Album Review: Celery Stalks At Midnight / Beau Night In Hotchkiss Corners by Les Brown And His Orchestra
Released in 1941 under the Okeh label, Celery Stalks At Midnight / Beau Night In Hotchkiss Corners is a delightful slice of American jazz and pop history. This swing-style record brings together the timeless charm of Les Brown And His Orchestra with the unmistakable vocals of Doris Day, making it a must-listen for fans of the era. It’s far from perfect—some might say it’s quirky—but that’s exactly what makes it memorable.
The title track, “Celery Stalks At Midnight,” kicks things off with an infectious energy that feels like stepping into a smoky ballroom on a Friday night. The brass section shines here, delivering punchy riffs that practically beg you to grab a partner and start dancing. What stays with me most, though, is how Doris Day’s voice floats above the instrumentation. She doesn’t just sing; she tells a story. You can almost picture her winking at the audience as she belts out lines about celery (yes, celery!) in a way that somehow works. It’s goofy, sure, but also oddly endearing—a testament to the creativity of swing music during its golden age.
Then there’s “Beau Night In Hotchkiss Corners.” If the first track was all about fun, this one leans more into romance. The arrangement has a dreamier quality, with softer horns and a gentle rhythm that lets Doris Day take center stage. Her delivery here is smooth yet warm, pulling listeners into the scene she paints. Honestly, I couldn’t help but imagine myself strolling down some imaginary small-town street under twinkling stars. Sure, Hotchkiss Corners might not even exist, but who cares? The song sells the illusion so well that you’ll swear you’ve been there.
One thing worth noting is how both tracks capture the spirit of their time without feeling dated. Swing wasn’t just music—it was escapism, a way for people to forget their worries, if only for a few minutes. Listening to this album today, it’s easy to see why folks back then loved it so much. And hey, maybe we could use a little bit of that magic now too.
All said and done, Celery Stalks At Midnight / Beau Night In Hotchkiss Corners isn’t going to change your life or anything. But it does exactly what good music should do—it sticks with you. By the time the needle lifts off the record, you’re left humming along and grinning like an idiot. Who knew celery could sound so cool?
