The song of the day for Thursday, October 10, 2013 is “But Beautiful.”
About This Song
“But Beautiful” was written in 1947 by Jimmy Van Heusen, with lyrics by Johnny Burke. The song was written for the movie Road To Rio, where it was introduced by Bing Crosby. The song is a close to the perfect ballad as songs can get.
Bennett’s recording that we feature today is one of the very best. Other significant recordings in addition to Bennett and Crosby include Nat King Cole, Carmen McRae and Frank Sinatra. Gregory Porter (whom I had the great pleasure of hearing this year at the 56th Monterey Jazz Festival)recorded it for his 2010 album Water.
About This Version
Your author has her weaknesses when it comes to Tony Bennett songs. Rodgers and Hart, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen and “Rules of the Road” are featured here often. At the top of the list, though, are the two albums that Tony Bennett made with Bill Evans.
Today’s song is from their first album, The Tony Bennett Bill Evans Album, released in 1975. I love each and every note on this album, but today’s song, “But Beautiful,” is quite special to me. I had the honor of hearing Bennett sing this song in concert last June; it was wonderful. As is this recording, which I hope you enjoy.
http://open.spotify.com/track/0239f1wAgvbGw7pzFg5Upd
“But Beautiful,” as well as The Tony Bennett Bill Evans Album, is available from iTunes and Amazon.
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