The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Caravan

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 12, 2016 is “Caravan.”

About This Song

Duke Ellington and Juan Tirol wrote “Caravan” in 1936, with lyrics by Irving Mills. Caravan is one of the most popular Duke Ellington songs and has been recorded steadily over the years. In Jazz Standards, Al Gioia attributes its popularity as a jazz song due to “the composition’s adaptability to a modernistic, modal-based approach.”

About This Version

Today’s recording is from 1962 and was almost lost forever. It’s from Tony Bennett’s album On The Glory Road, which was due to be released in 1962 but was pulled at the last moment. Thankfully, the album was released in the 2011 Complete Collection boxed set and is now also available on iTunes. “Caravan” was arranged and conducted by Ralph Sharon and features percussion by Chico Hamilton.

Caravan

Tony Bennett · On The Glory Road · Song · 1962


“Caravan,” as well as On The Glory Road, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Caravan

The song of the day for Sunday, November 24, 2013 is “Caravan.”

About This Song

“Caravan” was written in 1936 by Duke Ellington and Juan Tizol, with lyrics by Irving Mills. The song is often performed as an instrumental, which was the original intent (as is with many Ellington songs). “Caravan” was a standard for the Ellington orchestras over the years. It has strong place in the jazz repertoire (ranking #17 at jazzstandards.com). In addition to many fine recordings of this song by Duke Ellington, “Caravan” was recorded by several bands in the 1930s, including Bunny Berigan and Benny Goodman.

About This Version

Today’s version of “Caravan” is from Tony Bennett’s unreleased album On the Glory Road. It was recorded in March, 1962 and was arranged and conducted by Ralph Sharon. This album featured Chico Hamilton on drums. Bennett recorded this song again in 1999 for Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool.

http://open.spotify.com/track/2sfK1ILOd5gMjk9jHqFLOx
“Caravan,” as well as the previously unreleased album On The Glory Road, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Caravan

The song of the day for Sunday, July 28, 2013 is “Caravan.”

About This Song

“Caravan” was written by Juan Tizol and Duke Ellington in 1936, with lyrics provided by Irving Mills. This song remained a favorite of Ellington’s throughout his career and was frequently performed. He left over one hundred different recordings of “Caravan,” including one made shortly before his death in 1974.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Caravan” for the album On the Glory Road in 1962, the release of which was canceled at the last minute. Fortunately, this album was released as part of the 2011 Complete Collection and now is available on iTunes as well. “Caravan” was arranged and conducted by Ralph Sharon.

http://open.spotify.com/track/2sfK1ILOd5gMjk9jHqFLOx
“Caravan,” as well the album On The Glory Road, is available from iTunes.

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