Song of the Day: Daybreak

The song of the day for Wednesday, August 19, 2015 is “Daybreak.”

About This Song

The song “Daybreak” was part of a classical suite of songs by Ferde Grofé called Mississippi Suite, composed in 1925. Lyricist Harold Adamson took the theme from the final movement and wrote lyrics for it, resulting in the song “Daybreak.” Dinah Washington recorded “Daybreak” for her album I Concentrate On You, released in 1960.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Daybreak” for his 1995 album Here’s To The Ladies, where he sings songs made popular by female singers, ranging from Barbra Streisand to Billie Holiday to Margaret Whiting to Ethel Merman. “Daybreak” was chosen for Dinah Washington.

In the liner notes for the album, Bennett notes

May I please reminisce for a moment and go back to the wonderful pioneering days of Las Vegas, when all of us were “young and foolish:? We dreamed and dreamed and had jam sessions every night that lasted ’til six in the morning. Sinatra, Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich, Harry James, Sammy Davis, Jr., Peggy Lee … and at every early-morning session, Dinah would sing “Daybreak.”

“Daybreak” was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli; the album was produced by David Kahne. The Ralph Sharon Trio is featured, with Clayton Cameron on drums and Paul Langosch on bass.

If you love the great standards, check out this album. Bennett is in wonderful voice and this album is a joy.

“Daybreak,” as well as Here’s To The Ladies, is available from iTunes.