the Great American Song Book

[storeynicholas]

there are some great contributions here. I know that asking people for their favourite song is a bit like asking an alcoholic whether he wants a Black Bush or a Wild Turkey -but I am interested in whether members have any particular favourite songs. I've given a couple of mine.
NJS

[masterfred]

I'll offer a few that come immediately to mind:
"I'm a Fool to Want You," Billie Holliday
"They Say It's Wonderful," Johnny Hartman and John Coletrane
"Black Coffee," Peggy Lee
"Steppin' Out", Fred Astaire (the version from "Astaire Sings")
"I Fall in Love too Easily," Chet Baker
"Too Darn Hot," Ella Fitzgerald

[couch]

I know that asking people for their favourite song is a bit like asking an alcoholic whether he wants a Black Bush or a Wild Turkey

So many. I love the unusually harmonized as much as the masterfully witty. So leaving aside Cole Porter for the moment, I'd add to the excellent list "Stardust" by Hoagy (many great performances, including his own and Willie Nelson's) and the Ellington / Strayhorn "Lush LIfe"--of which that Hartmann / Coltrane album has one of the classic renditions, even if Johnny doesn't quite get the pronunciation of "distingué" or "poignant." And Carter, Ellis, and Frigo's "Detour Ahead" -- Billie, Jane Monheit, or the Bill Evans Trio. And "Too Young to Go Steady" by Jimmy McHugh. Hoagy's "I Get Along Without You Very Well" (Clooney, Sinatra/Riddle) . . . .

[storeynicholas]

Just heard a great recording by Jo Stafford (who died aged 90 on 16th July) singing Easy Come, Easy Go
NJS

[jb]

I know that Cole Porter has been mentioned more than once, but my favorites are Ella singing "Miss Otis Regrets", as her restraint, timing and pitch elevates that difficult song into real fun.

I also like "I am in Love" for the (overly) romantic sultry summer evening that it evokes for me. It has always created the right mood with previous girlfriends also...

Joel

[storeynicholas]

I've just caught up with the fact that the great Cyd Charisse died this year. Who could ever forget her many performances; especially in Silk Stockings, Singin' In The Rain and The Band Wagon? Fred Astaire said of her : 'Once you've danced with her you stay danced with'.
NJS

[carl browne]

Do any of you gentlemen know Dave Frishberg? Wonderful jazz composer and pianist. sings his own material with a very entertaining delivery, and some of the wittiest lyrics I've hever heard. eg:

"Blizzard of Lies"

We must have lunch real soon. Your luggage is checked through.
We've got inflation licked. I'll get right back to you.
It's just a standard form. Tomorrow without fail.
Pleased to meet you. Thanks a lot. Your check is in the mail.

Marooned, marooned, marooned in a blizzard of lies.
Marooned, marooned, marooned in a blizzard of lies.
Your toes and knees aren't all you'll freeze
When you're in it up to your thighs.
It looks like snow, but you never know
When you're marooned in a blizzard of lies.

You may have won a prize. Won't wrinkle, shrink or peel.
Your secret's safe with me. This is a real good deal.
It's finger lickin' good. Strictly by the book.
What's fair is fair. I'll be right there. I am not a crook.

Marooned, marooned, marooned in a blizzard of lies.
Marooned, marooned, marooned in a blizzard of lies.
Better watch your step when your old dog Shep
Can't even look you in the eyes.
You're cold and lost and you're double crossed
When you're marooned in a blizzard of lies.

We'll send someone right out. Now this won't hurt a bit.
He's in a meeting now. The coat's a perfect fit.
It's strictly fresh today. Service with a smile.
I'll love you darling 'till I die. We'll keep your name on file.
Marooned, marooned, marooned in a blizzard of lies.
Marooned, marooned, marooned in a blizzard of lies.
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart.
And you're in for a big surprise.
When you're marooned, marooned, marooned
marooned, marooned, marooned,
marooned, marooned, marooned in a blizzard of lies.
A blizzard of lies.

[carl browne]

Do any of you gentlemen know Dave Frishberg? Wonderful jazz composer and pianist. sings his own material with a very entertaining delivery, and some of the wittiest lyrics I've hever heard. eg:

"Blizzard of Lies"

We must have lunch real soon. Your luggage is checked through.
We've got inflation licked. I'll get right back to you.
It's just a standard form. Tomorrow without fail.
Pleased to meet you. Thanks a lot. Your check is in the mail.

Marooned, marooned, marooned in a blizzard of lies.
Marooned, marooned, marooned in a blizzard of lies.
Your toes and knees aren't all you'll freeze
When you're in it up to your thighs.
It looks like snow, but you never know
When you're marooned in a blizzard of lies.

You may have won a prize. Won't wrinkle, shrink or peel.
Your secret's safe with me. This is a real good deal.
It's finger lickin' good. Strictly by the book.
What's fair is fair. I'll be right there. I am not a crook.

Marooned, marooned, marooned in a blizzard of lies.
Marooned, marooned, marooned in a blizzard of lies.
Better watch your step when your old dog Shep
Can't even look you in the eyes.
You're cold and lost and you're double crossed
When you're marooned in a blizzard of lies.

We'll send someone right out. Now this won't hurt a bit.
He's in a meeting now. The coat's a perfect fit.
It's strictly fresh today. Service with a smile.
I'll love you darling 'till I die. We'll keep your name on file.
Marooned, marooned, marooned in a blizzard of lies.
Marooned, marooned, marooned in a blizzard of lies.
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart.
And you're in for a big surprise.
When you're marooned, marooned, marooned
marooned, marooned, marooned,
marooned, marooned, marooned in a blizzard of lies.
A blizzard of lies.

[tteplitzmd]

Heard him live half a dozen times, or more, in NY, LA, and Florida. Under recognized as a pianist/accompanist as well. Mixes well with Bob Dorough, and they appeared as a duo in LA a few years ago.