The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Blue Moon

The Song of the Day for August 31, 2012 is Blue Moon. Because on August 31, 2012, we will have an actual blue moon, which is the second full moon in a single calendar month. For more about blue moon, see this link at the NASA science site. Apparently, sometimes they are actually blue.

About Blue Moon

Blue Moon was written 1934 by Richard Rodgers (music) and Lorenz Hart (lyrics). It was written while the Rodgers and Hart were under contract to MGM. The tune was written with other lyrics, but never made into a film. It was finally released as a single in 1934, with the lyrics we now know. It was recorded by Mel Torme and Elvis Presley.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded the song for Long Ago and Far Away (1958) and an unreleased live version with Count Basie in the same year. For those of you who have the new Tony Bennett Complete Collection, this cut is included on Rarities, Outtakes and Other Delights, Volume 1. Our version today is from Tony Bennett Sings 10 Rodgers and Hart Songs(1973, Improv label). The contents of Rodgers and Hart albums are currently available on Tony Bennett Sings the Rodgers and Hart Songbook, with the addition of some alternate takes.

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Song of the Day: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered

This afternoon at the office, I set my iPod to shuffle Tony Bennett songs. The first song that popped up was Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered. So, for the Song of The Day for August 25, 2012, we feature another wonderful Rodgers and Hart song.

About Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered

Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered was written for the 1940 musical, Pal Joey. It was introduced on Broadway by Vivienne Segal.  The score of Pal Joey is first-rate, but this song is the runaway hit song from the show (though I Could Write a Book is a close second).  The song has been enormously popular with popular, jazz and cabaret singers from 1940 until today.  In addition to Tony’s recording presented here, significant recordings include Helen Forrest with the Benny Goodman Orchestra, Dori Day, Ella Fitzgerald and, of course, Frank Sinatra, who starred as Joey Evans in the 1957 film.

About This Version

This version of Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered is from the 1961 album Tony Sings For Two.  The album was just Tony with Ralph Sharon. The album is a deep exploration of the Great American Songbook, performed by two masterful musicians at the top of their game.  Tony’s phrasing on this album is impeccable, as exemplified in our Song of the Day.

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Song of the Day: Mountain Greenery

As the Tony Bennett tour performs tonight in Calgary, Canada at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the Song of the Day for August 24, 2012 is Mountain Greenery.

About Mountain Greenery

Mountain Greenery was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1926 review The Garrick Gaieties and was introduced by the actor Sterling Holloway.  Besides Mr. Bennett’s recording, the song is also associated with Bing Crosby and Ella Fitzgerald. Like many Rodgers and Hart songs, it has nimble quality in the sweetness of the love song.

About This Version

Tony recorded this song 1973 for Tony Bennett Sings… More Great Rodgers and Hart for his Improv label.  It’s a sweet and charming arrangement of very nice song and always brings a smile to me.