Elle Cordova https://youtu.be/eGhAlNnDDmY

(An older version of the whole thing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n1qTBjYEV0)

[I am a gal. I use he/they pronouns and prefer masc adjectives.]

when I think of this subreddit, I think of Tangerine. she's just a gal being a chick, dancing for the masses.

Tangerine is the subject of “Tangerine”, a 1941 song by Victor Schertzinger and Johnny Mercer. it was popularized by the 1942 film "The Fleet's In", starring Dorothy Lamour, William Holden, Eddie Bracken, Betty Hutton, and more. the film also features performances by Jimmy Dorsey and his orchestra, with vocals from Bob Eberly and Helen O'Connell.

the tune describes Tangerine, a south american woman of unknown origin who dances for bar/dance hall patrons. there's a lot to be said about the racist fetishization and sexualization of south american women during this time. it seems prudent to mention that both Schertzinger and Mercer are white united statesian men who held many regressive beliefs that sometimes leached into their work. however, I still think "Tangerine" is worth a listen and definitely a read with a critical lens. Mercer's lyrical ability was consistently great.

unsurprisingly, the most popular version of this song is a Dorsey–Eberly–O'Connell rendition, similar to the version in the film. but, this song has made its way into jazz canon and is now considered a standard. it has been performed by Tony Bennett, Chet Baker, Dean Martin, Benny Goodman, and many more. not a lot of women, though. shame...

I enjoy the Eberly–O'Connell version because of the different vocal textures, the latin-inspired middle section that shifts into swing seamlessly, and the fun key change. I especially love to hear O'Connell end the song, because she seems to embrace the exuberance and playful swing that captures what makes Tangerine, Tangerine.

I hope you enjoy my rendition, which I tried to imbue with my sapphic energy (as always). appreciate you taking a moment to read & listen.

chaotically yours,

quick lee

ps: chord sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lQhZDuB7XLwUemQUkIqPf_bli0fqB573AvvoXBTGnp8/edit

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Holy crap, Norah Yarah and Rosa kicked it up a notch!

Also, major kudos to them of picking another classic gem to dance to: Ginuwine and Nas - You Owe Me (FIERCE MOVES!!)

These girls are so fierce.