Category: Jazz

The Great American Songbook Countdown: #2 – Summertime

MilesDavisSilhouette[1]I’ve blogged about my love of Porgy and Bess before, so it should come as no surprise that one of George and Ira Gershwin’s tunes from the opera would make the countdown. I read somewhere that “Summertime” is the most covered song ever; artists from Janis Joplin to John Coltrane to Al Green to Ella Fitzgerald to The Roots have recorded this aria. The appeal of the song is evident on it’s first listen – it’s just a great song to sing and play.

Of the many versions in my collection, Miles Davis’ recording will always stand as my favorite. This version, arranged by Gil Evans, has become the de facto standard. (Note: Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong also have a nice recording, but this is one time where I think the classy Fitzgerald sounds out of place -though Satchmo fits right it).

Miles Davis – Summertime

The Great American Songbook Countdown – #3: My Funny Valentine

ellafitzgerald[1]I first heard Rogers & Hart’s “My Funny Valentine” on Rachelle Ferrell’s First Instrument. Right away, I fell in love with song. The words are so elegant: My funny valentine, Sweet comic valentine, You make me smile with my heart.

There are hundreds of versions of this song; notable covers include Chaka Khan’s take (her smoky voice really works), Melinda Doolittle’s American Idol performance, and Cyrus Chestnut’s version (with Anita Baker on vocals). Still, I don’t think anyone sings this as well as Ella Fitzgerald; the lyrics sound so regal coming from her. I guess there’s a reason she’s called the First Lady of Song.

Ella Fitzgerald – My Funny Valentine

The Great American Songbook Countdown – #4: My Favorite Things

coltrane_john[1]Rodgers & Hammerstein wrote “My Favorite Things” for the Sound of Music. While Julie Andrews’ version is well known, I would argue that Coltrane’s 1961 cut is just as, if not more, well-known and significant. Released on Coltrane’s same-named album, “My Favorite Things” continues the modal exploration from Coltrane’s work on Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue. In addition to the modal rendition, “My Favorite Things” is also notable for introducing us to Coltrane’s work on the soprano saxophone. His solo, along with McCoy Tyner’s piano work, is a work of art.

John Coltrane – My Favorite Things

The Great American Songbook Countdown – #6: Lush Life

coltrane+hartman[1]I was browsing Barnes and Nobles sometime during the summer of 1997 when I came across the simply-titled John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman album. I knew this was an LP that I had to own after hearing the duo cover Bill Strayhorn’s “Lush Life”1. I still get goosebumps listening to it. No other version (not even Trane’s solo take) can compare to this recording. Their take is, simply put, the definitive recording of this classic.

John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman – Lush Life

 

The Great American Songbook Countdown – #7: Good Morning Heartache

billie-holiday[1]I first heard “Good Morning Heartache” in 1993 (on Terence Blanchard’s previously mentioned Billie Holiday Songbook); I didn’t fall for the song until 1995, when I purchased Billie Holiday’s Complete Decca Recordings. The song is mesmerizing. Billie sings each verse as if she’s lived the lyrics1.

Good morning, heartache, you ole gloomy sight
Good morning, heartache, thought we’d said goodbye last night
I turned and tossed until it seemed you had gone
But here you are with the dawn
Wish I’d forget you
but you’re here to stay
It seems I met you
When my love went away
Now everyday I start by saying to you
Good morning, heartache, what’s new?

Jill Scott does a decent turn on the song, but nothing beats Billie. Enjoy!

Billie Holiday – Good Morning Heartache