here is where i blong
b l o n gtm
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all songs and music for demonstration only
10.14.11 Mam'selle
1947 - Goulding/Gordon
Funny how as we grow older, our lives continue to expand. At 38, I have a family, work, house, car payments, etc; however, I still find myself revisiting all the moments that brought me here. To think that not even ten years ago I had nothing but a budding relationship, and that was more than enough; in fact, it was miraculous (and still is). So it's not surprising that in the middle of a 1.5-hour rainy commute, I frequent the sunny Arizona days when Aljith and I fell in love. Hours spent just gazing at her in sidewalk cafes..some of my favorite memories.
I ran across this song a few years ago as covered by Frank Sinatra. Such an intimate and tenuous tune; it seemed to me to capture that time between leaving family and starting family, when everything is young and beautiful and full of possibility.
It's been described as "bittersweet"; I suppose so, if you're trying to hold on too hard to a moment. Then again, it might last.
8.10.11 It Was a Very Good Year
1961 - Ervin Drake
Originally written for Bob Shane of the Kingston Trio, made famous by Frank Sinatra. Frank's D minor version won him a Grammy for Best Male Vocal Performance in 1966, and Gordan Jenkins was given the Grammy for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist. Though the song is all about the girls the singer encountered along the way through life, it's the melancholy arrangement that gets me. If you're a Soprano's fan, you heard it at the beginning of Season Two.
I've heard of younger singers than me attempting this, and even at my age, I admit it's a conceit to try and pull this off - but the arrangement is just so good..disclaimer here, no special personal reflection in the lyrics; just a vintage tune. Cheers.
7.29.11 The Girl from Ipanema
1962 - Antonio Carlos Jobim
Originally written by Brazil's genius, Antonio Carlos Jobim in 1962, this song went on to be a world-wide hit and won the Grammy Record of the Year in 1965. I was surprised to learn that there actually is a girl from Ipanema (thanks, Internet!). There is a wealth on this song at Wikepedia; l use Frank's arrangement here..enjoy.
7.22.11 Baubles, Bangles and Beads
1953- Robert Wright/George Forrest
About two years ago, I found myself searching for all music bossa nova; didn't matter the singer - I just wanted to know the canon of song. It was Frank Sinatra's version that caught my attention, and I remember listening to it over and over for about an hour. I couldn't wrap my mind around the melody; it just sort of floated over this spare, cool cloud of rhythm, bass and flute. It took me a week just to be able to reproduce it.
The song actually came from the musical, Kismet, and was recorded by Peggy Lee, Sinatra and Lu Ann Simms in 1954.
Cool, cool arrangement (Frank's). Probably perfect for a 102-degree week. Enjoy.
7.7.11 La Vie en Rose (live at the IceHouse)
1946 - Edith Piaf/Louis Gugliemi
Live performance is iffy at best, and I've learned you have to be prepared for just about anything. Some of you who saw me perform at the Manassas Merry Old Town in December, 2010 may have remembered, among other things, the moment I was mic-jacked by an audience member. I was just about to sing "I'll be Home for Christmas" to an enthusiastic crowd of about a thousand (much of the town shows up for this), when a beaming small woman I'd never seen before stepped up to me out of the crowd, leaned into the mic and began speaking.
"I just want everybody to know that this is my favorite song," she started, "and I'd like to dedicate it to my friend, Amy..Amy? Where are you?"
This went on for a minute (who was she?) until a young girl sheepishly stepped forward, and then the woman continued, "..and I think I'd like to sing it myself, if that's OK."
By this time, I was looking for the big hook from stage left to come out and pull her away, but no one organizing the event budged. A familiar feeling crept in; it was the feeling I felt immediately after exiting a C-130 aircraft with a deployed parachute in the middle of the night. I was on my own. I decided to take my life back, pulling said microphone to me. "Actually, I think I'll sing it if that's OK."
While I'm sure someone was filming that night, I've never seen the footage, and I've often imagined the expression on my face during those long, confusing moments (somewhere between bewilderment and rage).
I had the opportunity to briefly relive that feeling again this past Saturday night, only with a completely unexpected and delightful outcome. I was performing with Swinglab to a warm crowd. Beautiful night. The table directly in front of the stage was a charming couple who I could tell was loving the music. I'd asked them if they were in love - they said they'd been married for a year, so I dedicated
"La Vie en Rose" (a first for the band to perform together) to them. I sang the first verse in English, and what happened afterwards - well, the camera doesn't lie. Suffice it to say, it was the highlight of the evening.
(watch my face at :19)
Merci, John!
6.24.11 Night and Day
1932- Cole Porter
Legend has it that Cole Porter, while on a trip to Morocco, was inspired to write this tune after hearing the Islamic call to prayer. Not entirely believable, as this song has always stood out among his others as as little more exotic-sounding. Fred Astaire first recorded it in 1934 film version of the musical, The Gay Divorce, entitled, The Gay Divorcee (you have to love these by-gone titles).
It's gone on to be covered by a list of artists, including Frank Sinatra, Etta James, U2, Jamie Cullum, Sondre Lerche, Ella Fitzgerald, Dion Warwick, and a host of others.
Have to admit, my favorite lyric is at the end: "..and this torment won't be through, till you let me spend my life making love to you, day and night, night and day." Again, there is no old music, only good music (because it sticks around). Oh, and I added the trumpet in the break. Enjoy.
6.16.11 Put Your Head on My Shoulder
1959- Paul Anka
I remember growing up as a kid in the 80's and seeing the frequent TV commercial for the Oldies Collection (working title); you know - the Time/Life record set that included all the boomers' favorites from the 50's and 60's. Among the doo-wop tracks touted in those ads was this tune by Paul Anka - a song I'm pretty sure could've been in Back to the Future were it released just a few years earlier.
Paul Anka, who wrote and performed it on TV as a late teen, delivered it with a bravado and confidence that you rarely see anymore (especially on the vocal competition shows).
Interestingly, it was covered by Latin vocalist Enrique Guzman in the 60's, and, according to Wikipedia, it became just as popular, if not more, than the original.
In 2003, Michael Buble dusted it off with a new arrangement in his self-titled debut album breathed new life into it (much like Harry Connick, Jr. did about 15 years earlier with songs from the 40's).
I use Buble's track here. Enjoy, boomers and all..
6.9.11 Pick Yourself up
1936- Jerome Kern/Dorthy Fields
You have to like the plucky song. Regardless of the cultural revolution of the 60's, which changed popular music forever, the light-hearted ditty (delivered honestly) still gets to us on some level. This little tune was born out of the musical, Swingtime, by Jerome Kern back in 1936. It's been covered a few times, including the Muppet Show, and President Obama, in his inaugural speech in 2009 borrowed the lyrics, declaring "Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin again the work of remaking America." As it turns out, that speechwriter was only 27 at the time. I'm guessing he's a fan of Diana Krall, who last covered this one in 1999 and whose version I borrowed for today..enjoy.
5.20.11 It's You
2011 - Jason Paul Curtis
I'm not a dedicated instrumentalist, and I wish I'd taken piano lessons more seriously as a kid, but advances in software have enabled lazies like me to compose from the laptop. To that end, I've been toiling on an original tune I (and my kids) have come to like. It was done with Harmony Assistant and Audacity software with a USB mic to capture the voice.
The melodic inspiration came from the first line of the theme song from a 70's TV show (I'll let you guess), and the lyrics were inspired by thoughts about my lovely wife, Aljith.
As it's still in production, I'll post a clip today. Hope you like.
Copyright 2011 - Jason Paul Curtis
5.13.11 Our Love is Here to Stay
1938 - George Gerwshin
Gibralter may crumble..
5.6.11 The Very Thought..
1934 - Ray Noble
Over a year into this blong, and I'm finding myself going back to re-cover some titles as I find interesting arrangements. "The Very Thought of You" was penned, lyrics and music, by Ray Noble back in 1934 and was consistently covered almost every decade afterwards by a handful of artists: Bing Crosby, Vaughn Monroe, Doris Day, Little Willie John (blues version), Nat King Cole, Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney, Tony Bennett, Rod Stewart, Frank Sinatra, Chris Botti and even Brent Spiner (Data!) of Star Trek, The Next Generation, who included it in his tribute album, Old Yellow Eyes is Back.
It's endured as a show favorite; the version I use for today's recording is from one made by Johnny Hartman. I even took a stab at the trumpet solo (thanks, Aljith for the new mute)..
4.28.11 You'll Never Find..
1976 - Kenny Gamble/Leon Huff
Leave it to contemporary artists to keep great songs in the spotlight. Lou Rawls broke through with this song in 1976, featured on his debut album, All Things in Time. M. Buble's producers came up with a nice bossa feel for this version on his own debut album in 2005, and I think it was a great choice; in fact, I use this version to open most of my summer gigs - it tends to get everyone in the mood.
Special thanks to my wife, Aljith, for taking some new pictures over the weekend.
4.15.11 La Vie en Rose
1946 - Edith Piaf/Louis Gugliemi
At first predicted not to be successful, this went on to be Edith Piaf's signature song. English lyrics by Mack David.
4.7.11 You're Something
Yes, I posted this one last June, but I never gave it a write-up. Oddly, the only thing I've discovered about this song is that the words are by Steve Allen - who wrote the music?
Odette is two today - can't believe it! Cute as can be..this one's for you, lil chicken..
3.31.11 Gira Con Me
Foster/Quarantotto
As a young music major, I spent hours upon hours in college studying Italian diction in order to sing my arias correctly. Fortunately for me and (and the rest of the world), my efforts got as far as the practice room. It wasn't that I didn't like the challenge - I did - it was the fact that I wasn't understanding what I was singing. This was drilled into me by all my voice teachers, and while I appreciated that, it wasn't until I was older and started making lingual connections between Latin-based roots and Italian/Spanish that I began to appreciate the language.
By 2003, I was in the Army and had given up on performance for a while. That was around the time Josh Groban released his first album; in fact, my wife had it when I returned from Iraq in May of 2003. His unique stylings notwithstanding, listening to it felt familiar, like when Harry Connick picked up and dusted off the American Songbook back in 1989 and produced his first few albums. David Foster's arrangements helped, too, to bring a new angle on the romantic language for American ears.
Anyway, I've performed "Gira Con Me" (Wander with Me) quite a few times over the last two years, and it's always been a crowd favorite. I love the arrangement; here's the translation of the words by Lucio Quarantotto:
The world wanders with me tonight
Little steps I take with you
I follow your heart and I follow the moon
So hidden far away from me
The world wanders with us tonight
Ahhh if only far away from here existed
A place where to discover my heart
To know if it can love you or not
And it will wander and it will wander
This heart of mine along with you
And the earth will wander
My life will wander and yes yes one day it will understand
It's you who wanders with me tonight
It's you who wanders far from here
But yes I know that you are my moon
Something you show, something you don't
There are blue roads in the sky
There are eyes, and the sky is already there
Yes, I think this is the stars
Ahh, if I could stop like this
And it will wander, and it will wander
My heart far from you
And the earth will wander
My life will wander and one day yes, yes it will understand
Heart already far away
Yes you are the moon
If only i could discover it in the sky
And it will wander, and it will wander
Yes it will wander this heart of mine
And the earth will wander, my life will wander
And one day yes it will understand
And one day yes it will understand you
PS. Roland Burks, if you're listening, please forgive the diction..
3.24.11 The Turtle Song
Brought to you by Jaron Hangad Curtis on his fifth birthday (recording when he was three). Happy birthday, Mister! Love, Daddo, Mommy, Bella and Odette..
The Turtle Song, Jaron, 3
Old MacDonald, Jaron, 3
3.18.11 We are in Love
1990/Connick, Jr.
It's been a year since I started this project with the goal of recording a song a week - that's 52 songs since this March 15 of last year. That's about 30 shy of songs in Glee-Season Two. I conceived the idea while during rehearsal with the Manassas Ballet Theater (I sang five Sinatra songs) at a local middle school auditorium; this year, we're reprising it at the new Hylton Performing Arts Center (at George Mason University in Manassas) which opened last May, and the place is beautiful.
Why the blong, you ask? I suppose it's a way of performing without being onstage; grows a fanbase, keeps me entertained without taking time away from the family. It's also been a way to track which songs you like (I check the stats) and what style works here. I attempted a real blog format a few months ago, but there was little response (you had to sign in to comment), so I'm content with keeping comments on FB.
Yes, there is a plan to cut my OWN CD with my most of my own songs in the future. That has been coming together slowly as connections are made. Until then, you know where I am.
I'll round out Year One with one of my favorites from Harry Connick, Jr.'s title track of his 1990 album, We are in Love.
Thanks, Jason.
3.10.11 As Time Goes By
1931/Herman Hupfeld
When I think of a time-worn song, I have to admit, this one comes to mind. I do a lot of old songs on this blong, but this one I can't seem to separate from the movie, and for good reason.
"As Time Goes By" was written in 1931 by Herman Hupfeld for the Broadway musical, Everybody's Welcome, but it's most famously known from the 1942 movie, Casablanca (sung by Dooley Wilson). In that version, the opening words, "You must remember this.." were actually the chorus of the original song; the first part of the verse was omitted, as often happened for adaptations back then.
Here is what was cut out:
This day and age we're living in
Gives cause for apprehension
With speed and new invention
And things like fourth dimension.
3.3.11 Kissing a Fool
1988/George Michael
I remember first hearing this song as a freshman in high school - was a George Michael fan at the time - and I remember thinking how it sounded like it had sort of always been around, like a standard. I guess he meant it that way with the jazz arrangement and reverbed vocals. Word is he wrote it from the heart; he was more down on himself than the person who dumped him.
Michael Buble came along in 2005 and covered it on his first album, It's Time. I really think George captured the woefulness of a person scorned in the original, but Buble's is such a nice arrangement, I thought it was time to cover it again.
Here's to all you dumpees, wherever you are.
2.25.11 True
1983/Spandau Ballet/arr by Paul Anka
2.17.11 Sin
The eighties saw a proliferation of a myriad of distinct western musical genres - country, stadium rock, rap, heavy metal, new wave, punk, etc. The Pet Shop Boys led a wave of British club music that practically drives and sustains some Sirius XM stations nowadays. "It's a Sin" was released as from their "Actually" album and stayed on top of the UK charts for three weeks. This tune ranked among their other number-one hits - "Always on my Mind", "West End Girls", "Heart" as well as "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)".
In 2005, Paul Anka (of "You're Having my Baby" and "Put your Head on My Shoulder") fame picked this one up, dusted it off and reworked it into this cool bossa nova arrangement. First time I heard it, I couldn't believe it was the same song; he lifted lyrics born in the London clubs and rebirthed them into a neoclassic sound. Not sure how Niel Tennant and Chris Lowe liked this version, but I think it Actually kind of works.
2.3.11 the coffee song
1946/Bob Hilliard/Dick Miles
To be honest, I thought I was a Sinatra fan because I could sing along with the lyrics of some of his big hits ("It Had to be You," "New York, New York," "Lady is a Tramp", etc) - then I did a little interweb research and found that the man recorded over 900 songs in his lifetime. If you've been following the blong since last March, you know I cover all sorts of artists here, but if the song was around in his time, it's a good bet he covered it. "It's Frank's world; we just live in it" was Dean Martin's famous philosophy.
So when my friend Joe Bell handed me "Frank Sinatra, the Columbia Years" about two years ago, I discovered this gem, and it's since become a crowd favorite. It's been called a novelty song by some as it attempts to paint Brazil as a country piled with coffee beans and laws about coffee, but it's just really a lot of fun. This arrangement is particularly gonzo, with a little more caffeine than the original that debuted in 1946. And yes, I realize I have this already posted to on the Songs page; however, I re-recorded it this week to include some previously left-out lyrics about the Brazilian coffee perfume industry.
Pour yourself a cup and enjoy..
1.27.11 hello
1984/Lionel Richie
I always like to hear about singers coming out of retirement (or sabbatical); witness Michael Bolton as of late as well as Lionel Richie (new tour at age 60).
This particular tune, a number one hit on the adult contemporary charts for six straight weeks in '84, has always been a slow-dance favorite. In fact, Lionel's stated that many shy men have thanked him for this song as it set the mood for them to ask their respective ladies to marry them.
Paul Anka covered this back in 2005 on his Rock Swings album (a record packed with creative arrangements, including Bon Jovi's "It's My Life" and SoundGarden's "Black-Holed Sun").
I like Paul's arrangement particularly because of its film noir feel.
1.20.11 That's Life
1966/Gordon/Warren
Released in 1966 on the album of the same name, I can't help but picture Frank showing his teeth a little on this song. This one makes me think of my days as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne. And yes, I unabashedly channel him on this one..why not? Great tune.
1.14.11 At Last
1941/Gordon/Warren
I never knew her name until later in life, I knew her signature song. It was written in 1941 by Mack Gordon and Henry Warren for the musical, Orchestra Wives and covered by Etta James in 1961. In 1999, her version was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Since '61, it's been covered by countless artist (mostly female, although the song is gender-agnostic), including Nat King Cole, Doris Day, Stevie Nicks, Michael Bolton, Cyndi Lauper, Eva Cassidy, Aretha Franklin, Michael Feinstein, Wynonna Judd, Raul Malo, and Stevie Wonder just to name a few.
It didn't occur to me to sing this one until it was recently requested of me for a spring wedding. Like most (I assume), I knew two words of the song - "At Last" - so upon going through the lyrics, I was surprised to find out how beautiful they are. "My heart was wrapped up in clover" just gets me; where did that come from?
Needless to say, it's a First Dance favorite for weddings the world abroad, and for good reason. 50 years this year, as a matter of fact. Thanks, Etta!
1.5.11 New York
1977/Kander and Ebb
It seems like it's always been around, but Sinatra didn't record his most famous tune until 1979 for his album, Trilogy: Past, Present and Future. It originally appeared in Martin Scorsese's 1977 movie, New York, New York, starring Robert De Niro and Liza Minelli. From Wikipedia:
"The lyrics of the Sinatra versions differ slightly from Ebb's original lyrics. Notably, the phrase "A-number-one," which does not appear at all in the original lyrics, is sung twice at the song's climax. (Ebb has said he "didn't even like" Sinatra's use of "A-number-one"). The phrase is both the first and fourth on a list of four superlative titles the singer strives to achieve — "A-number-one, top of the list, king of the hill, A-number-one" — where Ebb's original lyrics (performed by Minnelli) were "king of the hill, head of the list, cream of the crop, at the top of the heap." "
Either way you sing it, after last week's SnowPocalypse, I think the town could use a little cheering..happy new year.
12.09.10 wonderland
1934/Felix Bernard, Richard B. Smith
19 degrees. Might as well be positive about it.
12.06.10 merriment
1944/Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane
From now on we'll have to muddle through somehow.
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now"
(good thing Hugh wrote a second draft)
12.02.10 snow
1945/music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Sammy Cahn
Written on one of the hottest days on record in Hollywood back in 1945, "Let it Snow" falls into that "Christmas Love Song" category - except that it doesn't mention Christmas once (neither does "Winter Wonderland", "Sleigh Ride" or "Jingle Bells"). Too bad we only hear it one month out of the year. I found Lena Horne's version to be my favorite.
11.23.10 guess, who
1966, lyrics by Dr. Suess/music by Albert Hague
At first listen to this song (which is already getting its share of annual airplay on the local D.C. stations), a Star-Wars-era adult might think the singer was James Earl Jones. My wife and I did. In fact, the original singer was Thurl Ravenscroft, best known for the voice of Tony the Tiger.
I have to admit, as funny as the words are, I always felt a little sympathy for the Grinch as the whole song is basically a character attack, but it makes it that much better when his heart grows at the end of the show.
For this tune, I initially tried it in the "regular" voice, but it just didn't do the song any justice. It just sounded like Grinch Tesh. So I went for the Thurl (the James Earl), and my kids were happy with that. Happy Thanksgiving.
11.18.10 ..to my head
1938, Coots/Gillespie
When I first heard Diana Krall's version of this song, I thought it was one she wrote. I guess it's a function of the sophistication of the lyrics and chords (especially the one after "..to my head" - listen for that) that keeps this tune holding up so well; that, and her ability to personalize it so convincingly. It's been recorded by over 35 different artists since its writing, including Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Chet Baker, Rufus Wainwright and Dizzy Gillespie For here, I used Johnny Mathis's version.
Pour yourself a glass and kick back.
11.12.10 in the still of the night
1937, Cole Porter
The early nineties saw the rise of Boyz 2 Men, and one of their songs was "In the Still of the Night", a cover from the 1956 Five Satins hit. As much as I'm a fan of Cole Porter, that could've been the reason why I overlooked his version for so long (same name). It has some longing to it for sure; this arrangement is updated somewhat, but you can still sense that defining Porter sound in the chorus. I've experimented with a little low-tech Windows Movie Makery for this one.
11.03.10 all or nothing at all
1939, Arthur Altman
In a 1944 interview, Sinatra said:
"That was the song, a few days after Harry James and myself recorded it, that gave us our walking papers out of the old Victor Hugo Cafe (a major entertainment venue of the 1930s) on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood. The manager came up and waved his hands for us to stop. He said Harry's trumpet playing was too loud for the joint and my singing was just plain lousy and fired Harry, me and the entire band on the spot. He said the two of us couldn't draw flies as an attraction, and I guess he was right - the room was as empty as a barn. It's a funny thing about that song. The recording we made of it 5 years ago is now one of the top spots among the best sellers. But it's the same old recording. It's also the song I auditioned with for Tommy Dorsey, who signed me on the strength of it. And now it's my first big record."
Still a great tune. I used his (my favorite) arrangement. Enjoy.
10.28.10 the most beautiful girl
1935, Rogers and Hart
At the behest of my standing with most of my male friends, I have to admit, I like me some musical theater. I mean, really, who doesn't enjoy watching the protagonist trying to describe (whatever) and just break into song? Even the Family Guy creator Seth McFarland is set to release his own big band album complete with a few songs pulled from the stage.
If you've followed this blong, then you know I've referenced quite a few crossover tunes that were pulled from musicals (Mack the Knife, Some Enchanted Evening). Here's a little nugget I found from the "Jumbo", a Rogers and Hart show from 1935. I happened upon it while sifting through the vast bank of Sinatra recordings on YouTube. His version, which was on a televised special, is a snappy big band arrangement. Not sure how the arrangement (or even the lyrics - reference "Garbo", "brandy" and "my slippers") stands up to today's audiences, but hey, Frank could've sung his tax forms and people would've paid to hear it. So for better or for worse, here's The Most Beautiful Girl in the World sung by the Chairman of the Board followed by the Owner of the Website.
10.21.10 moondance
Van Morrison
Can't say when I first heard this tune, but it couldn't have been until I was four years old; although Van Morrison recorded it first in 1969, he didn't release it until 1977. Not surprisingly, it's been his most-requested song. Perfect time to pull it out, since we're in the thick of October..
Anyway, it's taken me over a year-and-a-half to get this recording halfway presentable; this tune is hard to pull off. I'm using the MB swing version here as I really like the stand-out bass line in the first verse (plus it fits with the website color scheme). Enjoy and be kind.
10.14.10 Piratizer
Music by Finger Eleven, words JPC
Such a good time for technology and music right now. Witness the creative (neutrally stated) efforts of music mash-ups on You-Tube, podcasts, 1M-hit wonders from the basement with the laptop and it's apparent that more people have more tools to make (and share) music than ever before in our recent history. I include myself in this revolution; only recently did individually-downloadable tracks and USB mics make it possible to record off the laptop so easily.
Take Finger Eleven's song," Paralyzer". When the car radio plays it, my son, Jaron goes crazy - loves it. It's like a mosh pit in a car seat. Great beat, not-so-appropriate lyrics for a four-year-old. So I started thinking about mashing up his love of piracy and "Paralyzer." Could it be done? Yes. Silly? Definitely. You be the judge; but Captain Jaron Danger likes it all the same.
10.8.10 The Knife
Kurt Weill, Bertolt Brecht
I knew that sooner or later I'd get around to doing this song. We've all heard some version of it; likely Bobby Darin's or, if you were a child of the 80's, McDonald's incomparable "MacTonight". The song was premiered in the German "ThreePenny Opera by Weill and Brecht back in 1928. It's morbid but..fun! The English translation was originally tamped down from the original German, and there have been attempts in the past decades to append/revise the "standard" lyrics we all know and love to maintain the original dark intent. Interestingly enough, the "Lotte Lenya" referred to in the Louis Armstrong version was thrown in by Louis as a reference to Kurt Weill's widow. Again, dark..but fun! I broke down and used MB's arrangement for this, as I really like the comp guitar style in the intro.
Archive
10.14.11 Mam'selle
1947 - Goulding/Gordon
Funny how as we grow older, our lives continue to expand. At 38, I have a family, work, house, car payments, etc; however, I still find myself revisiting all the moments that brought me here. To think that not even ten years ago I had nothing but a budding relationship, and that was more than enough; in fact, it was miraculous (and still is). So it's not surprising that in the middle of a 1.5-hour rainy commute, I frequent the sunny Arizona days when Aljith and I fell in love. Hours spent just gazing at her in sidewalk cafes..some of my favorite memories.
I ran across this song a few years ago as covered by Frank Sinatra. Such an intimate and tenuous tune; it seemed to me to capture that time between leaving family and starting family, when everything is young and beautiful and full of possibility.
It's been described as "bittersweet"; I suppose so, if you're trying to hold on too hard to a moment. Then again, it might last.
8.10.11 It Was a Very Good Year
1961 - Ervin Drake
Originally written for Bob Shane of the Kingston Trio, made famous by Frank Sinatra. Frank's D minor version won him a Grammy for Best Male Vocal Performance in 1966, and Gordan Jenkins was given the Grammy for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist. Though the song is all about the girls the singer encountered along the way through life, it's the melancholy arrangement that gets me. If you're a Soprano's fan, you heard it at the beginning of Season Two.
I've heard of younger singers than me attempting this, and even at my age, I admit it's a conceit to try and pull this off - but the arrangement is just so good..disclaimer here, no special personal reflection in the lyrics; just a vintage tune. Cheers.
7.29.11 The Girl from Ipanema
1962 - Antonio Carlos Jobim
Originally written by Brazil's genius, Antonio Carlos Jobim in 1962, this song went on to be a world-wide hit and won the Grammy Record of the Year in 1965. I was surprised to learn that there actually is a girl from Ipanema (thanks, Internet!). There is a wealth on this song at Wikepedia; l use Frank's arrangement here..enjoy.
7.22.11 Baubles, Bangles and Beads
1953- Robert Wright/George Forrest
About two years ago, I found myself searching for all music bossa nova; didn't matter the singer - I just wanted to know the canon of song. It was Frank Sinatra's version that caught my attention, and I remember listening to it over and over for about an hour. I couldn't wrap my mind around the melody; it just sort of floated over this spare, cool cloud of rhythm, bass and flute. It took me a week just to be able to reproduce it.
The song actually came from the musical, Kismet, and was recorded by Peggy Lee, Sinatra and Lu Ann Simms in 1954.
Cool, cool arrangement (Frank's). Probably perfect for a 102-degree week. Enjoy.
7.7.11 La Vie en Rose (live at the IceHouse)
1946 - Edith Piaf/Louis Gugliemi
Live performance is iffy at best, and I've learned you have to be prepared for just about anything. Some of you who saw me perform at the Manassas Merry Old Town in December, 2010 may have remembered, among other things, the moment I was mic-jacked by an audience member. I was just about to sing "I'll be Home for Christmas" to an enthusiastic crowd of about a thousand (much of the town shows up for this), when a beaming small woman I'd never seen before stepped up to me out of the crowd, leaned into the mic and began speaking.
"I just want everybody to know that this is my favorite song," she started, "and I'd like to dedicate it to my friend, Amy..Amy? Where are you?"
This went on for a minute (who was she?) until a young girl sheepishly stepped forward, and then the woman continued, "..and I think I'd like to sing it myself, if that's OK."
By this time, I was looking for the big hook from stage left to come out and pull her away, but no one organizing the event budged. A familiar feeling crept in; it was the feeling I felt immediately after exiting a C-130 aircraft with a deployed parachute in the middle of the night. I was on my own. I decided to take my life back, pulling said microphone to me. "Actually, I think I'll sing it if that's OK."
While I'm sure someone was filming that night, I've never seen the footage, and I've often imagined the expression on my face during those long, confusing moments (somewhere between bewilderment and rage).
I had the opportunity to briefly relive that feeling again this past Saturday night, only with a completely unexpected and delightful outcome. I was performing with Swinglab to a warm crowd. Beautiful night. The table directly in front of the stage was a charming couple who I could tell was loving the music. I'd asked them if they were in love - they said they'd been married for a year, so I dedicated
"La Vie en Rose" (a first for the band to perform together) to them. I sang the first verse in English, and what happened afterwards - well, the camera doesn't lie. Suffice it to say, it was the highlight of the evening.
(watch my face at :19)
Merci, John!
6.24.11 Night and Day
1932- Cole Porter
Legend has it that Cole Porter, while on a trip to Morocco, was inspired to write this tune after hearing the Islamic call to prayer. Not entirely believable, as this song has always stood out among his others as as little more exotic-sounding. Fred Astaire first recorded it in 1934 film version of the musical, The Gay Divorce, entitled, The Gay Divorcee (you have to love these by-gone titles).
It's gone on to be covered by a list of artists, including Frank Sinatra, Etta James, U2, Jamie Cullum, Sondre Lerche, Ella Fitzgerald, Dion Warwick, and a host of others.
Have to admit, my favorite lyric is at the end: "..and this torment won't be through, till you let me spend my life making love to you, day and night, night and day." Again, there is no old music, only good music (because it sticks around). Oh, and I added the trumpet in the break. Enjoy.
6.16.11 Put Your Head on My Shoulder
1959- Paul Anka
I remember growing up as a kid in the 80's and seeing the frequent TV commercial for the Oldies Collection (working title); you know - the Time/Life record set that included all the boomers' favorites from the 50's and 60's. Among the doo-wop tracks touted in those ads was this tune by Paul Anka - a song I'm pretty sure could've been in Back to the Future were it released just a few years earlier.
Paul Anka, who wrote and performed it on TV as a late teen, delivered it with a bravado and confidence that you rarely see anymore (especially on the vocal competition shows).
Interestingly, it was covered by Latin vocalist Enrique Guzman in the 60's, and, according to Wikipedia, it became just as popular, if not more, than the original.
In 2003, Michael Buble dusted it off with a new arrangement in his self-titled debut album breathed new life into it (much like Harry Connick, Jr. did about 15 years earlier with songs from the 40's).
I use Buble's track here. Enjoy, boomers and all..
6.9.11 Pick Yourself up
1936- Jerome Kern/Dorthy Fields
You have to like the plucky song. Regardless of the cultural revolution of the 60's, which changed popular music forever, the light-hearted ditty (delivered honestly) still gets to us on some level. This little tune was born out of the musical, Swingtime, by Jerome Kern back in 1936. It's been covered a few times, including the Muppet Show, and President Obama, in his inaugural speech in 2009 borrowed the lyrics, declaring "Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin again the work of remaking America." As it turns out, that speechwriter was only 27 at the time. I'm guessing he's a fan of Diana Krall, who last covered this one in 1999 and whose version I borrowed for today..enjoy.
5.20.11 It's You
2011 - Jason Paul Curtis
I'm not a dedicated instrumentalist, and I wish I'd taken piano lessons more seriously as a kid, but advances in software have enabled lazies like me to compose from the laptop. To that end, I've been toiling on an original tune I (and my kids) have come to like. It was done with Harmony Assistant and Audacity software with a USB mic to capture the voice.
The melodic inspiration came from the first line of the theme song from a 70's TV show (I'll let you guess), and the lyrics were inspired by thoughts about my lovely wife, Aljith.
As it's still in production, I'll post a clip today. Hope you like.
Copyright 2011 - Jason Paul Curtis
5.13.11 Our Love is Here to Stay
1938 - George Gerwshin
Gibralter may crumble..
5.6.11 The Very Thought..
1934 - Ray Noble
Over a year into this blong, and I'm finding myself going back to re-cover some titles as I find interesting arrangements. "The Very Thought of You" was penned, lyrics and music, by Ray Noble back in 1934 and was consistently covered almost every decade afterwards by a handful of artists: Bing Crosby, Vaughn Monroe, Doris Day, Little Willie John (blues version), Nat King Cole, Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney, Tony Bennett, Rod Stewart, Frank Sinatra, Chris Botti and even Brent Spiner (Data!) of Star Trek, The Next Generation, who included it in his tribute album, Old Yellow Eyes is Back.
It's endured as a show favorite; the version I use for today's recording is from one made by Johnny Hartman. I even took a stab at the trumpet solo (thanks, Aljith for the new mute)..
4.28.11 You'll Never Find..
1976 - Kenny Gamble/Leon Huff
Leave it to contemporary artists to keep great songs in the spotlight. Lou Rawls broke through with this song in 1976, featured on his debut album, All Things in Time. M. Buble's producers came up with a nice bossa feel for this version on his own debut album in 2005, and I think it was a great choice; in fact, I use this version to open most of my summer gigs - it tends to get everyone in the mood.
Special thanks to my wife, Aljith, for taking some new pictures over the weekend.
4.15.11 La Vie en Rose
1946 - Edith Piaf/Louis Gugliemi
At first predicted not to be successful, this went on to be Edith Piaf's signature song. English lyrics by Mack David.
4.7.11 You're Something
Yes, I posted this one last June, but I never gave it a write-up. Oddly, the only thing I've discovered about this song is that the words are by Steve Allen - who wrote the music?
Odette is two today - can't believe it! Cute as can be..this one's for you, lil chicken..
3.31.11 Gira Con Me
Foster/Quarantotto
As a young music major, I spent hours upon hours in college studying Italian diction in order to sing my arias correctly. Fortunately for me and (and the rest of the world), my efforts got as far as the practice room. It wasn't that I didn't like the challenge - I did - it was the fact that I wasn't understanding what I was singing. This was drilled into me by all my voice teachers, and while I appreciated that, it wasn't until I was older and started making lingual connections between Latin-based roots and Italian/Spanish that I began to appreciate the language.
By 2003, I was in the Army and had given up on performance for a while. That was around the time Josh Groban released his first album; in fact, my wife had it when I returned from Iraq in May of 2003. His unique stylings notwithstanding, listening to it felt familiar, like when Harry Connick picked up and dusted off the American Songbook back in 1989 and produced his first few albums. David Foster's arrangements helped, too, to bring a new angle on the romantic language for American ears.
Anyway, I've performed "Gira Con Me" (Wander with Me) quite a few times over the last two years, and it's always been a crowd favorite. I love the arrangement; here's the translation of the words by Lucio Quarantotto:
The world wanders with me tonight
Little steps I take with you
I follow your heart and I follow the moon
So hidden far away from me
The world wanders with us tonight
Ahhh if only far away from here existed
A place where to discover my heart
To know if it can love you or not
And it will wander and it will wander
This heart of mine along with you
And the earth will wander
My life will wander and yes yes one day it will understand
It's you who wanders with me tonight
It's you who wanders far from here
But yes I know that you are my moon
Something you show, something you don't
There are blue roads in the sky
There are eyes, and the sky is already there
Yes, I think this is the stars
Ahh, if I could stop like this
And it will wander, and it will wander
My heart far from you
And the earth will wander
My life will wander and one day yes, yes it will understand
Heart already far away
Yes you are the moon
If only i could discover it in the sky
And it will wander, and it will wander
Yes it will wander this heart of mine
And the earth will wander, my life will wander
And one day yes it will understand
And one day yes it will understand you
PS. Roland Burks, if you're listening, please forgive the diction..
3.24.11 The Turtle Song
Brought to you by Jaron Hangad Curtis on his fifth birthday (recording when he was three). Happy birthday, Mister! Love, Daddo, Mommy, Bella and Odette..
The Turtle Song, Jaron, 3
Old MacDonald, Jaron, 3
3.18.11 We are in Love
1990/Connick, Jr.
It's been a year since I started this project with the goal of recording a song a week - that's 52 songs since this March 15 of last year. That's about 30 shy of songs in Glee-Season Two. I conceived the idea while during rehearsal with the Manassas Ballet Theater (I sang five Sinatra songs) at a local middle school auditorium; this year, we're reprising it at the new Hylton Performing Arts Center (at George Mason University in Manassas) which opened last May, and the place is beautiful.
Why the blong, you ask? I suppose it's a way of performing without being onstage; grows a fanbase, keeps me entertained without taking time away from the family. It's also been a way to track which songs you like (I check the stats) and what style works here. I attempted a real blog format a few months ago, but there was little response (you had to sign in to comment), so I'm content with keeping comments on FB.
Yes, there is a plan to cut my OWN CD with my most of my own songs in the future. That has been coming together slowly as connections are made. Until then, you know where I am.
I'll round out Year One with one of my favorites from Harry Connick, Jr.'s title track of his 1990 album, We are in Love.
Thanks, Jason.
3.10.11 As Time Goes By
1931/Herman Hupfeld
When I think of a time-worn song, I have to admit, this one comes to mind. I do a lot of old songs on this blong, but this one I can't seem to separate from the movie, and for good reason.
"As Time Goes By" was written in 1931 by Herman Hupfeld for the Broadway musical, Everybody's Welcome, but it's most famously known from the 1942 movie, Casablanca (sung by Dooley Wilson). In that version, the opening words, "You must remember this.." were actually the chorus of the original song; the first part of the verse was omitted, as often happened for adaptations back then.
Here is what was cut out:
This day and age we're living in
Gives cause for apprehension
With speed and new invention
And things like fourth dimension.
Yet we get a trifle weary
With Mr. Einstein's theory.
So we must get down to earth at times
Relax relieve the tension
And no matter what the progress
Or what may yet be proved
The simple facts of life are such
They cannot be removed.
Ironically, because of things like "speed and new invention" (the Internet), I was able to dig these lyrics up. Otherwise, they'd probably have gone the way of so many other preludes that ended up on the floor. Anyway, the song itself is on several top 100 song lists, including The American Film Institute and NPR's 1999 list of most important musical works of the 20th century. Wonder if it would have made it with all the lyrics? Here's looking at you, Herman.
3.3.11 Kissing a Fool
1988/George Michael
I remember first hearing this song as a freshman in high school - was a George Michael fan at the time - and I remember thinking how it sounded like it had sort of always been around, like a standard. I guess he meant it that way with the jazz arrangement and reverbed vocals. Word is he wrote it from the heart; he was more down on himself than the person who dumped him.
Michael Buble came along in 2005 and covered it on his first album, It's Time. I really think George captured the woefulness of a person scorned in the original, but Buble's is such a nice arrangement, I thought it was time to cover it again.
Here's to all you dumpees, wherever you are.
2.25.11 True
1983/Spandau Ballet/arr by Paul Anka
2.17.11 Sin
The eighties saw a proliferation of a myriad of distinct western musical genres - country, stadium rock, rap, heavy metal, new wave, punk, etc. The Pet Shop Boys led a wave of British club music that practically drives and sustains some Sirius XM stations nowadays. "It's a Sin" was released as from their "Actually" album and stayed on top of the UK charts for three weeks. This tune ranked among their other number-one hits - "Always on my Mind", "West End Girls", "Heart" as well as "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)".
In 2005, Paul Anka (of "You're Having my Baby" and "Put your Head on My Shoulder") fame picked this one up, dusted it off and reworked it into this cool bossa nova arrangement. First time I heard it, I couldn't believe it was the same song; he lifted lyrics born in the London clubs and rebirthed them into a neoclassic sound. Not sure how Niel Tennant and Chris Lowe liked this version, but I think it Actually kind of works.
2.3.11 the coffee song
1946/Bob Hilliard/Dick Miles
To be honest, I thought I was a Sinatra fan because I could sing along with the lyrics of some of his big hits ("It Had to be You," "New York, New York," "Lady is a Tramp", etc) - then I did a little interweb research and found that the man recorded over 900 songs in his lifetime. If you've been following the blong since last March, you know I cover all sorts of artists here, but if the song was around in his time, it's a good bet he covered it. "It's Frank's world; we just live in it" was Dean Martin's famous philosophy.
So when my friend Joe Bell handed me "Frank Sinatra, the Columbia Years" about two years ago, I discovered this gem, and it's since become a crowd favorite. It's been called a novelty song by some as it attempts to paint Brazil as a country piled with coffee beans and laws about coffee, but it's just really a lot of fun. This arrangement is particularly gonzo, with a little more caffeine than the original that debuted in 1946. And yes, I realize I have this already posted to on the Songs page; however, I re-recorded it this week to include some previously left-out lyrics about the Brazilian coffee perfume industry.
Pour yourself a cup and enjoy..
1.27.11 hello
1984/Lionel Richie
I always like to hear about singers coming out of retirement (or sabbatical); witness Michael Bolton as of late as well as Lionel Richie (new tour at age 60).
This particular tune, a number one hit on the adult contemporary charts for six straight weeks in '84, has always been a slow-dance favorite. In fact, Lionel's stated that many shy men have thanked him for this song as it set the mood for them to ask their respective ladies to marry them.
Paul Anka covered this back in 2005 on his Rock Swings album (a record packed with creative arrangements, including Bon Jovi's "It's My Life" and SoundGarden's "Black-Holed Sun").
I like Paul's arrangement particularly because of its film noir feel.
1.20.11 That's Life
1966/Gordon/Warren
Released in 1966 on the album of the same name, I can't help but picture Frank showing his teeth a little on this song. This one makes me think of my days as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne. And yes, I unabashedly channel him on this one..why not? Great tune.
1.14.11 At Last
1941/Gordon/Warren
I never knew her name until later in life, I knew her signature song. It was written in 1941 by Mack Gordon and Henry Warren for the musical, Orchestra Wives and covered by Etta James in 1961. In 1999, her version was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Since '61, it's been covered by countless artist (mostly female, although the song is gender-agnostic), including Nat King Cole, Doris Day, Stevie Nicks, Michael Bolton, Cyndi Lauper, Eva Cassidy, Aretha Franklin, Michael Feinstein, Wynonna Judd, Raul Malo, and Stevie Wonder just to name a few.
It didn't occur to me to sing this one until it was recently requested of me for a spring wedding. Like most (I assume), I knew two words of the song - "At Last" - so upon going through the lyrics, I was surprised to find out how beautiful they are. "My heart was wrapped up in clover" just gets me; where did that come from?
Needless to say, it's a First Dance favorite for weddings the world abroad, and for good reason. 50 years this year, as a matter of fact. Thanks, Etta!
1.5.11 New York
1977/Kander and Ebb
It seems like it's always been around, but Sinatra didn't record his most famous tune until 1979 for his album, Trilogy: Past, Present and Future. It originally appeared in Martin Scorsese's 1977 movie, New York, New York, starring Robert De Niro and Liza Minelli. From Wikipedia:
"The lyrics of the Sinatra versions differ slightly from Ebb's original lyrics. Notably, the phrase "A-number-one," which does not appear at all in the original lyrics, is sung twice at the song's climax. (Ebb has said he "didn't even like" Sinatra's use of "A-number-one"). The phrase is both the first and fourth on a list of four superlative titles the singer strives to achieve — "A-number-one, top of the list, king of the hill, A-number-one" — where Ebb's original lyrics (performed by Minnelli) were "king of the hill, head of the list, cream of the crop, at the top of the heap." "
Either way you sing it, after last week's SnowPocalypse, I think the town could use a little cheering..happy new year.
12.09.10 wonderland
1934/Felix Bernard, Richard B. Smith
19 degrees. Might as well be positive about it.
12.06.10 merriment
1944/Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane
"Have yourself a merry little Christmas, it may be your last,
Next year we may all be living in the past
Have yourself a merry little Christmas, pop that champagne cork,
Next year we will all be living in New York.
No good times like the olden days, happy golden days of yore,
Faithful friends who were dear to us, will be near to us no more.
From now on we'll have to muddle through somehow.
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now"
(good thing Hugh wrote a second draft)
12.02.10 snow
1945/music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Sammy Cahn
Written on one of the hottest days on record in Hollywood back in 1945, "Let it Snow" falls into that "Christmas Love Song" category - except that it doesn't mention Christmas once (neither does "Winter Wonderland", "Sleigh Ride" or "Jingle Bells"). Too bad we only hear it one month out of the year. I found Lena Horne's version to be my favorite.
11.23.10 guess, who
1966, lyrics by Dr. Suess/music by Albert Hague
At first listen to this song (which is already getting its share of annual airplay on the local D.C. stations), a Star-Wars-era adult might think the singer was James Earl Jones. My wife and I did. In fact, the original singer was Thurl Ravenscroft, best known for the voice of Tony the Tiger.
I have to admit, as funny as the words are, I always felt a little sympathy for the Grinch as the whole song is basically a character attack, but it makes it that much better when his heart grows at the end of the show.
For this tune, I initially tried it in the "regular" voice, but it just didn't do the song any justice. It just sounded like Grinch Tesh. So I went for the Thurl (the James Earl), and my kids were happy with that. Happy Thanksgiving.
11.18.10 ..to my head
1938, Coots/Gillespie
When I first heard Diana Krall's version of this song, I thought it was one she wrote. I guess it's a function of the sophistication of the lyrics and chords (especially the one after "..to my head" - listen for that) that keeps this tune holding up so well; that, and her ability to personalize it so convincingly. It's been recorded by over 35 different artists since its writing, including Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Chet Baker, Rufus Wainwright and Dizzy Gillespie For here, I used Johnny Mathis's version.
Pour yourself a glass and kick back.
11.12.10 in the still of the night
1937, Cole Porter
The early nineties saw the rise of Boyz 2 Men, and one of their songs was "In the Still of the Night", a cover from the 1956 Five Satins hit. As much as I'm a fan of Cole Porter, that could've been the reason why I overlooked his version for so long (same name). It has some longing to it for sure; this arrangement is updated somewhat, but you can still sense that defining Porter sound in the chorus. I've experimented with a little low-tech Windows Movie Makery for this one.
11.03.10 all or nothing at all
1939, Arthur Altman
In a 1944 interview, Sinatra said:
"That was the song, a few days after Harry James and myself recorded it, that gave us our walking papers out of the old Victor Hugo Cafe (a major entertainment venue of the 1930s) on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood. The manager came up and waved his hands for us to stop. He said Harry's trumpet playing was too loud for the joint and my singing was just plain lousy and fired Harry, me and the entire band on the spot. He said the two of us couldn't draw flies as an attraction, and I guess he was right - the room was as empty as a barn. It's a funny thing about that song. The recording we made of it 5 years ago is now one of the top spots among the best sellers. But it's the same old recording. It's also the song I auditioned with for Tommy Dorsey, who signed me on the strength of it. And now it's my first big record."
Still a great tune. I used his (my favorite) arrangement. Enjoy.
10.28.10 the most beautiful girl
1935, Rogers and Hart
At the behest of my standing with most of my male friends, I have to admit, I like me some musical theater. I mean, really, who doesn't enjoy watching the protagonist trying to describe (whatever) and just break into song? Even the Family Guy creator Seth McFarland is set to release his own big band album complete with a few songs pulled from the stage.
If you've followed this blong, then you know I've referenced quite a few crossover tunes that were pulled from musicals (Mack the Knife, Some Enchanted Evening). Here's a little nugget I found from the "Jumbo", a Rogers and Hart show from 1935. I happened upon it while sifting through the vast bank of Sinatra recordings on YouTube. His version, which was on a televised special, is a snappy big band arrangement. Not sure how the arrangement (or even the lyrics - reference "Garbo", "brandy" and "my slippers") stands up to today's audiences, but hey, Frank could've sung his tax forms and people would've paid to hear it. So for better or for worse, here's The Most Beautiful Girl in the World sung by the Chairman of the Board followed by the Owner of the Website.
10.21.10 moondance
Van Morrison
Can't say when I first heard this tune, but it couldn't have been until I was four years old; although Van Morrison recorded it first in 1969, he didn't release it until 1977. Not surprisingly, it's been his most-requested song. Perfect time to pull it out, since we're in the thick of October..
Anyway, it's taken me over a year-and-a-half to get this recording halfway presentable; this tune is hard to pull off. I'm using the MB swing version here as I really like the stand-out bass line in the first verse (plus it fits with the website color scheme). Enjoy and be kind.
10.14.10 Piratizer
Music by Finger Eleven, words JPC
Such a good time for technology and music right now. Witness the creative (neutrally stated) efforts of music mash-ups on You-Tube, podcasts, 1M-hit wonders from the basement with the laptop and it's apparent that more people have more tools to make (and share) music than ever before in our recent history. I include myself in this revolution; only recently did individually-downloadable tracks and USB mics make it possible to record off the laptop so easily.
Take Finger Eleven's song," Paralyzer". When the car radio plays it, my son, Jaron goes crazy - loves it. It's like a mosh pit in a car seat. Great beat, not-so-appropriate lyrics for a four-year-old. So I started thinking about mashing up his love of piracy and "Paralyzer." Could it be done? Yes. Silly? Definitely. You be the judge; but Captain Jaron Danger likes it all the same.
10.8.10 The Knife
Kurt Weill, Bertolt Brecht
I knew that sooner or later I'd get around to doing this song. We've all heard some version of it; likely Bobby Darin's or, if you were a child of the 80's, McDonald's incomparable "MacTonight". The song was premiered in the German "ThreePenny Opera by Weill and Brecht back in 1928. It's morbid but..fun! The English translation was originally tamped down from the original German, and there have been attempts in the past decades to append/revise the "standard" lyrics we all know and love to maintain the original dark intent. Interestingly enough, the "Lotte Lenya" referred to in the Louis Armstrong version was thrown in by Louis as a reference to Kurt Weill's widow. Again, dark..but fun! I broke down and used MB's arrangement for this, as I really like the comp guitar style in the intro.
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