Sinatra asks " Where Is The One ?"  I believe that most single people have cast thoughts about that certain someone who might be one's desired life partner. Sinatra, himself, had imagined such thoughts, found partners who were not compatible before ending up with Barbara Marx. Alec Wilder, was also a song scholar who  wrote the song. The longing in Sinatra's voice and the pleading in the lyrics combine to create a highly emotional listening experience.

https://youtu.be/KpsT6uHVgoI

S'Wonderful  Another Gershwin brothers classic which demonstrates the optimistic and joyful side of the composer. It is sung by Diane Reeves, a highly lauded singer with a big voice and dynamic vocal presence. She is accompanied by the Berlin Philharmonic conducted by Sir Simon Rattle. Listen in the middle section when the tune is altered into a waltz section that still manages to swing so brightly. Reeves was a devoted fan of Sara Vaughan and that influence is evidenced by her performance.

https://youtu.be/fmUE9CzQiD8 

IF THERE IS SOMEONE LOVELIER THAN YOU
While rummaging through old photos, I found a 1964 passport application of Ann Ireland, my wife-to -be in 1966. Literally, the picture took my breath away as I looked upon the radiant face of that lovely 24 year old woman.
A song immediately came to mind.
" If there is someone lovelier thn you, Than I am blind, A man without a mind. " This version is by  Dick Haymes, a favourite of both Ann and myself. It ends with
" If There is someone lovelier than you. By all that's beautiful, Such beauty can't be true."

 https://youtu.be/BhpjMyV-h0w


























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Every Time We Say Goodbye  Cole p[orter was known for his saucy and cleverly-Rhymed lyrics ( like " The virago from Chicago " from Kiss Me Kate.")  He also had a tender, most expressive way of looking at love relationships. In "Every Time We say Goodbye" he explores the anguish felt by lovers when they part, even momentarily. For example " How strange the change from major to minor, every time we say goodbye" 9 On the worf minor, P[orter introduces a change to a minor chord to underscore the " minor" lyric intent.
This duet between Clint Holmes and Jane Monheit features a Grammy nominated arrangement by the great Jorge Callandrelli, a favourite arranger of the best singers of classic American popular song. He combines strings, woodwinds and brass in a most elegant and moving fashion.
 https://youtu.be/UrMHH2rD7bY

INDIAN   SUMMER    Composed by Victor Herbert, an American who principally wrote in an European Operatta vein, found time to write an imensely popular song in the Great American Songbook tradition pioneered by Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Richard Rodgers and Harold Arlen. It is his only song free from any European musical influences with very poetic lyrics by Al Dubin, My home in Toronto is in a very leafy enclave called Rosedale where the fall colours of red and sugar maples, white and red oaks and brilliant flaming Sumach are in their current glory.
Sung by John Pizzarelli,backed by the wondrful harmonic sensibilities of Sir Geoge Shearing, it is a poignant reminder of the recurring glories of Mother Nature present even in the middle of a large urban metropolis.

 https://youtu.be/wHx2hW8LUQg

A NIGHTINGALE SANG IN BERKELY SQUARE

A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square   Writeni in 1939 by Englshmen Eric Maschwitz and Manning Sherman, This is a loving tribute to an elegant section of London as the song often evokes nostalgic memories of that great city prior to and during WW11. Although this blog is dedicated to songs of the Great American Songbook, this English piece is written in the same excellent tradition as ballads by Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin and Richard Rodgers. 
The song features the brillint piano arrangement of George Shearing. who emigrated to America in the late 1940's And the vocal mastery of Mel Torme who is note perfect and who beautifully expresses the praiseworthy lyrics. Shearing's ability to simulate the trilling sound of the Nightingale is a fitting end to this live concert. NOTE;  Ornithologists point out that this bird is more used to rural environments and would not likely be heard singing in the heart of a busy city like London. Nonetheless, it's a most persuasive sentiment and a legitimate exercise in poetic license.
I heard these two artist perform this song in Toronto's Royal York Hotel over twenty years ago as the guest of Malcolm Orme, a now dearly departed friend  It was one of the most moving musical moments I have ever experienced. I hope you are equally transfixed.
  https://youtu.be/_ZMD0ApAxiE

Gershwin's Do It Again.  Although the title might suggest an intimate sexual encounter, It's really about a most sensual kiss that asks to be repeated, given the thrill elicited from the firt osculatory contact.
The arrangement with orchestra and strings undersores the highly suggestive lyrics and singer Calabria Foti offers a convincing evocation of the desire for more of the same- just kissing !

 https://youtu.be/frRJAhTRP3c