The song of the day for Saturday, April 25, 2015 is “These Foolish Things.”

About This Song

“These Foolish Things” was written in 1936 by Jack Strachey (music) and Eric Maschwitz, writing as Holt Marvell, (lyrics). Although written and first performed in 1936, it was not an immediate hit. In fact, Maschwitz’ agent refused to publish the song and so Maschwitz himself did. There were several fine recordings in the 1930s, including one by Billie Holiday with the Teddy Wilson Orchestra in 1936. In the 1950s, the song became even more popular, with recordings by Artie Shaw, Nat King Cole, Art Pepper and Johnny Hartman. “These Foolish Things” ranks #28 on jazzstandards.org and is still widely played and recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett’s version of “These Foolish Things” is touching and sad, just as this song should always be. Sharon’s piano and the strings arranged by Jorge Calandrelli are perfect. Well, the entire album is pretty much perfect as far as I’m concerned.

“These Foolish Things,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available from iTunes.

About Billie Holiday’s Version

Billie Holiday first recorded “These Foolish Things” (MX B19496-2) on June 30, 1936 with the Teddy Wilson Orchestra. It was released on Brunswick 7699. The musicians on this session were Teddy Wilson (piano), Johnny Hodges (alto sax), Harry Carney (baritone sax), Lawrence Lucie (guitar), John Kirby (bass) and Cozy Cole (drums).

“These Foolish Things,” as well as The Centennial Collection, is available from iTunes.

She recorded the song again on March 26, 1952 (MX YBC69-3), which was released as single on Clef 89002, with “I Only Have Eyes For You” and also on Verve MGC 690. The musicians for this session were Oscar Peterson (piano), Flip Phillips (tenor sax), Charlie Shavers (trumpet), Barney Kessel (guitar), Ray Brown (bass) and Alvin Stoller (drums).

I love both of her recordings and hope you’ll find time to listen to them both.

“These Foolish Things,” as well as The Complete Verve Studio Master Takes, is available from iTunes.

About Today

It’s YouTube Saturday. I’d like to share some more of Billie Holiday’s live television appearance on CBS This Is Jazz from 1957. Here she is singing “Fine and Mellow.”

The song of the day for Wednesday, December 17, 2014 is “These Foolish Things.”

About This Song

Today’s song was written in 1936, with music by Jack Strachey and lyrics by Eric Maschwitz (as Holt Marvell). “These Foolish Things” was not an immediate hit. In fact, Maschwitz’ agent refused to publish the song and so Maschwitz himself did. There were several fine recordings in the 1930s, including one by Billie Holiday with the Teddy Wilson Orchestra and Benny Goodman. In the 1950s, the song became even more popular, with recordings by Artie Shaw, Nat King Cole, Art Pepper and Johnny Hartman. “These Foolish Things” ranks #28 on jazzstandards.com and is still widely played and recorded.

About This Version

This is Tony Bennett’s second recording of “These Foolish Things.” The first was in 1956 for the album Tony. But, I rather like this version from 1997 for Tony Bennett on Holiday, his album of Billie Holiday songs. The strings were arranged by Jorge Calandrelli and features Ralph Sharon on piano. Bobby Tucker, one of Miss Holiday’s pianists, served as a consultant on this very fine album.

“These Foolish Things,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available from iTunes.