The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Steppin’ Out With My Baby

The Song of the Day for October 6, 2012 is Steppin’ Out With My Baby

About Steppin’ Out With My Baby

Written by Irving Berlin, Steppin’ Out With My Baby was introduced in the 1949 film Easter Parade, sung by Fred Astaire.

About This Version

We highlight this song in preparation for Mr. Bennett’s upcoming Viva Duets, which will include a duet of this song with Christina Aguilera.

This version is from Tony Bennett’s tribute album to Fred Astaire, Steppin’ Out, from 1993, as compiled on The Essential Tony Bennett album. He also sang it at his 1994 MTV Unplugged live television show.

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Song of the Day: I See Your Face Before Me

The Song of the Day for October 5, 2012 is I See Your Face Before Me.

About I See Your Face Before Me

I See Your Face Before Me was written in 1937 by Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz for the musical Between the Devil. Frank Sinatra sang it on his amazing album, In the Wee Small Hours, released in 1955.

About This Version

I’ve been reading Jonathan Schwartz’s memoir of his childhood, All In Good Time. It’s not a happy book by any means, but it has encourage me to revisit the songs of Arthur Schwartz, who was a really wonderful songwriter.

Today’s version is from the 1992 Perfectly Frank.

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Song of the Day: The Way You Look Tonight

The Song of the Day for October 4, 2012 is The Way You Look Tonight.

About The Way You Look Tonight

The Way You Look Tonight was written for the film Swing Time and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1936.  The song was written by Jerome Kern, with lyrics by Dorothy Fields. Ms Fields has been quoted as saying “The first time Jerry played that melody for me I went out and started to cry. The release absolutely killed me. I couldn’t stop, it was so beautiful.” I do think it is one of the most beautiful songs in the American Songbook.

About This Version

We highlight this song in preparation for Mr. Bennett’s upcoming Viva Duets, which will include a duet of this song with Thaliá.

Today’s version was recorded with the Ralph Sharon Trio; however, the original  recording date is unknown. This recording was used in the film My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997).  This same version was included on the Rarities, Outtakes and Other Delights, Volume 2, in the recent Complete Collection. It was also compiled on Tony Bennett Sings the Ultimate American Songbook, Volume 1.

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Song of the Day: That Old Devil Moon

The Song of the Day for October 3, 2012 is That Old Devil Moon.

About Old Devil Moon

Old Devil Moon is from the 1949 musical, Finian’s Rainbow, with music by Burton Lane and lyrics by E. Y. “Yip” Harburg. The song has been recorded by Frank Sinatra, Stan Kenton, Anita O’Day, Chet Baker, Rosemary Clooney and Margaret Whiting, among others.

About This Version

Mr. Bennett has recorded this song several times; in fact, The Year of Tony Bennett featured a recording of this song a few months ago from his 1994 MTV Unplugged album. This version is his first recording of the song, from his first LP, his 1955 jazz album Cloud 7.

He also recorded it in 1967 for Tony Makes It Happen and sang it in 1971 with the London Philharmonic for his live Get Happy album. He also sings it in concert (to my great delight) from time to time. It’s a great song, as were so many of the songs from Broadway musicals in that era.

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Song of the Day: Are You Havin’ Any Fun?

The Song of the Day for October 2, 2012 is Are You Havin’ Any Fun?

About Are You Havin’ Any Fun?

This song was written for George White’s Scandals of 1939, with music by Sammy Fain and lyrics by Jack Yellen.

About This Version

We feature Are You Havin’ Any Fun? as we prepare for Viva Duets, which contains a duet of this song with Dani Martín. Today’s version is from the recently remastered album with Count Basie: Strike Up the Band!, from the 1959 Basie/Bennett album. Mr. Bennett also sang the song as duet with Elvis Costello on the original 2006 Duets: An American Classic.

 

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