THANKS FOR THE BOOGIE RIDE! Another sad loss to the world of music occurred on Thanksgiving morning when the great jazz vocalist Anita O'Day died on November 23rd at the age of 87. Anita was what can only be described as a "pistol". She was known as the "Jezebel of Jazz" who started out with Gene Krupa's band before going out on her own for a long career as a vocalist. Never a voice as polished as Ella Fitzgerald or as accomplished as Sarah Vaughan, O'Day sold a song on pure balls and chutzpah! In the very first concert film ever made (and a personal favourite) "Jazz On A Summer's Day", Anita appeared at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival and managed to make such tired old songs as "Tea For Two" sound thrilling with her rapid-fire singing. She would later recount unapologetically that she was high as a kite during that performance and all through her life she struggled with alcohol and drug addiction (she almost died from a heroin overdose in 1969). However, she managed to last and last (as well as kicking her habits). In fact, this very year of 2006 she even released a new album entitled "Indestructible". And you know what, that's exactly what she seemed to be until she at last succumbed to the fate which awaits us all. I'm not sure which of her album covers is my favourite; I always loved the "Swings Cole Porter with Billy May" cover but you've just GOTTA love her portrait on the cover of "Incomparable". . .just look at her "take no prisoners" attitude as well as that faboo metallic green eyeliner. Her official website advises us to pay our respects by playing a song by Anita and making a toast to her. I think I'll do that. Sleep well, Anita. . . you were a hell of a broad!