The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Solitude

The song of the day for Thursday, March 7, 2019, is “Solitude.”

About This Song

Written in 1934, Duke Ellington is said to have written “Solitude” in twenty minutes at the recording session, as they were one number short (Ted Gioia in Jazz Standards). It’s a very strong song for both vocalists and instrumentalists. Ellington made over a hundred recordings of this song. Other great recordings include those by Paul Robeson, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Billy Eckstine. The lyrics by Eddie DeLange and Irving Mills were added later.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “Solitude” at his legendary 1962 concert at Carnegie Hall. The album Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall captures this concert beautifully. Ralph Sharon arranged and conducted the entire concert. By the way, I do not use the word legendary lightly.

Solitude – Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY – June 1962

Solitude – Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY – June 1962, a song by Tony Bennett, Ralph Sharon & His Orchestra on Spotify

“Solitude,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Trapped in the Web of Love

The song of the day for Monday, March 4, 2019, is “Trapped in the Web of Love.”

About This Song

“Trapped in the Web of Love” was written in the 1930s by Jeanne Burns. Burns was born in New York City in 1917 and wrote her first Cotton Club number (“Little Town Gal”) when she was only sixteen years old. She wrote numerous songs during the 1930s and 40s. This song has also been recorded by Peggy Lee in 1965 and The Treniers in 1954. Burns was also a vocalist with several bands during the 1930s.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Trapped in the Web of Love” in 1960, with an arrangement by Ralph Sharon. It wasn’t released until 1966 in the album A Time For Love.

Trapped In The Web Of Love – 2011 Remaster

Trapped In The Web Of Love – 2011 Remaster, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“Trapped in the Web of Love,” as well as A Time For Love, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: The Man That Got Away

The song of the day for Saturday, February 23, 2019, is “The Man That Got Away.”

About This Song

“The Man That Got Away” was written by Harold Arlen and Ira Gershwin for Judy Garland in the 1954 version of A Star Is Born, with James Mason. Her performance of the song is legendary in film history, with 27 takes in three days, three separate sessions, and two different directors. The filmed scene is brilliant and made the song a huge hit for Garland, who later sang it in most of her concerts.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Man That Got Away” for his album Tony Sings For Two. This is one of Tony’s finest albums, I think. Bennett and Ralph Sharon booked some time in the Columbia 30th Street Studio and entered with a briefcase full of sheet music. Bennett and Sharon recorded an astounding 16 songs in a single session, many on just one or two takes. For me, this album is a tribute to two incredibly talented musicians who were completely in sync. The session was held on October 28, 1959, but the album wasn’t released until February 1961.

The Man That Got Away – Remastered

The Man That Got Away – Remastered, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“The Man That Got Away,” as well as Tony Sings For Two, is available from iTunes.

About Today

It’s Saturday and that means I have a video. Here’s Judy Garland from A Star Is Born.

The Man That Got Away – A Star Is Born (1954)

Of course this is the original version that was written for Judy by Harold Arlen for the film A Star Is Born in 1954. Judy Garland is 32 years old here.

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Song of the Day: I Guess I’ll Have To Change My Plan

The song of the day for Thursday, February 14, 2019, is “I Guess I’ll Have To Change My Plan.”

About This Song

“I Guess I’ll Have To Change My Plan” was written by Arthur Schwarz and Howard Dietz for the 1929 revue The Little Show and was introduced by Clifton Webb. It was a featured song in the 1953 movie The Band Wagon, where it was sung by Fred Astaire and Oscar Levant. Even though the original title was “I Guess I’ll Have to Change My Plan,” it more often sung with Plans.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded ” I Guess I’ll Have To Change My Plan” in 1959 with the Count Basie Orchestra and features a terrific arrangement by Ralph Sharon. The album Basie/Bennett was originally released on Basie’s Roulette label; this decision was not well-regarded by Mitch Miller and others at Columbia Records. Their second album, In Person!, was released by Columbia.

The two albums that Tony Bennett made with Count Basie in the late 1950s are really remarkable and are among my favorites. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to them, just follow the Spotify link where you can stream the full album. Both are also available on iTunes.

I Guess I’ll Have To Change My Plans – 1990 Remix/Remaster

I Guess I’ll Have To Change My Plans – 1990 Remix/Remaster, a song by Count Basie, Tony Bennett, Tristan Powell on Spotify

“I Guess I’ll Have To Change My Plan,” as well as Basie/Bennett, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Nice Work If You Can Get It

The song of the day for Wednesday, February 13, 2019, is “Nice Work If You Can Get It.”

About This Song

George and Ira Gershwin wrote this song (and eight others) for the 1937 film Damsel In Distress, starring Fred Astaire, who introduced the song. It has been widely recorded by artists including Astaire, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Nice Work If You Can Get It” for his 1993 album Steppin’ Out. Bennett and Ralph Sharon did the arrangement.

Nice Work If You Can Get It

Nice Work If You Can Get It, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“Nice Work If You Can Get It,” as well as Steppin’ Out, is available from iTunes.

About Today

Nice work, indeed. I’m happy to report that after a month off work from illness, I’m reporting to work tomorrow! Let’s raise a glass to good health!