The song of the day for Tuesday, March 4, 2014 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” for Tony Bennett Sings More Great Rodgers & Hart, released in 1973 on Bennett’s Improv label. Both of the Rodgers and Hart albums use the Ruby Braff / George Barnes Quartet, with Braff on cornet, Barnes and Wayne Wright on guitar, and John Guiffrida on bass. It’s a wonderful sound for these songs. Both of these albums are a complete joy; “Thou Swell” has always been a favorite song of mine and this version is really, really swell.

http://open.spotify.com/track/3QNOMECmFdjw2MeT8AXdKW
“Thou Swell,” as all of the songs in The Complete Improv Recordings, is available from iTunes.