The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Spring Is Here

The song of the day for Thursday, June 11, 2014 is “Spring Is Here.”

About This Song

“Spring Is Here” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1938 film “I Married An Angel,” where it was introduced by Dennis King and Vivienne Segal. It’s one of Hart’s saddest lyrics, where the coming of Spring has no meaning, as his love is gone. But rather than a sad, depressing song, with the lovely melody by Rodgers, the song has sweet poignancy.

About This Version

Tony Bennett can belt a song like nobody’s business. This recording is the complete opposite: soft, introspective, thoughtful and yearning. It feels like these words are being said for the very first time. It’s the perfect song for lost love. I love this side of Bennett’s singing.

Spring Is Here

Listen to Spring Is Here on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 2004


“Spring Is Here,” as well as The Complete Improv Recordings, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Spring is Here

The song of the day for Wednesday, March 20,2014 is “Spring Is Here.”

About This Song

“Spring Is Here” was written in 1938 by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the musical I Married An Angel. Reviewer Brooks Atkinson called it “one of the best musical comedies of many seasons, an imaginative improvisation with a fully orchestrated score and an extraordinarily beautiful production. Musical comedy has met its masters.” Certainly this rather sad but beautiful songs is one of their best.

There have been some great recordings of “Spring Is Here,” including those by Ella Fitzgerald, Bill Evans, Anita O’Day, John Coltrane, Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra and Maxine Sullivan.

About This Version

Today’s version of “Spring Is Here” is from Tony Bennett’s wonderful 1964 album When Lights Are Low. At a time when most albums featured full orchestras, Bennett recorded this jazz album with The Ralph Sharon Trio, including Hal Gaylord on bass and Billy Exiner on drums. There’s not a bad song on this album and many fine ones. After you’ve taken a moment to listen to “Spring Is Here,” check out Bob Donough’s terrific “I’ve Got Just About Everything.”

http://open.spotify.com/track/1qW9XVcobbxYHjlAh5Kewp
“Spring Is Here,” as well as The Complete Improv Recordings, is available from iTunes.