Don't ask me; I have no clue who will win tonight's "American Idol" finale. But it's David Cook vs. David Archuleta. Cook's take on "Billie Jean" remains, for me, the most memorable of the performances among either finalist. But I think Archuleta's young teen following might just put him in the winner's circle. We'll soon see!
Song of the Day: Secret Love, music by Sammy Fain, lyrics by Paul-Francis Webster, was a #1 Oscar-winning Best Song from the 1953 novie "Calamity Jane," in which it was performed by Doris Day (audio clip at that link). Listen also to audio clips from renditions by Connie Francis, Tommy Edwards, Nancy Wilson, Billy Stewart, Oscar Peterson, Joe Pass and Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen, pianists Brad Mehldau and Dave McKenna, Mel Martin and the Benny Carter Quintet, and the Jack Cortner New York Big Band with a super Marvin Stramm on trumpet. Finally, check out an audio clip of Frank Sinatra with Nelson Riddle (and a YouTube video too); Sinatra passed away ten years ago on this date. My love of Francis Albert is not so secret: he was and still is the Chairman of the Board.
Song of the Day: Schindler's List ("Main Theme") (audio clip at that link), composed by John Williams, is from the shattering 1993 Oscar-winning score for Steven Spielberg's Oscar-winning film. To mark Holocaust Remembrance Day, this track features the magnificent violinist Itzhak Perlman. Take a look at a fantastic YouTube video clip of Perlman, with John Williams. And check out the other John Williams (the great classical guitarist) playing John Williams.
Back on April 29, 2005, my "Song of the Day" entry was Wayne Shorter's classic "Footprints." I highlighted one of Shorter's fine versions therein, but my favorite version, a jazz guitar tour de force by my brother Carl Barry, was not online at the time. I'm pleased to link to that version today (full-length audio clip here), which happens to be Carl's birthday! The track, from the album "Holding On," features the fine bass player Steve La Spina and the terrific drummer John Clay. Enjoy! And Happy Birthday, Bro!
Song of the Day: Ben-Hur ("The Miracle") [audio clip at that link], music by Miklos Rozsa, is a restatement of the central theme from this magnificent soundtrack, with hallelujah chorus bringing the film to a triumphant finale. A Happy Easter to all my Eastern Orthodox friends and family! Christos Anesti! (from St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery in Arizona, via Into the Light).
Song of the Day: Exodus ("Main Theme"), music by Ernest Gold, with lyrics added later by Pat Boone, is from the 1960 film, directed by Otto Preminger. It's a great theme to mark the arrival at sundown of Passover, the prelude to an exodus led by Moses out of Egypt. Listen to audio clips of this cinema theme from the original soundtrack, the Pat Boone vocal rendition, Percy Faith, a very cool Dizzy Gillespie, and the absolutely classic piano-and-orchestra rendition of Ferrante and Teicher.
Song of the Day: Ben-Hur ("The Galley") was composed by birthday boy Miklos Rozsa for a classic scene, the rowing of the galley slaves, in this 11-Oscar-winning masterpiece. The perfect wedding between cinematic scoring and film, this composition takes us from "battle speed" to "attack speed" to "ramming speed" in thrilling fashion. It is Rozsa's music that directs the pace here as much as the great director William Wyler. Check out the scene on YouTube, where Jack Hawkins as Quintus Arrius and Charlton Heston as Judah Ben-Hur, Galley Slave No. 41, match wits. And check out the YouTube Red Bull Spoof.
Song of the Day: Pushit features the music and lyrics of Maynard James Keenan and the band Tool. The song appears on the album Aenima (audio clip at that link), but my favorite version is one that breathes with kaleidoscopic instrumentation and vocals. It was recorded live for the band's 2-disc set, "Saliva!" A video version of that rendition is available in two parts: Part 1 and Part 2.
Song of the Day: Dirty Boots, words, music, and performance by Sonic Youth, is featured on the band's album, "Goo." There are a few hilarious comments in the film "Juno" about Sonic Youth (which has exhibited a fascination for Karen Carpenter and Joan Crawford in "Mildred Pierce"). Check out the music video on YouTube and a YouTube live performance too, and the full album line-up (with audio samples).
Song of the Day: Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear to Tread), music by Rube Broom, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, has been recorded famously by Frank Sinatra when he was with Tommy Dorsey, and by Sinatra solo, as well as by Ricky Nelson and Elvis Presley (audio clips at artist links). A Happy April Fool's Day!
Song of the Day: King of Kings ("The Lord's Prayer") (audio clip at that link), composed by Miklos Rozsa, marks Easter for my Western Christian friends today, to whom I send my best wishes. This composition restates with great sensitivity a central theme from one of Rozsa's best scores.
Song of the Day: Roller Coaster (full-length audio track at that link), words and music by Carl and Joanne Barry, is one of my favorite tracks from the album "Holding On." Aside from Joanne's terrific scat singing and Carl's swinging guitar solo, this track boasts a mean rhythm section: bassist Steve LaSpina, who has toured and recorded with the fabulous guitarist Jim Hall, and drummer Eliot Zigmund, who, for years, played with the great pianist Bill Evans. This week marked the Spring awakening of Coney Island's Astroland Amusement Park, home of the world famous Cyclone, one of the world's great roller coasters, on which I have never taken a ride (I have enough intestinal trouble thankyouverymuch). With the Vernal Equinox arriving at 1:48 a.m. EDT, a Happy Spring to All!
Song of the Day: T.S.O.P. (The Sound of Philadelphia) was composed by legendary Philly soul producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, who, this week, received the "Ahmet Ertegun Award," at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Recorded by M.F.S.B. (featuring the Three Degrees), this song was introduced as the theme to television's "Soul Train." Listen to an audio clip of this classic dance anthem here and take a ride on the Soul Train at YouTube.
The Top 12 on "American Idol" begin their live competitions tonight on Fox.
I have a few early favorites, myself... but thought this article in the NY Times was an interesting summation of the pop phenomenon (Hat Tip, Aeon!).
Song of the Day: Walk, Don't Run, composed by the great jazz guitarist Johnny Smith, was also recorded by The Ventures, who were inducted last night into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Listen to audio clips of renditions by Johnny Smith, The Ventures, Count Basie, and the Joshua Breakstone Quartet.
Song of the Day: Burning Up features the words and music of Madonna, who is inducted tonight into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I enjoyed dancing to the original 12" vinyl mix, which was less guitar-driven than its album incarnation on the singer's 1983 debut release. Listen to audio clips of the album version and that 12" single. Boy does this bring back memories...
Song of the Day: Tenderly, music by Walter Louis Gross and lyrics by Jack Lawrence, is one of the great popular standards. Listen to audio clips by vocalists Rosemary Clooney, Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughan, Billy Eckstine, and Ella Fitzgerald and Satchmo, and instrumentalists Johnny Smith and Stan Getz, Oscar Peterson, Clifford Brown, Bill Evans and Don Elliott, and the Chet Baker Big Band.
Song of the Day: Lester Leaps In was composed and recorded by the great tenor saxophonist Lester Young ("Prez"). A more fitting song for a Leap Year Day I cannot find! Listen to audio clips by Lester Young, Count Basie, Charlie Parker (here too), James Moody, and a YouTube clip of Lionel Hampton with an All-Star Line-Up. And a very Happy Bissextile Day to All!
Song of the Day: Hooray for Hollywood, music by Richard A. Whiting, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, made its debut in the 1937 movie "Hollywood Hotel." The original film rendition featured Johnnie Davis, Francis Langford, and the Benny Goodman Orchestra. Listen to audio clips of renditions by a swinging Rosemary Clooney, Nancy Sinatra, and Doris Day (and Doris on YouTube too). There's also a YouTube video montage featuring the original rendition! As our annual Movie Music Tribute concludes, don't forget to check out the 80th Annual Oscars tonight!
Song of the Day: Superman ("Prelude and Main Title March") (audio clip at that link), composed by John Williams, is a rousing, heroic cinematic theme. It should be noted that Film Score Monthly has just issued an 8-CD Boxed Set of all the music from the various incarnations of the series.
Song of the Day: King Kong ("Tooth and Claw") (audio clip at that link), composed by James Newton Howard, is a highlight from the 2005 version of the iconic Big Ape tale, directed by Peter Jackson.
Song of the Day: Raiders of the Lost Ark ("The Raiders March") (audio clip at that link), composed by John Williams, evokes all the adventure of the Indiana Jones movies. The adventure begins again in May 2008, with "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" (trailer and full-length audio clip at that link). And take a look at a YouTube celebration of the "Indiana Jones" films and of John Williams conducting a live orchestral version of this classic theme.
Song of the Day: The Russia House ("Katya"/"Alone in the World"), composed by Jerry Goldsmith, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, is featured in both instrumental and vocal versions on the soundtrack album. The vocal version is sung by Patti Austin (audio clips to instrumental and vocal originals at that link). Perfect for the night of the full snow moon lunar eclipse, this is a lush, romantic composition. Listen to audio clips of the love theme recorded by the Jazz at the Movies Band and a haunting version by my sister-in-law, jazz vocalist Joanne Barry (complete recording at that link). That vocal rendition is a highlight from the album "Embraceable You" (yes, that's my Blondie on the cover of the CD); Joanne is accompanied by jazz guitarists Carl Barry (my brother) and Jack Wilkins (guest soloist).
Song of the Day: Body Heat ("Main Title") (soundtrack album audio clip at that link) is a bluesy, jazzy, steamy composition by the great John Barry. Listen to an audio clip of a rendition by the "Jazz at the Movies Band."
Song of the Day: The Empire Strikes Back ("Imperial March, Darth Vader's Theme"), composed by John Williams, is one of the best cinematic marches ever written. From one of the best movies in the "Star Wars" franchise, this one conjures up images of the Dark Side, heavy breathing and all! Listen to an additional audio clip here.
Song of the Day: Ben Hur ("Victory Parade, Parts 1 & 2") (audio clip at that link), composed by Miklos Rozsa, kicks off our annual film music tribute, which will take us right up to the 80th Annual Academy Awards. And as is also traditional around here, the Movie Music begins on my birthday (I turn 48 today!) with a selection from my favorite film score from my favorite movie written by my favorite film score composer. This regal composition is one of Rozsa's best.
Song of the Day: Hearts Take Time, words and music by Janis Ian and Kye Fleming, has been recorded by Diane Schuur (no audio clip available), and my sister-in-law Joanne Barry (audio clips at that link). A Happy Valentine's Day to one and all!
The 50th Annual Grammy Awards were televised last night, and I was delighted to see Herbie Hancock take "Best Album of the Year" for "River:The Joni Letters" (he also won in the "Best Contemporary Jazz Album" category). The last jazz album to win in this category was among my favorite albums of all time: "Getz/Gilberto" (1965) (though jazz-influenced albums have won many times since then, including projects by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, and Quincy Jones).
Among the other multiple award winners: Amy Winehouse (5), Kanye West (4), Justin Timberlake (2) for "Love Stoned" (Best Dance Recording) and "What Goes Around... Comes Around" (Male Pop Vocal Performance); Chaka Khan (2), and the late Michael Brecker (2). Even Barak Obama won a Grammy ("Best Spoken Word Album"). So we have a couple of Grammy winners now vying for the Democratic nomination (Hillary Clinton won previously in the same category for "It Takes a Village").
Some of the performance highlights of the night: Ol' Blue Eyes (who appeared miraculously) alongside Alicia Keys in the opening number; Rihanna doing "Don't Stop the Music" during a reunion of The Time; an impromptu "That Old Black Magic" duet with Kid Rock and Keely Smith; Herbie Hancock and classical pianist Lang Lang doing "Rhapsody in Blue"; tributes to Luciano Pavarotti and the Beatles (the expected Michael Jackson tribute didn't happen); and an absolutely sizzling, tear-the-roof-off-the-house "Proud Mary" duet with Tina Turner and Beyonce.
I truly enjoyed the pairings of "old" and "new" throughout the broadcast.
Song of the Day: Don't Stop the Music, words and music by T. E. Hermansen, M.S. Eriksen, T. Dabney, and M. Jackson, is nominated for "Best Dance Recording" on tonight's 50th Annual Grammy Awards. This Rihanna hit (not a remake of yesterday's Yarbrough and Peoples track) has a great beat, a catchy hook, and a very familiar sample from Michael Jackson's "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'." MJ will be on hand, they say, as contemporary artists pay tribute to "Thriller," which debuted in 1983 (a new 25th anniversary edition of "Thriller" comes out on February 12, 2008). Listen here to audio clips of today's song from the Rihanna album, "Good Girl Gone Bad." And check out a YouTube video clip too.
Song of the Day: Don't Stop the Music, words and music by Jonah Ellis, Lonnie Simmons, and Alisa Peoples, is a grinding, funky, synth-based, sleaze beat hit recorded by Yarbrough and Peoples. Watch (and listen) to this infectious 80s track at YouTube.
Song of the Day: Blue Bossa is a jazz standard composed by jazz trumpeter Kenny Dorham. It's a lilting bossa nova that has been recorded by many artists, including jazz greats Joe Pass and J. J. Johnson, super pianist McCoy Tyner, and Kenny Dorham himself (audio clips at those links). And watch a YouTube video performance by Zack Kim. Today is Super Bowl Sunday, and I'm cheering on Big Blue: Go Giants!
Song of the Day: Me and My Shadow features the words and music of Brooklynite Dave Dreyer, Al Jolson, and Billy Rose. Listen to audio clips of renditions by Judy Garland, Vic Damone, Peggy Lee, Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond, Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes in a paean to Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., and James Caan, who sings the song to that "Funny Lady," Barbra Streisand. And speaking of shadows: Punxsutawney Phil saw his today... and forecast six more weeks of winter. But I'm with Staten Island Chuck, who didn't see his shadow, and forecast an early spring. Happy Groundhog Day!
Song of the Day: What Goes Around Comes Around, words and music by birthday boy Justin Timberlake, Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley, and Nate Hills, is from the fine album "FutureSex/LoveSounds." Listen to a full-length clip of this #1 pop hit at YouTube and a dance remix too. And check out the video with Scarlett Johannson and Shawn Hatosy. The original track features a nice groove and eclectic instrumentation, and Justin does a great job performing it in concert (yes, I saw him, and he was outstanding). Happy Birthday, Mr. Timberlake. And look out for his Pepsi commercial on Super Bowl Sunday.
Song of the Day: Meditation features the Portuguese lyrics of Newton Mendonca, the English lyrics of Norman Gimbel, and the luscious music of Antonio Carlos Jobim, who was born on this date in 1927. This is one of my all-time favorite melodies from one of my all-time favorite composers. Listen to audio clips from Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto, guitarist Charlie Byrd, Nancy Ames (with guitarist Laurindo Almeida), Frank Sinatra with Jobim, and Jobim himself.
"American Idol" began last night with a 2-hour premiere ... at an advantage in the TV ratings game, because the Writers' Strike has kept so many shows off the air.
It was a typical "AI" beginning: some good talent, some nightmares, lots of fun, as always. Looking forward to an entertaining season ...
It was one of my favorite songs, and now there's a nice article telling us about the real "Girl from Ipanema." Check out "'Ipanema' & The Sands of Time," by Dominick A. Merle from this past Sunday's New York Daily News.
Song of the Day: I'll Fall with Your Knife, a paean to commitment and to 'keeping the faith' against all odds, features the music and lyrics of Peter Murphy and Paul Statham. The song has been heard in several venues, including as the opening and closing theme of the 1997 teen movie, "The Trojan War" (where Tom Hiel delivers his own rendition as well). Take a look also at two YouTube moments: a "Samurai X" anime video and a glimpse of a live Peter Murphy concert appearance from May 2000. And check out audio clips from Peter's "Cascade," "Wild Birds: 1985-1995: The Best of the Beggars Banquet Years," and, my favorite rendition, from "aLive Just for Love." Happy Birthday, sweetie!
Song of the Day: It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, music and lyrics by Edward Pola and George Wyle, captures the wonder of the season perfectly. Listen to audio clips by Toni Braxton and Rosemary Clooney, and my two most favorite versions: the exuberant, joyous renditions by Andy Williams (and check out a shrift remix of that track too) and Johnny Mathis. And so ends our tribute to holiday songs, which began 12 days ago. A very happy, healthy, prosperous, and successful New Year to all my readers!
Song of the Day: Jingle Bell Rock, written by Joe Beal and Jim Boothe, is a fun-filled holiday tune. Listen to audio clips by Bobby Helms, Brenda Lee, Amy Grant, Randy Travis, and even Billy Idol (on YouTube)!!! Have a Rockin' (and Safe) New Year's Eve!
Song of the Day: Last Christmas, written by George Michael, has been recorded by so many artists, but it was first released by Wham. Listen to audio clips of renditions by the Cheetah Girls and Hilary Duff (the clip is actually available on the link labeled "Same Old Christmas"), and take a look on YouTube for a sweet ballad-to-dance version by Ashley Tisdale, a nice house-inflected version by Cascada, and the original Wham video.
Song of the Day: Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, words and music by Johnny Marks, is a fun-filled seasonal romp. Listen to audio clips of renditions by Brenda Lee, Ronnie Spector and Darlene Love, and a Hannah Montana YouTube Clip.
Song of the Day: Carol for Another Christmas, composed by Henry Mancini, was the title track of a classic 1964 Rod Serling-scripted TV take on "A Christmas Carol," directed by Joseph Mankiewicz. I was first exposed to this beautiful instrumental as a child, watching the great Yule Log on WPIX-TV. It's one of those sensitively performed compositions, which has had a tendency to bring a bit of a puddle to my tear ducts. Listen to an audio clip of Henry Mancini (here too).
Song of the Day: Coventry Carol is a traditional English carol from the sixteenth century whose words are attributed to Robert Croo. I always associated this gorgeous, haunting carol with the alternate version of "Away in a Manger," because it was recorded in a medley by the Living Strings (featured on an album, "The Spirit of Christmas," which I finally got after about 35 years of searching for it!). Listen to audio clips of versions by The King's Sisters, the Mediaeval Baebes, and the Swingle Sisters.
Song of the Day: A Holly Jolly Christmas, music and lyrics by Johnny Marks, has been recorded by several artists, including Burl Ives and Alan Jackson (audio clips at those links). I was first introduced to this song as a kid, in my annual viewing of one of my favorite animated Christmas tales of all time: "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."
Song of the Day: A Child is Born, words and music by Alec Wilder and Thad Jones, is a song that has come to be identified with this day, but it has also become a jazz standard. Listen to audio clips of renditions by Thad Jones and Mel Lewis, Diane Reeves, Bill Evans, Bill Evans and Tony Bennett, and, finally, Oscar Peterson, who passed away on Sunday, December 23, 2007. A sad loss for lovers of music to contemplate on this Christmas Day. Rest in peace.
Song of the Day: It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, words by Edmund Hamilton Sears, music by Richard Storrs Willis, is one of those Christmas songs that has been recorded by many artists. Listen to audio clips of renditions by Josh Grobin, Mannheim Steamroller, and guitar greats Joe Pass and Jack Wilkins, each of whom casts his own magic on this classic carol. Meanwhile, it's Christmas Eve: Don't forget to Track Santa!
Song of the Day: Here Comes Santa Claus, words and music by Gene Autry and Oakley Haldeman, is another holiday favorite. Listen to an audio clip of the Gene Autry version.
Song of the Day: Frosty the Snowman, words and music by Steve "Jack" Rollins and Steve Nelson, is the perfect song for the Winter Solstice, which arrives at 1:08 a.m., Eastern time. And now begins the march back toward the light! Listen to an audio clip of the famous Gene Autry and the Cass Country Boys version of this seasonal favorite. And check out a YouTube video clip of the Rankin-Bass animated classic, with Jimmy Durante singing the title track.
Song of the Day: Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer, written by Randy Brooks, was recorded by Dr. Elmo. This crazy comedy Christmas classic can be viewed on YouTube. And check out the rap version and the remix too. Today begins our Annual Holiday Music Tribute!
Song of the Day: Everybody Dance (Clap Your Hands), words and music by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rogers, was a huge hit for Chic (YouTube clip at that link). And for a nice twist on an old dance classic, check out a new version recorded by the great Deborah Cox (YouTube clip at that link).
Song of the Day: It's Impossible is the English language version by Sid Wayne of a Spanish standard "Somos Novios" by Armando Manzanero. Listen to audio clips of Spanish-language renditions by Manzanero himself, Luis Miguel, and, in a YouTube clip, Andrea Boccelli and Christina Aguilera. Then check out audio clips of English-language renditions by Elvis Presley, and, my favorite, Perry Como (check out a YouTube full-length version of the Como classic).
Song of the Day: That's All, words and music by Alan Brandt and Bob Haymes, is a standard of the Great American Songbook (and I especially love a version recorded by my sister-in-law, jazz singer Joanne Barry). Listen to audio clips of renditions—some sweet, some swing—by Nat King Cole, Michael Buble, and Bobby Darin.
Song of the Day: A Song for You, words and music by Leon Russell, has been recorded by countless artists. Listen to audio clips from renditions by Leon Russell himself, Carmen McRae, the Carpenters, Dusty Springfield, Andy Williams, Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, the Temptations, Donny Hathaway (Elliot Yamin sure was influenced by him), and, my favorite recent recording, by Christina Aguilera and Herbie Hancock.
Song of the Day: Makes Me Wonder features the words and music of Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael, and Mickey Madden of Maroon 5. Check out the YouTube video clip of this infectious pop hit.
Song of the Day: Proud Mary, written by John Fogerty, has been recorded by many artists. Though I do enjoy the original Creedence Clearwater version, my favorite version remains that of the Ike and Tina Turner Revue. Ike Turner, who passed away on December 12, 2007, provided the deep vocal counterpoint to Tina Turner's "nice and rough" vocals on their classic take of this song. They won a 1971 Grammy award for Best R&B Performance by a Group. Listen to audio clips of the original Creedence Clearwater Revival version and the scalding rendition of the Ike and Tina Turner Revue.
Song of the Day: You Should Be Dancing, written and performed by the Bee Gees, features that soaring Barry Gibb falsetto. This song famously framed John Travolta's classic disco dance sequence (YouTube clip at that link) on the flashing floor of Brooklyn's 2001 Odyssey (which later became a famous gay dance club known as Spectrum). Yes, I'd been to that club, and had danced on that floor, long before the establishment closed for good. Ah, memories ... Listen to an audio clip of this track here. And so concludes our 9-day tribute to "Saturday Night Fever," which debuted on this date, 30 years ago. I'm goin' dancin'...
Song of the Day: K-Jee, composed by Charles Hearndon and Harvey Fuqua, was performed on the soundtrack by MFSB, giving disco an added dash of Philly soul. This one can be heard in full on YouTube; it's a remake of a recording by the Nite-Liters (audio