The song of the day for Tuesday, October 22, 2013 is “Let’s Face The Music and Dance.”

About This Song

Irving Berlin wrote “Let’s Face The Music and Dance” in 1936 for the movie Follow The Fleet, where was introduced by Fred Astaire. It’s one of Berlin’s most popular songs and has been recorded many times by artists including Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole, Barbara Cook, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra.

About This Version

Today’s version is from Tony Bennett’s wonderful 1957 jazz album The Beat of My Heart. For this album, Bennett chose the finest percussionists in the world for the songs on the album, including Art Blakey, Sabu, Jo Jones, Chico Hamilton and Candido Camera. This was also his first album with Ralph Sharon and Ralph Sharon Trio, with whom he would work for many years.

Candido Camera is why we chose this song today, as today is his 92nd birthday. Candido was born in Cuba on October 22, 1912. He is one the world’s preeminent conga drum players. He played on several songs on this album; he also appeared with Mr. Bennett in his 1962 Carnegie Hall concert and he and Bennett turned in an exceptional performance of “De Glory Road.”

The Year of Tony Bennett wishes Candido a very happy birthday and best wishes for many more.

http://open.spotify.com/track/5B9bcn6bpoAWbLnyQrlVvw
“Let’s Face The Music and Dance,” as well as the album The Beat of My Heart, is available from iTunes and Amazon.