Teach Me Tiger! - April Stevens

Teach Me Tiger!

April Stevens

Imperial LP-12055

1960

Even though I have records by Donna Summer, Mae West, Marlene Dietrich, Julie London and Brigitte Bardot, I think this is the sexiest record in my collection.  I was surprised and even a little embarrassed when I first played it.  I bought it because I am a fan of the albums Stevens recorded with her brother Nino Tempo in the 1960s.  On those records she comes across like a sweet girl next door.  On this album she seductively croons sultry ballads in a breathy voice that borders on a cartoonish interpretation of female sexuality.  In the liner notes she disingenuously asserts that she does not understand why people comment on the sexiness of her singing claiming that this is her natural voice and she has been singing like this since she was seven.  Sure.  I often see this record selling for a relatively high price, much more than the Nino and April records tend to sell for, even though I think the Nino and April albums are better.  I assume the difference is due to the album's sexy quality.  The album consists largely of pop standards delivered at a languorous pace with subdued and tasteful accompaniment that places all the focus on Stevens' vocals.  Among the standout tracks are George Gershwin and Buddy De Sylva's old chestnut "Do It Again" which she sings in a alluring manner similar to Marilyn Monroe's interpretation of the song.  It definitely gets me a little hot and bothered when I spin it.  "When My Baby Smiles At Me" is an even older song dating back to 1920.  The song is given an uptempo almost jazzy arrangement with more silky vocals from Stevens that makes it sound almost modern (for 1960 anyway.)  Bart Howard's "In Other Words" is well-known from Frank Sinatra's swinging version under the title "Fly Me to the Moon."  Stevens gives the song a more yearning and exotic quality that I find very compelling.  The arrangement of "I Get Ideas" evokes the songs origins as an Argentine tango although Steven's vocals are pure torch song.  I slightly prefer Peggy Lee's perkier version, but this one is very worthwhile.  Cole Porter's "I'm in Love Again" was published back in 1924 but sounds contemporary when Stevens amorously whispers and sighs her way through the lyrics.  Kim Gannon and Max Steiner's "It Can't Be Wrong" dates back to the early 1940s when Steiner composed it for the film "Now Voyager."  It is one of the most energetic songs on the album and Steven's insistent and sensuous vocal is tremendously appealing.  There are three new songs on the record.  "I'll Wait for Your Love" was written by Jeffrey, Joseph and Marilyn Hooven.  It is a pedestrian song but benefits from an atmospheric arrangement that evokes exotica and a steamy vocal from Stevens that makes it enticing.  Brother Nino contributes two songs that I consider the best tracks on the album.  In "I Want a Lip" Stevens seductively describes her desire for her lover supported by a hypnotic torch song arrangement.  I find it to be the sexiest track on the album.  "Teach Me Tiger" is the most memorable song on the record.  It should have been a hit single but apparently was too sexy for the airwaves.  Stevens coos and moans her way through lyrics that invite her lover to teach her the ways of physical love.  It is a stunning song but so over the top that I find it a little embarrassing though still lots of fun.  If you dig torch songs, this is definitely your album.  Stevens excels at conveying smoldering passion and desire.  Her voice is warm and expressive and if I listen to this record in the proper mood and setting, Stevens absolutely slays me.  The kids might find it corny or dull, but I think you older folks might want to try giving it a spin next time you are having a romantic evening and see what happens.  Recommended to fans of Marilyn Monroe.