Jerome Kern-Astaire film Song: As the founding father of the Great American Songbook, Jerome Kern's earliest songs were rooted in more of a European or Vienna operatta style, well -crafted but not paricularly American in style. Songs like " Look For The Silver Lining" ' Wild Rose" or "How'd You Like To Spoon With Me ?" could just as easily be writen by a European or Viennese composer.
In his film composing, Kern had to write for an American audience .By the 1930's, his compositions began to take on the freshness with what Alec Wilder has called " The Way You Look Tonight " a song that " Flows with style and grace" and one that would not have been composed by a non-American.
Written for the 1936 film " Swing Time" , with lyrics by Doroth Fields, the song was featured in a wonderful dance sequence with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
The first version features Bernadette Peters in a live concert setting. A fine singing actress, Peters is supported by a marvellous piano accompaniment that serves as almost an orchestral backdrop for the singer. The interplay between voice and piano is actualy a duet rather than just an instrumentalist backing up a singer.
PERFORMANCE LINK: http://youtu.be/Azq46m46UfA
Tony Bennett provides an equally fine version performing with a small jazz group.
He has a fetchng way with the Dorothy Fields lyrics and manages to inject a gentle swing feeling to the song that is evident but not intrusive. Bennet hs always been able to inject honest emotion in his singing without relying on the bombastic style being heard today by contestants on " American Idol."
PERFORMANCE LINK
http://youtu.be/6N_cv4X5gVY
EDITORIAL NOTE: Both Bennett and Peters are Italian Americans like Sinatra, Vic Damone, Dean Martin, Perry Como and quite a few others. The importance and love of singing seems to be imbedded in the Italian culture and we are the better for it.
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