The song of the day for Monday, July 4, 2016 is “Thou Swell.”
About This Song
“Thou Swell” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1927 musical A Connecticut Yankee, based on the Mark Twain novel A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court. “Thou Swell” is one of more charming songs from the musical, as the lyrics feature a combination of modern and medieval language: “thine eyes are cute too” and “I’d feel so rich in a hut for two.”
About This Version
Tony Bennett recorded “Thou Swell” in 1973 with the Ruby Braff-George Barnes Quartet. It was released in 1977 for Tony Bennett Sings More Great Rodgers & Hart on Bennett’s Improv label.
This song has been a favorite of mine since I can remember and this recording is more than swell.
“Thou Swell,” as well as The Complete Improv Recordings, is available from iTunes.