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The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

December 9, 2021 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: I’m Confessing

The song of the day for Friday, December 10, 2021, is “I’m Confessing.”

About This Song

“I’m Confessing (That I Love You)” was written in 1930 by Doc Dougherty, Ellis Reynolds, and Al J. Neiburg. The song had a somewhat odd start. It was first known as “Lookin’ for Another Sweetie,” with lyrics credited to Chris Smith and Sterling Grant, and was recorded by Fats Waller in 1929. Al Neiburg wrote the new lyrics and the song was recast in 1930 with its current title. Louis Armstrong made the first recording of it in 1930, and in spite of many other recordings, it remains strongly identified with Armstrong.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “I’m Confessing” in 2002 for their album A Wonderful World, consisting of songs made famous by Louis Armstrong. Vocal arrangements were by Rob Mathes. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Peter Matz, with musical direction and arrangements by Lee Musiker.

“I’m Confessing,” as well as A Wonderful World is available on Apple Music.

Here is Armstrong’s 1930 recording:

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: A Wonderful World, Al J. Neiburg, Doc Dougherty, Ellis Reynolds, k d lang, Lee Musicker, Louis Armstrong, Peter Matz, Rob Mathes, Tony Bennett

March 13, 2019 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of Day: Undecided Blues

The song of the day for Thursday, March 14, 2019, is “Undecided Blues.”

About This Song

“Undecided Blues” was written in 1941 by blues shouter Jimmy Rushing (also known as Five-by-Five, due to his stature). Rushing was born in Oklahoma City into to a musical family; his father was trumpet player and his mother a singer. He started his career as an itinerant blues singer in the early 1920s. He sang with Jelly Roll Morton and other early jazz orchestras before joining the Bennie Moten band in 1929. When Moten died in 1935, he joined the Count Basie Orchestra, which was his home for many years. Rushing with the Count Basie Orchestra first recorded “Undecided Blues” in 1941.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Undecided Blues” in 2001 for his delightful album Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings the Blues, which features some wonderful duets as well as several solos. “Undecided Blues” is one of my personal favorites from this album and features an arrangement by Rob Mathes.

Undecided Blues

Undecided Blues, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“Undecided Blues,” as well as Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings the Blues, is available from iTunes.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Jimmy Rushing, Playin' With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues, Rob Mathes, Tony Bennett

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