Ken Lelen

Ken Lelen
Ken Lelen sings great American ragtime, jazz, swing and pop tunes in his concerts and plays vintage acoustic guitars for an authentic, back-in-the day sound.

Friday, April 24, 2015


Posted Apr. 23, 2015 at 9:26 PM

Big Band Idols Concert at
Whipple Senior Center April 24
WEYMOUTH, MA — Weymouth Elder Services will host a free concert by vocalist and vintage guitarist Ken Lelen at 1 p.m., on Friday, April 24, at Whipple Senior Center, 182 Green St., Weymouth. For information, call 781-682-6140. 
     For an authentic back-in-the-day sound the musician will perform swing tunes from the Big Band era and pair each song with an acoustic guitar made in the same period.
     The program’s songs were originally hits in the 1930s and 1940s for such vocalists as Frank Sinatra, Mildred Bailey, Helen Forest, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Shore, Jo Stafford, Peggy Lee and others. Back in the day these singers fronted Big Bands, jazz combos and society orchestras organized by such band leaders as Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Les Brown, Glenn Miller, Teddy Wilson, Duke Ellington, Paul Whiteman, Count Basie, Ted Weems and others. 
     Co-sponsored by Weymouth Elder Services and Weymouth Cultural Council, division of Mass Cultural Council, Lelen’s concert may include such hit songs as:
  
     •    “I’ll Never Smile Again,” Frank Sinatra, vocal, with Tommy Dorsey Orchestra;
     •    “Sentimental Journey,” Dinah Shore, vocal, with Les Brown's Band of Renown;
     •    “There I’ve Said It Again,” Vaughn Monroe, vocal, and his band;
     •    “Route 66,” Nat King Cole, vocal, and King Cole Trio;
     •    “Heartaches,” Ted Weems Orchestra with Elmo Tanner, whistler;
     •    “They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” Billie Holiday, vocal, with Count Basie Band;
     •    “Why Don’t You Do Right?,” Peggy Lee, vocal, with Benny Goodman Orchestra;
     •    “It’s Been A Long, Long Time,” Bing Crosby, vocal, with guitarist Les Paul;
     •    “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” vocals by Ink Spots;
     •    “Moonglow,” Artie Shaw, clarinetist with his band;
     •    “Paper Doll,” vocals by Mills Brothers.

     Lelen’s program will trace the history and romance of the Big Band era. To introduce the songs, he’ll offer amusing anecdotes, musings and comments about the singers, songs, composers and band leaders of the era.
     The musician will display and play vintage acoustic guitars by Gibson, Martin, Regal, Schmidt and other U.S. firms. Each makes sound that is striking for its tone, character and sustain without use of pick-ups or electronic gimmicks.
     "People of all ages love the songs,” Lelen said. “They’re often surprised by the robust sound and classy look of vintage guitars.”
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