The song of the day for Thursday, July 3, 2014 is “That Old Black Magic.”

About This Song

“That Old Black Magic” was written in 1942 by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the movie Star Spangled Rhythm. From its first recording in 1942 by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra, the song has been firmly ensconced in the American songbook. Other significant recordings over the years include those by Louis Prima, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and many more.

About This Version

Today’s version is from the recently released Bennett & Brubeck: The White House Sessions, Live 1962 recording of the 1962 concert in Washington, D.C. at the request of the Kennedy Administration as a thank you for the summer’s interns. Brubeck and Bennett each did their own portion of the concert. Towards the end, Bennett joins The Dave Brubeck Trio for a few completely improvised songs, including this one. Along with Brubeck was Joe Morello on drums and Eugene Wright on bass. Pure magic, indeed.

http://open.spotify.com/track/0NTxPntOPk44Boyl985eAV
“That Old Black Magic,” as well as Bennett & Brubeck: The White House Sessions, Live 1962, is available from iTunes.