The song of the day for Tuesday, November 19, 2013 is “I Remember You.”

About This Song

“I Remember You” was written in 1941, with music by Victor Schertzinger and lyrics by Johnny Mercer. It was written for the 1942 movie The Fleet’s In, where it was introduced by Dorothy Lamour, singing with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. The song is a jazz standard (), with many fine recordings, including those by Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Krall, Doris Day and Chet Baker. A country-yodeling version was also recorded by Slim Whitman.

About This Version

The Year of Tony Bennett enjoyed yesterday’s tributes to Johnny Mercer so much that we felt compelled to choose another song from the great lyricist.

Today’s song is from Tony Bennett’s 2004 album The Art of Romance. This album has a special place in my heart; it was this album that took me from being a fan of Bennett’s music to wanting to explore more deeply the work by America’s greatest singer. I was most struck by the thoughtful and perfect arc in the selection and order of the songs he chose for this album. I listened not just to song or two, but always to the entire album. Even now, nearly ten years later, when I listen to The Art Of Romance, I am swept up in this remarkable chronicle about all of the aspects of romance, from the first inklings to its inevitable resolution. It never fails to move me, even after listening to the album dozens of times.

This album also includes Tony Bennett’s song, “All For You,” for which he wrote the lyrics to music by Django Reinhardt.

“I Remember You” was arranged and conducted by Johnny Mandel, who also wrote three of the songs on the album. In addition to the orchestra, Bennett’s quartet included Lee Musiker on piano, Paul Langosch on bass, Clayton Cameron on drums and Gray Sargent on guitar. The album was produced by Phil Ramone. The album is impeccably made; every detail is just so.

http://open.spotify.com/track/3osJ7xPsn1UhfRVDcHN7zf
“I Remember You,” as well as the album The Art of Romance, is available from iTunes and Amazon.