Sunday, 11 April 2021

A Quiet Thing

Written by Kander & Ebb for a Liza Minnelli musical. This version features Eilleen Farrell, a classically trained opera singer. She could sing convincingly in a popular song mode (unlike most strained attempts by opera singers who over articulate in stentorian fashion. The arrangement is by Robert Farnon, who like Percy Faith was trained at Toronto's Royal Conservatory of Music under the guidance of Alberto Guerro.  


https://youtu.be/Av9RnsiwQAQ

My Romance

 One of Richrd Riodgers many songs of Romance-My Funny Valentine,With a Song in my h eart, Glad to be unhappy etc,   

Here's the video 

 


Monday, 27 July 2020

" Invitation"  This is a lush and haunting theme from a 1952 film with Invitation as the film's title.Lyrics by Paul Francis Websterwho specialized in adding lyrics to film music after the fact. Best Example The Shadow of Your Smile, music by Johnny Mandel
It has the same mysterious song elements as Laura and Stella by Starlight. All three songs pursue a highly charged adoration of the female star of each film.
This is a performance by Rosemary Clooney with an arrangement by Nelson Riddle. They had a passionate romance which also led to some of her best recordings.

 https://youtu.be/z3IkB48eFjc

Sunday, 26 July 2020

" Laura" This David Raksin/Johnny Mercer song is an evergreen classic that has been recorded over 300 times. This special version features Kenny Colman, a little-known Canadian singer who was praised by Frank Sinatra as a superior singer of classic ballads. One can never get enough of Laura, a song that many famous songwriters, like Cole Porter, wished that they had written.

https://youtu.be/_7jJjyuAFms 

Thursday, 9 July 2020

" It Amazes me." This as song for all men who are surprised that any attractive woman would find them worthy of attention or even long term relationships. AS Tony Bennett admits in this Cy Coleman song, he is humbled by the fact that a woman could like him, something for which he is most grateful. Since humility is not always a trait belonging to all men ( including myself) the song can serve as a reminder for us to be grateful for the women who bless our own lives
PS It took me 82 years to learn this.

https://youtu.be/6Jf0gEq0YWY 



Wednesday, 8 July 2020

" Everytime We Say Goodbye" This is a 1944 song by Cole Porter. But is not one of his smarty-pants, sophisticated and risque songs. It is a sober and tender comment on the pain of separation. Strangely enough, given the Covus 19 devastation,it could also serve as a song to acknowledge the passing of one laid low by the virus. It is sung by Lady Gaga in a very respectful and mature performance style.More than 70 years after the song was written, it still has relevance today.

https://youtu.be/aUm41zP63lo




https://youtu.be/aUm41zP63lo