" Lush Life", by Billy Strayhorn, is a very long and highly complex song. Sinatra failed in his attempt to record this as the soundtrack indicates. He just gave up and in the refrain, you can hear him straining and several notes were actually off pitch.
In contrast, listen to Queen Latifah perform it beautifully .You can see and hear how well Strayhorn, at age 21, mastered a striking melody and provided insightful lyrics describing the Lush Life.

https://youtu.be/O2-MalOvxD4 


https://youtu.be/mub-gyuPFlw

"  What is a fugue ?" Several people wanted to know more about what constitutes a fugue in musical terms. This was in reference to a 
fugal approach to Harold Arlen's Over the Rainbow I had posted earlier.
I believe the attachment explains the nature, form and intent of a fugue.

https://youtu.be/vAFETgpt9PA 

" Make the Man Love Me"  From the musical ' A Tree Grows in Brooklyn' music by Arthur Schwartz and Lyrics by Dorothy Fields. Dorothy was one of the finest female lyricists who worked with Jerome Kern, Jimmy McHugh ( The Sunny Side of the Street) and Cy Coleman on several musicals like "Seesaw.'
The song has a lovely verse that establishes the mood and content of what is to follow in the main chorus or refrain. It is sung by Maureen McGovern in a controlled but passionate exploration of a desire to be loved, in this case, by the character's own husband, a very troubled soul.
The piano accompaniment provides a near orchestral background. I have found that sometimes  just a piano, accompanying a singer, allows one to focus on the melody itself and how well the singer delivers the words and music.
Concert or art songs by opera and classicly trained singers are often ably supported by just the piano. 

https://youtu.be/Bncn-14-OeE

" Why did I choose You" & " I,m All Smiles'
Two great songs from a musical The Yearling. It was based on the book by Margaret Rawlings which became a film starring Gregory Peck & Dorothy McGuire.
Barbra Streisand sings " Why Did I Choose You". an explanation for the reasons behind a love while Andy Williams sings I"m All Smiles" which could be the response of any male saluted in the Streisand song.

 https://youtu.be/r2808C5f1XM


https://youtu.be/gTpPOrAT4Ec

 '  For old fart Canadians, a radio reminder. "  In the forties and fifties, CBC radio had a very successful radio variety show called Thee Happy Gang. Here is that theme song, one that sends a useful message for todays' sobering situation. Keep Happy with The Happy Gang. Do you Remember the show, old-timer?

 https://youtu.be/b8Ycx7XzgHwhttps://youtu.be/b8Ycx7XzgHw

"  Simple Gifts "  This Shaker hymn harkens back to a time when ordinary, every day pleasures satisfied   pre 20th Century Americans. This humble philosophy is now being observed by many in response to the restrictions on the usual social habits, the ones we followed prior to the onslaught of the current virus.
Y0-Yo Ma plays the cello part with the vocal by Alison Krauss.

 https://youtu.be/baNueuDCue0

"  The Heather on the Hill " Today, on a blustery Toronto spring day,I spied a bunch of heather for sale at my local high-end emporium. I started singing to myself the song The Heather On The Hill.It was from lerner & loewe's BRIGADOON.The movies starred Gene Kelly & Cyd Charisse as star-crossed lovers in a make-believe land set in Scotland.
Now my pink heather plant is in our window sill looking out on our private garden enclave. The plant prompted me to post this lovely song sung by Gene Kelly.
 I will also post an instrumental version with George Shearing , arranged and conducted by Robert Farnon. He was a Toronto musician who found fame and fortune in Great Britain as a major composer and arranger of light,classical music.

https://youtu.be/3jPcyiOr02k 


https://youtu.be/v2cQeQWVuo8