The Song of the Day for July 28, 2012 is Smile, by Charlie Chaplin. Mr. Bennett first recorded this song as single for Columbia in 1959. He’s sung in this song in every concert of his I’ve ever attended and I hope he continues to sing it in the concerts I will be attending in the future. It’s a wistful song that simultaneously brings a smile to my lips and a tear or two to my eyes every time. Today’s link is to his second recording of the song on the album I Left My Heart in San Francisco, recorded in 1962.
My Mom
The Song of the Day for July 27, 2012 is My Mom from Tony’s charming album for children Playground (1998). Dedicated to my own Mom, who would have been 93 years old today.
Speak Low
The Song of the Day for July 26 is Speak Low by Kurt Weill (music) and Ogden Nash (lyrics) from the Broadway musical One Touch of Venus. Mr. Bennett sings the song often and it appears on several of his albums. Today is a live version from the 1994 MTV Unplugged album. The Year of Tony Bennett loves his live performances.
Strike Up The Band
The Song of the Day for July 25, 2012 is Strike Up the Band by George and Ira Gershwin from the recently remastered release of Bennett & Basie Strike Up the Band. Recorded in January 1958. I love Tony Bennett playing with Count Basie and I hope you do too.
July 24 2012
My Foolish Heart
Today’s Song of the Day is My Foolish Heart by Victor Young (music) and Ned Washington (lyrics) written in 1949. I listened to the Tony Bennett and Bill Evans sessions all day today and this song is one of my favorites. The song was originally recorded on their first album, The Tony Bennett and Bill Evans Album in 1975 on Tony’s own Improv label and is one of finest jazz vocal albums ever recorded. Just Tony and Bill in the studio making incredible music. Today’s link comes from the recently released compilation album Isn’t It Romantic.