Matt Monro Forum

Posted: **Wed Aug 01, 2007 4:55 pm**

Did you hear Malcolm Laycock play "Happiness Is Just A Thing Called Joe" by Anne Shelton this past Sunday? It was beautiful.

I plan to listen to the programme again this week. He also played the Ames Brothers ... always wonderful to hear them.

Malcolm mentioned a new CD and book about Anne Shelton and I believe he said the CD includes a few songs by her sister Jo Shelton. It's only available by mail order.

Posted: **Wed Aug 01, 2007 6:52 pm**

Hi Paul

When I was growing up, I had this EMI album titled The Very Best Of Nancy Wilson which I loved. I remember her version of Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe as being definitive.

Posted: **Wed Aug 01, 2007 10:14 pm**

A song is only definitive, if you have heard ALL the versions (or most of them) by other artist's

I'm not saying it to you Terence, but to anyone in general.

Posted: **Wed Aug 01, 2007 10:58 pm**

Just listened to Anne Shelton, Jeff - quite fabulous, with a great range of vocal at the end of the song

Posted: **Fri Aug 03, 2007 3:13 pm**

Thanks for listening to Anne Shelton, Robert. I only heard of her a few months ago and have only heard a few recordings. But everything I've heard I have loved.

I partially agree with you on definitive recordings. For instance, the best recording of Blue Moon I've ever heard is Matt Monro's (on The Rare Monro). However, I wouldn't label it definitive as that song has been recorded so many times and I haven't heard all of them. Plus I know that some people may not care for his improvisation of the melody. However, we can all safely say that the definitive recording of Walk Away is by Matt Monro. I also feel he recorded the definitive version of When Joanna Loved Me, but some people may consider Tony Bennett's version to be the definitive version. Even though I've only heard a few recordings of The Green Leaves Of Summer, I would categorically state that Matt Monro's version is the definitive, because it is so emotional and beautiful.

Posted: **Fri Aug 03, 2007 3:28 pm**

Anne Shelton is a very well known singer in Uk--she used to sing some "novelty" songs, similar to the way Petula Clark did.

I guess her most well known song was "Lay down your arms" which is a long way from her songs you are listening to at present.

Posted: **Sat Aug 04, 2007 10:31 pm**

Jeff, I agree with you about Matt's definitive songs. In fact, when it comes to Matt, I have to retract my above word's in another post. Because ALL Matt's version's of virtually every song he sing's is the definitive version for me. Apart from one or two song's - including MY WAY - which is FS song