This week I have something different, unique, but totally brilliant I want to share with all of you. I was raised during the big band era and loved the music. Then I would begin my radio career just prior to the beginning of rock and roll and years later moving to country music radio. Needles to say, my musical tastes are very varied.

While I am very partial to the music styles I mentioned I have also been a fan of performers from all the decades right up until today. Some of this old man’s favs are Pit Bull, H.E.R., Meagan Trainor, Lady Gaga, Jelly Roll, Pentatonix, and others. I also realize that today’s dancers are not near what they were back in the glory days of Astaire, Kelly, etc. but more the hip hop style which is fine if that is your thing. Then you get hit with a video like this one and you just go, “Whoa!’ and watch it again, and then again and you are totally taken and amazed not only at all the dance styles incorporated, but reading how this video production was all done, which makes even more amazing to see and listen to. To choreograph a dance routine with a couple of dozen dancers in a single set is one thing, but to do it with at least 100 or more dancers in various settings is something else.

I am talking about the official video of “Puttin’ on the Ritz”, a song written almost 100 years ago by Irving Berlin. It was done for a Broadway show of the same name in 1927 and would become a major hit recording by Harry Richman in 1930. Over the years there have been numerous versions of this song and dance number, but none, and I mean none, can match this piece of brilliance that is performed by Herb Alpert and brilliant choreography by Napoleon and Tabitha D’umo. Incredibly, after hours and hours of rehearsals, this entire video as you watch it, was shot is just one take! No edits, no photoshop, no overdubs, just one take! A truly remarkable feat by all involved.

Be sure to check out this fantastic video, it will make your jaw drop and bring a big smile to your face! It will also prove that no matter how old a song may be, there is still room for it to be enjoyed in today’s very different musical scene. Enjoy!

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=451647027827788

Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN