Finian's Rainbow Archives | Page 5 of 7 | The Year of Tony Bennett

June 23, 2017 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Old Devil Moon

The song of the day for Saturday, June 24, 2017 is “Old Devil Moon.”

About This Song

“Old Devil Moon” was written in 1947 by Burton Lane (music) and Yip Harburg (lyrics) for the Broadway musical Finian’s Rainbow, which also gave us “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?” While Alec Wilder was no fan of “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?”, in America Popular Song, he praises “Old Devil Moon” as “a well-written, wholly convincing song. It drives, and its initial intensity is sustained throughout.”

About This Version

I found myself returning to Cloud 7 for another song for Saturday.

Tony Bennett recorded “Old Devil Moon” in 1954 for his album Cloud 7. The arrangement is from Chuck Wayne, who arranged most of the album.

Old Devil Moon
Listen to Old Devil Moon on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1955

“Old Devil Moon,” as well as Cloud 7, is available from iTunes.

About Today

For our Saturday YouTube video, here’s Tony singing “Old Devil Moon” from his 1994 MTV Unplugged live televised concert. Playing with Bennett is Ralph Sharon (piano), Doug Richeson (bass) and Clayton Cameron (drums).

February 3, 2017 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Old Devil Moon

The song of the day for Saturday, February 4, 2017 is “Old Devil Moon.”

About This Song

“Old Devil Moon” was written by Burton Lane and Yip Harburg for the 1947 musical Finian’s Rainbow, which also gave us “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?” While Alec Wilder was no fan of “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?”, in America Popular Song, he praises “Old Devil Moon” as “a well-written, wholly convincing song. It drives, and its initial intensity is sustained throughout.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett has recorded “Old Devil Moon,” starting with his 1954 version for his first jazz album, Cloud 7. Today, however, we’re featuring his 1967 version from Tony Makes It Happen!, arranged by Marion Evans, our musical collaborator of the month. One of the things I love about Evans’ arrangements is that they always grab my attention from the very first notes — they make me want to listen. The violins at the beginning of this recording are a good example of this.

Old Devil Moon
Listen to Old Devil Moon on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967

“Old Devil Moon,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available from iTunes.

About Today

Our Saturday video features Tony singing today’s song from his award-winning 1994 MTV Unplugged televised concert.

November 11, 2016 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Old Devil Moon

The song of the day for Saturday, November 12, 2016 is “Old Devil Moon.”

About This Song

“Old Devil Moon” was written by Burton Lane, with lyrics by Yip Harburg, for the 1947 musical Finian’s Rainbow, which also gave us “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?” While Alec Wilder was no fan of “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?”, in America Popular Song, he praises “Old Devil Moon” as “a well-written, wholly convincing song. It drives, and its initial intensity is sustained throughout.”

About This Version

I felt the need for a Yip Harburg song today and “Old Devil Moon” is a great song. I picked Bennett’s version from 1967 for the album Tony Makes It Happen! The excellent arrangement is by the excellent Marion Evans, who still arranges for Tony Bennett, lately on Cheek To Cheek.

Old Devil Moon
Listen to Old Devil Moon on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967

“Old Devil Moon,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available from iTunes.

About Today

Our video this Saturday is Tony Bennett singing today’s song from his 1995 MTV Unplugged concert. The album from show won the Grammy’s coveted award for Album of the Year. You’ll get no argument from me on this.

March 16, 2016 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Old Devil Moon

The song of the day for Thursday, March 17, 2016 is “Old Devil Moon.”

About This Song

“Old Devil Moon” was written Burton Lane, with lyrics from Yip Harburg, for the 1947 musical Finian’s Rainbow, which also gave us “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?” While Alec Wilder was no fan of “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?”, in America Popular Song, he praises “Old Devil Moon” as “a well-written, wholly convincing song. It drives, and its initial intensity is sustained throughout.” Far be from me to argue with Alec Wilder when it comes to American popular music.

About This Version

Tony Bennett has recorded “Old Devil Moon” several times. Today I chose his 1967 version from Tony Makes It Happen! The arrangement by Marion Evans is superb and Bennett is in wonderful voice. Listen in at 1:25 into the song as he holds the word ‘love’ for what seems like forever. The orchestra is really wonderful; I especially enjoy the cascade of violins at the opening.

One thing I love about Tony Bennett is how open he is about the joy he finds when he sings. You can hear him chuckle several times during this recording. He sounds great, he’s having a good time and he gives us that little laugh. You really can’t beat that.

Old Devil Moon
Listen to Old Devil Moon on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967

“Old Devil Moon,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available from iTunes.