now that we have they've picked up some more musicians along the way. Uncle Junes' Jug Band is a group that plays the rounds in Kentucky and are known for their use of traditional jug band instruments like kazoo, jaw harp, washtub bass, washboard, and of course the jug. Jug bands began years ago and were primarily back musicians that played in urban areas of the south, as well as medicine shows. They are a part of the history of the blues, and played many styles of music like jazz, ragtime, and the blues. Kentucky New Year's Eve is a happy song, an invitation to ring in the New Year with some home-spun music and traditional Kentucky and Southern food.
Some of the jug band instruments can be heard throughout like the washtub bass and washboard. The middle instrumental interlude spotlights some of them, and includes a solo by Uncle June himself, who is a virtuoso on the kazoo.
Gonna have a good New Years Eve
Get together and nip some shine
Jug player
Stay a while, don't ya'll leave
The eats gonna be mighty fine
A Kentucky New Years Eve Starts real early in the day Goes all the way to next light Overnight we're gonna stay
Bring yer Get-fiddles and dobros Banjoes, mandolins as well We'll start playin' and eatin' Raise us some mighty hell!
Gonna have a good New Years Eve etc…
Gonna have real fried chicken None of that KFC stuff Cay at fish, Chow-Chow, Frog legs So good you can't get enough!
We gonna have a jug band too Jaw harp, kazoo, washboard as well We'll start playin' and eatin' Raise us some mighty hell!
Gonna have a good New Years Eve etc…
What the hell you done asked me? We gonna have any Burgoo? Kentucky New Years Eve without it? What in hell is wrong with you?
We gonna have Derby pie Bourbon balls, Modjeska, as well Just take it easy with the shine It'll make ya drunker than hell!
Gonna have a good New Years Eve etc…
There's gonna be all kinds a ladies And men as well, that is true C'mon and daynce, sing and play They's bound to be partner for yew
We gonna ring in the New Year Hope it's lots better than the last Be nicer to all yer neighbors Keep all the hate in the past
The railroad has been in Betty Miranga's for all her life, and the family association goes back generations back to her Great Grandfather, Grandfather, and Father. Evidently she has a predilection for getting romantically inclined with railroad men as well. That it hasn't turned out well for her is being made plain in her songs. She has 2 sons from a previous marriage to a railroad man, and when the boys got of age they both hired on the railroad as well. This song, My Daddy Worked On The Rails tells a little bit about her father, and the sorrow she still feels from his passing.
We got a chance to talk to Betty as she came to our studios to sign a contract. We were somewhat surprised when we saw her. For some reason, we thought she was a small woman going by her high pitched voice, but it shows how getting a picture of someone just by their voice isn't always a good gauge of their physiognomy. Far from being a small woman, she's just a tad short of 6 foot tall! She shook hands and her grip is substantial. After we talked, we found out she was quite an athlete in her younger days (she's quite an attractive late 50's-early 60's lady). Played much basketball, softball, volleyball, and stays active and in shape by playing golf; she's 2 handicap,close to being scratch,but she said she's got some arthritis in her shoulders and doesn't play as often as she should anymore. Her voice is the same talking as when she sings; soft, high pitched, almost like a young girl. She told us her voice has not changed over the years, and she's careful not to strain or overwork her voice. Her talent and soul she puts into her songs is that of a mature woman that admits to using music to work through some of her life-long demons, as she calls them.
My Daddy worked on the rails 'Til his dyin' day runnin' trains Wouldn't quit when he had the chance Life of a rail man in his veins
Daddy followed in the footsteps Of his Daddy, Grampaw too Worked his way up from laborer All on the old SOU (Southern Railroad)
Ran the big diesel engines Long trains of black coal would fly 'Member goin' to the crossin' Wavin' to him as he rolled by
My Daddy worked on the rails 'Til his dyin' day runnin' trains Wouldn't quit when he had the chance Life of a rail man in his veins
Daddy got crippled up o'er time With arthritis in his back Ever time he had to move His joints would creak and crack
Had a chance to hang up his hat On account disability But he couldn't stand not ridin' And wounding his virility
My Daddy worked on the rails 'Til his dyin' day runnin' trains It's had a strange effect on me Life of a rail man in his veins
I ain't never worked the railroad But it's part of me just like him All my love's have been rail men All have ended up really dim
'Member hearin' 'bout Daddy Found dead in the engineer's seat They was stopped for a crew change Then his life was full complete
My Daddy worked on the rails His heart give out that sad day I'm all alone, without a man... I might end up the same way
The Mariachi group Un Grupo de Mexicali performs a song about the
Mexican tradition of Las Posadas where people walk every night between
Dec. 16th and ending Dec. 24th and knock on doors for others to invite
them in and offer refreshment. It is in imitation of Joseph and Mary's
walking through the streets of Bethlehem to find lodgings. That is in
fact what the title of the song translates to in English, 'Lodgings'.
The final night, Christmas Eve, is an evening of celebration and
traditional foods like tamales and punch along with piñatas in the shape
of stars.
En la noche oscura Un canto va Con velas y rezos En cada hogar Puertas se cierran Pero hay un lugar
¿Quién llama afuera? ¿Quién quiere entrar? Es José y María buscando un hogar
Estrella de luz Guía el caminar En Las Posadas Se siente el amar Piñatas que caen Risas al volar Y en Nochebuena Todo es celebrar
Los niños cantando Villancicos van Rompiendo silencios Uniendo el pan El aroma a ponche El fuego en paz
El patio se llena La fe a brillar Somos peregrinos buscando lugar
Estrella de luz Guía el caminar En Las Posadas Se siente el amar Piñatas que caen Risas al volar Y en Nochebuena Todo es celebrar
In the darkness A cry is heard Candles and reverence But every place Doors are closing Is there is a place? Who is knocking outside? Who wants to come in? It's Joseph and Mary looking for shelter within
Star of light Guide our way In Las Posadas Love will stay Piñatas falling Laughter rising And on Christmas Eve A celebration uprising
The
barbershop has been busy the past few weeks, and Luigi has continued
his philandering ways. He's hired Benny, a local young man, to be what Luigi
calls his 'stooge', someone who knows people in town and knows
everyone's business. Benny arrives one day as the barbershop is opening,
and he relays a warning to Luigi, to beware of Sammy, the husband of Jill, whom Luigi is concentrating his sexual efforts on lately. In Benny's aria, he warns that Sammy, who owns the local hardware store, is a violent man who isn't quite right in the head. He fears that Sammy will do Luigi harm:
Benny's aria -
Luigi's temper erupts at the idea that he should run away and be afraid of Sammy. In his aria BASTA (Italian for 'enough') he gets very animated and hints at what he lived through in fascist Italy (remember this opera is based in the early 1950's; WWII is still a vivid memory for many, especially for an Italian immigrant who fought in the Italian resistance.) Luigi relates how he has seen evidence of Sammy's violence towards his battered and bruised wife, and assures all that he's not afraid of Sammy! He tells of Jill's stories about how Sammy goes away for days at a time, and Luigi knows where he goes; mainly to other towns to visit different brothels. He refuses Benny's offer to hide out at his house:
Luigi's aria - BASTA!
Ever the voice of reason, Luigi's brother Antonio stops sweeping the floor and calms down his brother, while once again admonishing him for his involvement with married women, as it adds to the communities suspicions about them and causes trouble. He tells him if he must have women, there are many unmarried 'safer' women.
Antonio's aria -
Antonio
puts an arm around Luigi and they go to the backroom of the barbershop
to have a talk.The patrons discuss what they've just heard, and consider
making book on how long Luigi will last against Sammy. they show their true colors as they try to figure the odds on Luigi winning a fight against Sammy, and even as far as what they'll do if Sammy kills Luigi!
Patrons - Making Book On Luigi
SCENE 2
As the barbershop gets ready to close after a busy day, Luigi and Antonio have had a very busy day at the shop, and as Luigi brushes the suit of the last customer of the day, he looks at Antonio who is sweeping the floor. He confesses that he's been thinking about what Antonio told him earlier. He tells him the talking-to angered him at first, but the angrier he got, the more he knew Antonio was right. Luigi has decided to stop seeing married women, that he will no longer see Sammy's wife Jill, and that they both like it in Paducah and they want to stay. He knows Antonio has a steady lady friend, and that Luigi goes to the flowershop every morning to get a flower for his lapel, and that he and Louisa, owner of the shop have conversations that are getting longer and longer, with Louisa occasionally touching his shoulder and helping him place the flower. He admits to having feelings for her, and having thoughts of settling down to raise a family.
Luigi's aria -I Like Her So Much
Antonio greets Luigi's comments with joy, and doesn't doubt Luigi's sincerity. He tells him to clean himself up, ad go over to the flowershop right then and invite Louisa to dinner, no time like the present! He tells about the woman he loves, and has wanted to ask her to marry him, but with Luigi's mischief, he thought it wouldn't work as they might have to skip town. But if Luigi is willing to change, he can ask her.
Antonio's aria -
SCENE 3
The Flower Shop
Louisa arrives back at her flowershop after saying yes to Luigi's invitation to dinner. He walked her back to the shop, and she stands inside the closed shop door and relates about the evening. How much she likes being with him, and how her feelings are growing for him. He was a totally gentleman, clean cut and well pressed, something she obviously admires in a man. She invites him into the shop for coffee, but her politely refuses, the meaning of which isn't lost on her. He did not take the obvious invitation to something more than coffee, and she admires him all the more for it. After his refusal, she gives him a big hug, he returns the hug and kisses her lightly on each cheek. He holds the door open for her, and she still stands leaning against the door long after Luigi has left.
Louisa’s aria - Are You For Real? Luigi?
Scene 4 The Barbershop, 3:00 in the morning
Luigi and Antonio are asleep in the apartments in the back of the barbershop. Luigi is restless, tossing and turning, when he begins to hear a pounding on the back door. He gets up cursing and grabs a shotgun. He looks out the window of the door and sees that it's Jill! She rushes into the room when he opens it and tells him how she was worried and tried to call him but only got a busy signal, so she came over. She confesses her near fanatical love for him, tells how husband Sammy will be gone for 3 days and gives him an invite to visit her. Luigi gently sits her down ,gives her a drink of water and tells her that there love affair is over. She does not take it calmly! She curses him, in desperation tells him she will never let him go, that he is hers forever! Luigi loses his patience and tells her that the sex was good, but that he doesn't love her and it would be wrong to keep leading her on. She grows more frantic until Luigi tells her enough! and with some choice words, makes true with his warning to throw her out of the shop, and slams the door!
There's no doubt about it, the artists here at Big And Tall Records are sending us some different songs for Christmas. And this new one by Gummer Beaudine fits right in with her catalog. She's never been one to mince her words in any song she's sent us, and this one is no exception. The Elf On The Shelf! is about her dislike for the 21st Century Christmas tradition, in no uncertain terms.
The Elf On The Shelf started out as a family tradition with Carol Aeborsold's family when she was a little girl, and was extended to her own family when she had children of her own. She wrote a book about it in 2005 along with her author daughter, and another daughter joined the other two with her knowledge of marketing and they began going to book signings and trade fairs. The book included an Elf doll as well as instructions to carry on the tradition. Essentially, the elf on the shelf watches children, and when the children are asleep, the elf reports back to the North Pole and tells Santa how the children behaved; whether naughty or nice. It returns every morning before the children wake up and assumes a different place than before. This goes on until Christmas Eve, when the elf's mission is complete and he disappears back to the North Pole until next year. Children are not allowed to touch the elf, can tell it their Christmas wishes.
The book slowly gained in popularity until in 2013 it hit the No. 1 spot on USA Today's bestseller list. There has been opinions by professional children's counselors that condemn the book as just a market ploy to make money at the expense of creating childhood anxiety at Christmas time, while other have enjoyed the book and tradition with their family. By 2023, the book was earning $100,000 million annually, and have made the three that wrote and marketed it multi millionaires. The three women went on to create their own publishing firm and grown the book into a global phenomenon.
After listening to Gummer's lyrics, it's obvious what side she's on! But all it takes is something people can latch on to that they think is good! Whether you think the idea is cute, or like Gummer, stupid, it's hard to argue with success! By the way, we were kind of at a loss as to what picture to use for a heading for this post, so we asked Ms Beaudine if she had a preference. She sent us the picture at the top of this post!
Ev'ry Christmas, I travel around To each one of my kids own place Like to see all my Grandkids Giggly, with smiles on their face
The decorations are pretty They make me smile to myself But one thing gets my dander up... IF I SEE THE ELF ON THE SHELF!
Who in hell thought up that dumb thing? Ain't nothin' but a Santa snitch! They report back, Any and all lack Of kids bein’ good, what a bitch!
Some woman started it all With their family tradition And wrote it all in a book With detailed instructions
Tell the elf yer Christmas wishes And then when the kids dreamin' deep He flies back to the North Pole Rats out the kids while fast asleep
Tells Santa all the naughty stuff The kids did all through the day So Santa can punish them all Not git what they want Christmas Day!
Who in hell thought up that dumb thing? Ain't nothin' but a Santa snitch! They report back, Any and all lack Of kids bein’ good, what a bitch!
Why not turn yer own tradition Into a money-makin' farce? Use it to control yer kids My patience fer it is sparse!
The book tells ya to name the elf Each day put him a different place I'd call the shit-head rat asshole! Throw him down and stomp on his face!
I know where I'd put the butt hole Chuck him in a burnin' fire place Tell all of 'em responsible That's the end of this sorry case!
Who in hell thought up that dumb thing? Ain't nothin' but Santa’s bitch! They done it to make big money People thought it up sure got rich!
Don't control yer kids with a dumb idea! They got 'enough worries of their own Without addin' this nonsense to it! Teach yer kids the right way! By what ya do, as much as what you say! Don't depend on a goddam expensive, cheaply made Elf doll!
We at Big And Tall Records seldom make two consecutive releases by an artist. We like to have variety in our releases, and usually put some space between artist's recordings, but after we listened to this song by Betty Miranga, it seemed like a good idea. It is different for a Christmas song as it addresses one persons sadness at Christmas time. Seasonal depression is a real thing for many people. Attribute it to loneliness, sadness at loved ones who are gone, disappointment that the holiday doesn't meet expectations, or just a souring of the mood by so much commercialism, it can happen. We can intellectually know that the season is what you make of it, but emotionally it can be hard to overcome the feelings of sadness and disappointment.
According to her lyrics, she was able to rationally come to terms with her feelings and change her feelings to ones of happiness. Might sound easy to do, but we know it surely isn't. Betty must be a very strong willed person to overcome seasonal depression by herself, and kudos to her for that. But there are some folks who can't do it alone. A trusting friend to talk to can help, but for others professional help may be needed. And that's not something to be ashamed of. Depression is a mental illness, and like any other illness a patient can't overcome by themselves, professional help is available. Even in this modern age, a stigma remains attached to getting help for mental health, which is regrettable. No one need suffer without trying to get help to get better.
It could be something more than the Christmas blues; it could be Seasonal Affective Disorder, known by the acronym SAD, which can be caused by the shortness of days in fall and winter. This can also happen in summer for the opposite reasons. That's a short explanation of something that is very real and more complicated, which can be treated as simply as using a sun lamp in the winter to make up for the lost sun time. Medications as well as physical exercise can also help. Check with your medical service provider for more information.
Snow is a flyin’ Christmas Eve I’m feelin’ good, givin’ thanks For all the blessin’s in my life Finally filled in all the blanks
Used to get down in the dumps At the holiday time of year Think ‘bout all the ones that are gone And who’d be next was my big fear
Ya know, it’s all ‘bout attitude Thinkin’ the worst makes ya blind To all the good that’s happenin’ To all happiness ya kin find
Used to get down in the dumps And grumble with the risin’ sun Play the role better than Scrooge Be bad ol’ Grinch to every one
Somethin’ happened few years ago Some call it an epiphany I seen the way that I was actin’ Was drivin’ folks away from me
Used to get down in the dumps Don’t know why it took so dang long To see the error of my ways And understand what I done wrong
Now I’m at a much better place Emotionally, shed the big load Christmas is now a happy time I come to terms, got out the road
Used to get down in the dumps There's ‘nough misery on the earth Without me addin’ to it all Now I know what it’s all worth
The artist with the high voice, Betty Miranga, sent us her Christmas season song, and it's a cute one about trying to remember the names of Santa's reindeer. By the sound of her voice, it's hard to believe she's got a 4-year old Grand daughter, at least according to the lyrics! Betty still plays country music venues, stays really busy so we were surprised to see a song recording by her. But we hope she keeps them coming. She's got a unique voice perfectly suited to the style of music she sings.
I love Christmas time of the year With the Christmas trees and the gear But there’s one thing that I can’t do Remember the names of them reindeer!
Now let me see, the one in front That’s got the red whiskey nose Couldn’t play no reindeer games What’s his name, do ya suppose?
Was it Andy, or was it Burt? Was it Sammy, or was it Curt? Somethin’ like Randolph, I declare! Must be Adolph, I’ll bet my shirt!
So old Adolph with nose so bright Guides the sleigh thru the foggy night It must have been a wondrous sight Guided by a whiskey nose light!
Yeah man! That's fer shore his name!
As far as the other ones go I think I done got them figgered Here goes, I’m a gonna name them My memory just got triggered!
Adolph leads all of the herd Basher runnin' up his rear Lancer he's a pretty one He’s got Cornet bitin’ his ear! Blitzer an onry ol’ cuss Flasher wantin’ to show his stuff Dunder and Stupid go too slow So the last one is Vixer!
Naw, that ain't right!...
I love Christmas time of the year With the Christmas trees and the gear But there’s one thing that I can’t do Remember the names of them reindeer!
No I just can’t! No matter how I try! It's embarrasin'! My 4 year old Grand daughter Can name them all! Dang!
Let me try it again...
Adolph leads all of the herd Basher runnin' up his rear Lancer he's a pretty one He’s got Cornet bitin’ his ear! Blitzer an onry ol’ cuss Flasher wantin’ to show his stuff Dunder and Stupid go too slow So the last one is Vixer!
We were at first surprised when Forgotten Bob sent us his Christmas song A Rockabilly Christmas, but when were reminded he's got 8 kids, all of them grown up and babies of their own, it stands to reason Bob being the family man that he is would host a Christmas party. We can just imagine the noise, bustle, and fun of having a houseful. And when they all tune up and start jammin'...we can't imagine how that would sound. We know all of his kids are musical. Some guitarists for sure, a drummer, and a classically trained pianist! And we like the line: We're all different, ain't it true! Celebrate how it's right for you! Indeed!
All eight of our kids will be here For our Christmas celebration A really big house full for sure For our holiday libation
Some of them got their own babies They all add to the party All bring food and drink to pass So we'll eat and drink real hearty
It's a rockabilly Christmas Later we take guitars in hand And blare out some songs of good cheer With our own family band!
It all starts on Christmas Eve When they all trickle in Got our big table all set up So the feasting begins
Ham, turkey, great big beef roast All kinds of cheese and cold cuts Some wander around, yak and graze Some wanna sit on their butts!
It's a rockabilly Christmas Later we take guitars in hand And blare out some songs of good cheer With our own family band!
We love Christmas, watching TV With the kids cookies in hand Like How The Grinch stole Christmas And good ol' Frosty The Snow Man!
Might seem really strange to you Celebrate with a big to-do We're all different, ain't it true! Celebrate how it's right for you
It's a rockabilly Christmas Later we take guitars in hand And blare out some songs of good cheer With our own family band!
Merry Christmas! Huh, huh, huh Merry Christmas! How, how, how Merry Christmas! Yeah, yeah, yeah Merry Christmas Peace on earth!
It's a rockabilly Christmas Later we take guitars in hand And blare out some songs of good cheer With our own family band!
Amos Carter is the first one of our artists to submit a Christmas holiday themed song, and we find out Santa wears Airpods as he does his work leaving gifts, and boogies to the beat he's hearing in his Airpods as he goes. This is a big production for Carter, who usually plays with only his double bass, a guitar or two, and a piano. Boogie-Woogie Santa Claus was tried out in Amos' gigs, and the audience gave it a lot of applause. Amos does this with most of his songs, and this practice has given him some good songs to record, such as Slew Foot Stu Boogie.
Carter had some problems a while back getting a piano player that fit in with his small group. He kept pestering his mother, a talented pianist, to join the band. Mams Carter is a recording artist in her own right, as she's recorded for Big And Tall Records before, with The Blues Done Got Me So Bad as a good example. Mams doesn't like playing gigs all that much, but she usually plays when the group records, as she does in this recording.
We put out some feelers with our other artists, and there will most likely be more Christmas themes recording coming soon, as the season is upon us!
(Boogie woogie Santa Boogie woogie Santa)
One Christmas Eve I stayed awake To catch that jolly ol' elf As he slid down the chimney To fill stockings hung on the shelf
I was fightin' sleep really bad When out the corner of my eye A big fat guy in a red suit! Santa Claus! It's true! Ain't no lie! He had Airpods in his ears..
He was too fat for the chimney Don't know how he got in the house The way he was movin' his feet Weren't tip toeing like a mouse!
Was boogying to the tree Wigglin' and shakin' his ass The Boogie Woogie Santa Claus Was havin' himself a gas!
(Boogie woogie Santa Boogie woogie Santa)
He got in his big gunny sack Laid bunch of gifts under the tree The he saw the treats and the milk Sprawled on the couch ate the cookies
He was enjoyin' his work Laid on the couch for a while Then he jumped up with a start Wasn't gonna cramp his style
Boogying next to the tree Dancin' like he weren't a senior The Boogie Woogie Santa Claus Usin' a broom as a partner
(Boogie woogie Santa Boogie woogie Santa)
Kept watchin' through the banister He boogied his way with the broom Jivin' and shuckin' with his feet He made his way across the room
Then he got close to the door Jiggled his big butt for a while Then looked me straight in the eye And disappeared with a smile!
Visions of Santa in my head I sat up in bed full awake! The Boogie Woogie Santa Claus All a dream for heaven's sake!
(Boogie woogie Santa Boogie woogie Santa)
As we all opened our gifts On the frosty Christmas morn I told the gang about my dream What they said made me forlorn
But what could I say to all that Already knew it wasn't true And that fact was kind a sad It made me feel a little blue
Then I came to a gift for me Among Christmas paper wads Tag said it was from Santa... It was a pair of Airpods!
Luigi and his brother Antonio have opened a barbershop in Paducah,
Kentucky and offer lots more services than just hair cuts and shaves. There is no overture to open the opera, but the orchestra plays a very small introduction to Luigi the barber's first aria that welcomes new patrons to the shop.
Luigi's aria - Come On Into My Shop
This aria shows right away that this opera won't be the rarefied language or atmosphere of a classical opera. It is McGonigle's version of a patter song, although the tempo is not excessive, the words come forth fast and close together. All their services tells why they can only stay in a town for a certain amount of time. The law usually catches up to the sooner or later, and the husband's that figure out what's going on threaten real harm.
Soon their barbershop has a large growing clientele
that enjoy all the amenities the brothers provide. A group of the march to the barbershop after work to relax. A short march in a traditional style.
March of the patrons
When they arrive, they all engage in singing their praises of Luigi and the shop
Chorus - The barbershop, our safe haven
Illegally sold alcohol, illegal gambling, and illegal prostitution is praised by the patrons of the barbershop in this section for men's chorus. It also alludes to Luigi's aid in convincing the wives to let the men stay at the shop. When the wives call, many times Luigi will go to their house to explain, sometimes he's gone for over an hour. Either these guys are dumb or don't care what's going on. This is one area where this opera is like any opera; a certain amount of suspension of reality is needed.
Three months goes by since the opening of the barbershop, and the two brothers are making lots of money. This is portrayed by a waltz.
Luigi's Waltz
A waltz in mixed minor and major keys that leads to Luigi's second aria
Luigi Aria - How Much Better Is It Gonna Get?
Luigi counts the money earned for the day and is amazed at how much they're making, and at the expense of some very 'stupid hilly billies'. This give a further glimpse into the lecherous and deceitful heart that Luigi has.
While Luigi gloats over the money and calls his patrons stupid, his brother Antonio has been mopping up to finish the day before they close the shop. Antonio is a big, lumbering man unlike his brother who is of average stature. McGonigle portrays Antonio mopping the floor with what he calls
Antonio - Mop The Floor Interlude
Horns, trombones, and a tuba portray the rather clumsy Antonio. They lead into an aria by Antonio
Aria - That's all well and good
Antonio is more even tempered and practical, and warns Luigi about his philandering, a warning that has been given many times and to deaf ears.
Scene 2
In The Flowershop
Set
in Louisa's flower shop on the other side of town. As she starts her
workday on a bright spring morning, she sings to help pass the time. We
hear the first of another barber across town, Vic, that has feelings
for her, but her interest is beginning to be taken up with Luigi, whose
shop is just a ways up the street from her shop.
Louisa's aria
She hears a commotion outsideof the shop and notices a group of older ladies having a heated discussion.
Gossiping women outside the shop- Interlude
Among
them is her Aunt Cora, who enters the shop and tells Louisa about the
scuttlebutt concerning Luigi's barbershop. Aunt Cora has noticed Louisa
and Luigi getting close, and wants to warn her of him.
Aunt Cora's aria
Louisa's
aunt tells Louisa what she's heard about Luigi, and she expresses her
distrust of the Italian barber, and tells her she ought to give Vic a
try, ashe's a nice guy and not a 'foreigner'. Finally, Aunt Cora
asks her if she has to be hit with a brick in the head to get the
message! An example of McGonigle's plain language use, along with
ethnic slur of 'dago', that portrays the common language of the time
Louisa's answer to Aunt Cora -
Louisa
shows patience and understanding towards her aunt, whose husband has
left her. The aria shows the affection Louisa has for her aunt, who has
been like a mother to her.
SCENE 3
In The Beauty Salon
JILL'S ARIA -
As scene 1 took place in the barbershop, scene 3 takes place in the female version of it, the beauty salon. A
short tango intro begins and leads to the main aria of the scene, Jill'
aria which is also a tango-like section. Jill is the wife of one of the
men who frequent Luigi's shop, and she knows about all of what goes on
there, including her husband Sammy (who appears later in the opera)
paying out money meant for household expenses on gambling and
prostitutes. But she also reveals what happens with her when Luigi shows
up at her house when Sammy wants to stay at the shop and gamble. Luigi
ostensibly goes to their house to tell Jill that Sammy's just shooting
the breeze with his pals, but his actual motive is to have sex with her!
She figures that out, and welcomes him! Evidently Luigi shows up often
when Sammy's not there, and if it isn't at Jill's house, it's at another
of the wives' houses! Jill knows it all, doesn't care, she loves how
Luigi treats her and tells all the other ladies in the shop about it.
With the chorus joining in, other women admit to the same thing.
McGonigle told us that very little of his original libretto for this
entire act has been changed. No wonder no one wanted to take a chance on
this opera, as he wrote the first version in 1952. It was somewhat
graphic for the time, even for the opera house, that traditionally has
dealt with all kinds of societies' evils.
TANGO OF THE HAIR DRYERS - Instrumental
Now
we don't have a clue what in hell the title means, but this short
instrument is indeed a tango that again is highlighted by a solo for
accordion. This leads directly into the section for female chorus.
MEN ARE PIGS!
The
women sing of their disgust with their husbands and men in general
after hearing all the shenanigans going on. Jill has a solo, and the
women respond. Some of the sections are repeated, the music quickens and
then slows down for ashort coda that recalls the lead-in to
Jill's opening aria. McGonigle has said that this short choral piece is
one of his favorite parts of the opera. He agrees with the women, as a
group men ARE pigs! The female choir at the recording session really got
into this, and McGonigle was smiling and laughing after they got it
down!
