The song of the day for Thursday, May 25, 2023, is “Day Dream.”
About This Song
“Day Dream” was written in 1941 by Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington, with lyrics by John LaTouche. Acknowledged to have been written solely by Strayhorn, “Day Dream” is a lovely song with a strong Strayhorn touch, enhanced by the thoughtful lyrics by LaTouche. The first recording was in 1941 and featured Johnny Hodges on saxophone and Billy Strayhorn on piano. Other notable recordings include this one by Tony Bennett, Betty Carter, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughan.
About This Version
Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Day Dream” on May 25, 1964, with an excellent jazz quartet: Herbie Hancock (piano), Stan Getz (tenor sax), Ron Carter (bass), and Elvin Jones (drums). The trombonist on this recording is, alas, unknown. The recording was released on Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1 in the 2011 Complete Collection box set.
“Day Dream,” as well as Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1 is available on Apple Music. I don’t know about you, but I would have loved a full album with this group. There are five recordings by this group on the Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1 and they are all worth a listen.
Here’s the Johnny Hodges and Billy Strayhorn 1941 recording:
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