Mark Blackburn

DIANA KRALL – What Are You Doing New Year's Eve Right this minute the 'Siriusly Sinatra' satellite radio computer screen scroll reads: “Ch. 70 – Best of Nancy for Frank 11/29/2009” At the moment they're playing maybe my favorite version of Frank Loesser's other great 'seasonal' song – WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEW YEAR'S EVE. Composed, words & tune, a few years after Loesser picked up his only 'Best Original Song' Academy Award for BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE. Google to be reminded this one was track 10 on an album that included (in addition to all the most beloved 'secular' Christmas songs) some unusual picks by Diana: like her album closer: Irving Berlin's “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep.” (Wiki note below). I'm a sucker for solo guitar accompaniment, especially on a song's opening verse. None better than this, you may agree. The Wikipedia “personnel” entry doesn't specify whether it's Russell Malone or Anthony Wilson on this, “track 10” (the only error I spotted in the Wiki entry for Diana's “Christmas Songs”). An official version that was finally posted to YouTube “5 years ago” to 50K 'views' – “Comments turned off” so we won't “learn more” will we? "Reissued on vinyl" says our resident 'group expert' "Bob in Boston." Two new color vinyl reissues with original cover art: https://www.facebook.com/100044338.../posts/945186746969258/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac-S0dJy_eA Wikipedia Christmas Songs is the eighth studio album by Canadian singer Diana Krall, performed with The Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. It was released on October 26, 2005, by Verve Records. This is Krall's first full-length album of Christmas songs (not counting her 1998 EP Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas), and her first studio album with a big band. The album was released on vinyl for the first time on October 14, 2016. Critical Reception John Bungey of The Times noted, "If your idea of a perfect Yuletide is Jimmy Stewart on the telly and Bing on the radio, and you believe that, musically, it's all been downhill since 1955, then Krall's album will suit perfectly".[7] Dave Gelly and Nail Spenser of The Observer wrote, "This one proves she hasn't forgotten how to swing …. it is a terrific jazz-vocal album that will raise your spirits now and for several Christmases to come".[8]

BEST INSTRUMENTAL VERSION? OSCAR'S Sent my way by YouTube moments after posting the above. I responded: "It doesn't mention (above) that this was arranged by Claus Ogerman -- who arranged Sinatra's first (1967) album with A.C. Jobim. Frank's retire-the-trophy vocal version was arranged two years later by Brazil's Eumir Deodato. Still arranging down in Rio as of this date (11/26/2023). Looking now at the liner notes for my copy of this great album: "Produced by Claus Ogerman and a German Willy Fruth. The piano was recorded at MPS Studio in Villingen by Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer" and the orchestra was recorded "1969 at A&R Studio New York City. " But you knew that. Thanks for sharing Oscar Peterson. P.S. That's Bucky Pizzarelli on guitar.

SINATRA - Wave Still my favorite song from Antonio Carlos Jobim -- the Cole Porter of Brazil, as I like to say. You have to love a nation that names its international airport in Rio after its greatest composer. This is one song for which Jobim composed the words as well as the tune. And what a way to open a song: "So close your eyes, for that's a lovely way to be, aware of things your heart alone was meant to see, the fundamental loneliness goes, whenever two can dream-a-dream together..." On this, the definitive version, arranged by Brazil's Eumir Deodato, the 'The Voice' hits his lowest note ever (an E-flat). Most viewed version at YouTube -- this one. Thanks, Lee MacRealt for sharing. Deservedly as of this date (11/26/2023) with 1,075,115 views

QUEEN LATIFAH – Trav'lin' Light It's "7:11 AM" (still dark outside here in the frozen North) and Siriusly Sinatra is playing my favorite version of Johnny Mercer's TRAV'LIN' LIGHT – Queen Latifah's beautifully orchestrated recording from 16 years ago. A more obscure Mercer song beloved by jazz artists – like Billie Holiday, Anita O'Day and Chet Baker -- with a simple but effective refrain about 'lost love' " …. no one but me, and my memories …. Some lucky night, he may come back to me, but until then, I'm trav'lin' light." Whenever I think of this song I think of Queen Latifah. Sirius radio plays her version (just for me) about once a year. Thanks to channel 70's programmer extraordinaire 'Jersey Lou' Simon. Title track from her "sixth album in 2007" with a large Wiki entry reminding us that Diana Krall's favorite bass player John Clayton arranged this one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQM-mzOF-OE Wikipedia Trav'lin' Light is the sixth studio album by American actress and hip-hop artist Queen Latifah. It was released through Verve Records on September 25, 2007. William Ruhlman of AllMusic: “In song after song, she has come up with a character to portray through the lyrics, and that helps make her interpretations convincing. Sometimes, it is the songwriters themselves she seems to be channeling...however, it is the singer herself who deserves the credit for making the album work. As with her acting, Queen Latifah's singing is most laudable for not trying to do too much; she may evoke James or Nina Simone or Holiday (or Smokey Robinson or the Pointer Sisters), but she never tries to outsing them; rather, her versions are glosses on the greats she and her producers so admire."

WALTER RODRIGUES JR – Jingle Bells My favorite living finger-style guitarist is 'Brazilian-born' American Walter Rodrigues Jr. Who for the past half-dozen Christmases, has treated us to a refreshingly new and different take on a seasonal classic, via YouTube. Last year Walter outdid himself with an I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS that, in his words, “had me going overboard with 26 tracks and several hours of video programming.” This year? “Jingle Bells” – a seemingly simple, two chorus (under-two-minute) solo …. but what an arrangement: with most every note a chord – and in sequences of such breathtaking beauty. And Walter always achieves a 'texture and tone' that sounds perfect to our ears! Here he's playing a favorite weapon-of-choice – a special nylon-string instrument by 'Godin' of Quebec Canada; with computerized electronic 'assists' that make his bass string an octave lower. Of course like other virtuoso musicians Walter makes it all look easy! Really, isn't this just the best solo 'Jingle Bells' you've ever heard? Below the video, a kindred spirit “TEX” has provided an update of links to Walter's previous Christmas videos: Dec-2022: Jingle Bells - Fingerstyle - https://youtu.be/ZxX33lYLMnU Dec-2021: I'll Be Home For Christmas - https://youtu.be/1F29TxRgb5s Dec-2020: O Christmas Tree - https://youtu.be/0fN-Y6p4e5c Dec-2019: Angels We Have Heard On High - https://youtu.be/jXWM19mR5wU Dec-2018: Silent Night - https://youtu.be/nD63hz8A9S0 Dec-2015: Winter Wonderland - https://youtu.be/uSTKmx1trKM

It's quarter to three and there's no one in the place except you and me, and Siriusly Sinatra is playing heavenly Christmas music – “Matt Catingub: Away in a Manger / Hark the Herald Angels Sing” – with a choir of (talented) friends performing a capella. Is it at YouTube? But of course. With a mysterious album cover that raises more questions than answers. Must research “Matt Catingub” but for now .... back to bed. Oh no, followed by Marilyn Monroe – singing “Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend.” Best-ever version. Sleep can wait a little longer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htLV8UhXZEU&list=OLAK5uy_l1CP4ADlgfDTpwTI8dPLALLWxDelISuP0&index=15 "Musician MATT CATINGUB wears many hats: saxophonist, woodwind artist, conductor, pianist, vocalist, performer, composer, and arranger. Born in 1961 to parents of Polynesian descent, he was the youngest son of the late great jazz vocalist Mavis Rivers."

IN THE COOL, COOL, COOL OF THE EVENING My musical father's favorite singer was Margaret Whiting. He loved the sound of her voice – and her 'delivery' on all my Mom & Dad's favorite songs. Google to be reminded that Margaret did a late-in-life, 'live' performance of Hoagy Carmichael's best collaboration with Johnny Mercer – IN THE COOL, COOL, COOL OF THE EVENING (a “Best Original Song” Academy Award winner). With my favorite line that John delivered so well (around the 24:14 mark) on his latest '5 o'clock Somewhere' live stream show. “If I ain't in the clink, and there's somethin' to drink, you can tell 'em – I'll be there!” Imagine my delight to find Ms Whiting performing this gem with “The John Pizzarelli Trio” – from John's album with his brother Martin on bass, and pianist Ray Kennedy, for “Too Marvelous for Words: Songs of Johnny Mercer” (1997). Love it when Margaret reaches the line about “your brother jackass” and turns and wags a finger at John's bass player. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVJLFxTs1ZA At the 24:14 mark https://www.facebook.com/JohnPizzarelliOfficial/videos/3730028460550286 https://www.facebook.com/JohnPizzarelliOfficial

RICHARD SMITH -- Bye Bye Blackbird All fingerstyle guitar greats -- Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Lenny Breau, Doyle Dykes, Tommy Emmanuel -- each of them eventually obtained what they agreed was "The world's finest nylon-string electric guitar" crafted by "Kirk Sand of Laguna Beach California." What do they sound like? At their best, in the hands of a master like English-born Nashville resident RICHARD SMITH, they sound like this. Don't you love virtuosos who perform 'live' without making mistakes? None better than Richard Smith, you may agree. Around 16:30 Richard plays "Walkin' the Strings" -- best rendition since Chet's (an improvement on Merle's according to Travis). Left a footnote (below) for Deuce: I'm 76 and remember buying all Chet's latest ('1956 - 1958') recordings and hearing all these techniques which Chet invented. Like Ray Charles, he had no influences. Completely original and as all the greats will tell you, he was alone in that regard. All that technique and the best tone EVER on his signature Gretsch Country Gentleman. Played through a Fender amp. No one has replicated (perfectly) that tone. Think about that. P.S. My new favorite solo guitar rendition of the Gershwins' EMBRACEABLE YOU at 22:47 mark. Richard Smith is a jazz artist too!

ELEANOR POWELL & FRED ASTAIRE In the original THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT (1st of 3 DVDs) Sinatra introduces this segment as only he could: "You can wait around forever but you'll never see the likes of this again." The simple truth, in so few words. Once a year I look for this TCM clip thinking, Will it still give me goosebumps? Every time! P.S. Eleanor Powell would have been 111 today (11/21/2023)

SINATRA & RIDDLE – Time After Time At this moment Siriusly Sinatra satellite radio is playing my favorite version of my favorite song by Jule Styne -- mentioned back on page one: "Without the rendition, there is no song." Approaching song's end, (modulating up into B-sharp) the closing orchestral flourish includes the first five notes of 'The Sound of Music' – four years before my favorite composer Richard Rodgers would incorporate those same notes for “The hills are alive ...” Do you hear it? Richard Rodgers surely did! Yes, one of my favorite orchestrations by Nelson Riddle – who once said “I would trade all my arrangements to have written just one of Henry Mancini's” (hits). 'Admiral Nelson' as Sinatra dubbed him, had to settle for being most everyone's favorite arranger. I see my namesake wrote a more comprensive review at YouTube "4 years ago." The song's Wikipedia note, lists three of my favorites, from the year of my birth: “Time After Time – Music & Lyrics by Sammy Cahn & Jule Styne. Performed by Kathryn Grayson in 'It Happened in Brooklyn' (1947).” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcZBxxQxWBk&t=3s

“Happy Thanksgiving!,” says Doyle Dykes after playing one of his favorite Thanksgiving songs, JINGLE BELLS. “If you don't believe me, go to Wikipedia – look it up!” Sure enough, according to Wiki …. "Jingle Bells" is one of the best-known[1] and most commonly sung[2] American songs in the world. It was written in 1850 by James Lord Pierpont (1822–1893) at Simpson Tavern in Medford, Massachusetts. It was published under the title "The One Horse Open Sleigh" in September 1857. It has been claimed that it was originally written to be sung by a Sunday school choir for Thanksgiving, or as a drinking song.[3] Although it has no original connection to Christmas,[4] it became associated with winter and Christmas music in the 1860s and 1870s, and it was featured in a variety of parlor song and college anthologies in the 1880s.[5] It was first recorded in 1889 on an Edison cylinder; this recording, believed to be the first Christmas record, is lost, but an 1898 recording also from Edison Records survives.

NAT & FRED & DIANA – Pick Yourself Up Okay, you get three-for-the-price-of-one "Today Only": Nat Cole, Fred Astaire and Diana Krall – and all my favorite versions of PICK YOURSELF UP: Best live performance by Diana; best-ever studio recording by Nat King Cole (played just a moment ago on Siriusly Sinatra) and of course, the charming original – thanks to a feature on Turner Classic Movies. Whatever did we do 'before TCM'? Last things first: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGUsRGuZb6k Okay, my "new favorite best-ever" studio rendition: "Nat Cole with George Shearing” ( "comments turned off" so we won't "learn more" will we?) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20ViFpURIDk&t=7s Best 'live' performance – a three minute 'run through' with Diana joking at the start with her truly great guitarist Anthony Wilson. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_p_JxDGVqXg

JOHN & BUCKY PIZZARELLI -- Tangerine Shared at John Pizzarelli's Facebook page this day https://www.facebook.com/JohnPizzarelliOfficial/videos/852226710241124 Hard to single out a favorite in a show chock full of highlights but . . . At around the 15:35 mark John honored a request from “Jim McGrath for 'any one of those Bucky Pizzarelli solos.' So I chose Tangerine.” The “other great song” composed by film director Vic Schertzinger for the movie “The Fleet's In.” Vic asked his good friend Johnny Mercer to write the words for Tangerine – and one other tune – which turned out to be Mercer's personal favorite of all of his own lyrics – I REMEMBER YOU. Schertzinger lived just long enough to hear what Johnny had written; He died days later at age 53, before his movie was released in theaters. Tangerine was the immediate and big hit; I Remember You, had to wait more than a decade, for Nat Cole to give us the 'definitive' ballad version. Just had to say: Somewhere in this world there may be another jazz guitarist who could take Bucky's brilliant and beautiful arrangement of Tangerine, and bring it to life in the middle of a 'live stream' one hour show. But . . . I doubt it. The even-greater-son of a great father just gave me goosebumps 'channeling' Bucky as only he could. P.S. Thanks for this share Sasatop.

DOYLE DYKES -- God Bless America Three and one half minutes of perfection (at the 4:14 mark). In addition to which . . . the best-sounding steel-string acoustic 'live' performance that I have ever heard! I think this is Doyle's third "Olson" (James Taylor's weapon-of-choice) but Mr. Dykes may have had to "sell a couple of guitars" to obtain this brand new 'cutaway' version: his new favorite guitar. Reminded of the fact that when Doyle visited Winnipeg Canada for the first time in November 2018, he was scheduled to play at a music store for 90 minutes; it turned into a three hour performance. He must have made a mistake, but I didn't hear it. Think about that: what sort of virtuoso musician can perform before live audiences without making a single mistake? Latest 'case in point' -- this best-ever finger-style guitar rendition of Irving Berlin's God Bless America.

FRANK & 'TOM' -- all-time favorite 'live' TV performance My all-time favorite musical video from the early days of color TV: "Frank Sinatra & A.C. Jobim" – Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars, in medley with Irving Berlin's Change Partners and Dance, and Cole Porter's I Concentrate On You, and Jobim's most famous song Girl From Ipanema – the last sung in Brazilian Portuguese. Six minutes of TV perfection from 1967. Timeless beauty, you may agree. That first song “Quiet Nights” was one of five Jobim tunes for which my compatriot Gene Lees wrote the English lyrics. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Mj1M4ejEGg

WALTER RODRIGUES JR -- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Too early for a Christmas favorite? Say it isn't so. I see my namesake appreciated this favorite solo guitar rendition "10 months ago" with a comment: "What a lovely sounding instrument. Thanks for another gorgeous arrangement, Walter! And thanks for including info on the guitar. Which features four woods: Spruce top, Rosewood back & sides, mahogany neck, and Ebony fingerboard. But it takes Walter Rodrigues to bring out the best in this, his favorite model, the 'CORDOBA GK Pro Negra Cutaway Flamenco, All Solid Woods, Acoustic-Electric Nylon String Guitar, Luthier Series'."

HARRY NILSSON -- Thanks for the Memory During a 1968 press conference, the Beatles were asked what their favorite American group was and answered "Nilsson". Sometimes called "the American Beatle", Harry soon formed close friendships with John and Ringo. Playing right now on Siriusly Sinatra satellite radio, Bob Hope's signature song – my favorite version by Harry Nilsson. From a mid-70's album he recorded with London symphony / philharmonic musicians arranged by the great Gordon Jenkins. Harry recapitulated the lyrics in ways that were pure Nilsson: "Thanks for the memories, of rainy afternoons and pilsner by the case and how I jumped, the day you trumped my burnt toast with your prunes . . . "

OSCAR PETERSON – Little Girl Blue On the previous page (43) we enjoyed a Q&A analysis of 'the best and the worst' about Canada's guitar genius Lenny Breau – by Tommy Emmanuel: judged the greatest showman in guitar history. The key to such success Tommy maintains, is to “keep surprising your audience.” Citing Canada's Oscar Peterson, Mr. Emmanuel says that, "like Lenny, Oscar didn't have much to say on stage." But the difference? Oscar was “totally entertaining.” (Something true of Tommy too!) “He just went out there, bowed to the audience, sat down, played the piano and blew you away!” ---- Late in life Oscar Peterson was asked about his personal favorite albums (he recorded some 200). He cited the mostly solo recordings made for “a few invited guests” in the living room of a German recording engineer – who owned Bosendorfer's largest grand piano. From that moment on, it became Oscar's instrument of choice at all concerts in the latter half of his career. The piano he played at Winnipeg's 2,000 seat concert hall in the early 80s – alone together with guitar giant Joe Pass. To this day, my wife agrees: “The best concert we ever saw.” Just as an aside, Sinatra obtained a “Bosie” of his own, after Oscar told him, “It really is the best, Frank.” --- “If I could keep just one track,” said my song writing compatriot Gene (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars) Lees, “and had to discard all the others” (on this perfectly recorded solo album) “it would be Little Girl Blue.” Six minutes of perfection, you may agree. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoFc_YfU6Lk

DIANA KRALL – Let's Fall in Love Made the mistake of checking 'one last time' before returning to sleep – you know, just to see “what's playing now” on Siriusly Sinatra: Diana Krall with gorgeous solo guitar accompaniment from Russell Malone to open my “other favorite version” of LET'S FALL IN LOVE. From perhaps my favorite of her albums, 'When I Look In Your Eyes' (1999). The one with the arresting nighttime photo of Diana, outdoors, wearing an expensive gown, and looking skyward with evident joy in her heart. This one. Just checked the personnel listing to be reminded that one of my lifelong heroes – percussionist Larry Bunker – played vibes on this track. (Note below.) “Comments are turned off” so we won't “learn more” will we? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muOpokalL0s&t=3s Wikipedia Lawrence Benjamin Bunker (November 4, 1928 – March 8, 2005) was an American jazz drummer, vibraphonist, and percussionist. A member of the Bill Evans Trio in the mid-1960s, he also played timpani with the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra. Born in Long Beach, California, Bunker was a central figure on the West Coast jazz scene, one of the relatively few who actually were from the region. A dependable and in-demand studio drummer and vibist, Bunker achieved particular distinction by recording with Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Diana Krall, and many other jazz greats. In 1952, he was the drummer in one of Art Pepper's first groups. In 1953 and 1954, Bunker played drums in some of the earliest of Gerry Mulligan's groups. From 1963 to 1965, he was, intermittently, the drummer in the Bill Evans trio. His work in movie soundtracks spanned over fifty years, from Stalag 17 (1953) and Glengarry Glen Ross (1992) to The Incredibles (2004), and included soundtracks by John Williams, Henry Mancini, Quincy Jones, Miklós Rózsa, Jerry Goldsmith, Johnny Mandel, Lalo Schifrin and many other composers. Bunker died of complications of a stroke in Los Angeles at age 76.[1]

Bobby Darin -- Standing on the Corner, Watching All the Girls

Django Reinhardt's SEUL CE SOIR – Joscho Stephan Quartet No guitarist plays Django -inspired 'licks' like my favorite flat pick (plectrum) German jazz virtuoso – usually on the same brand of guitar Django treasured for its unique sound (a modern edition Maccaferri). Coincidentally, I'd just been praising a young jazz guitarist in Spain for a beautiful solo on his red Gibson ES-335 -- “my favorite.” Lo and behold – a sort of 355 replica (or hybrid) that Joscho employs to perfection. All this, with a ballad by Django I'd not heard before! How the 'Gypsy Jazz Giant' would have loved this! Permit an aside: My life-long finger-style hero Chet Atkins told me in a 1971 radio interview that “Django's was the only autograph” Chet ever sought from a musical hero. On his final visit to America (NYC) before his untimely death in 1953. This after we'd spent 20 minutes together alone and Chet noted that I'd “not asked for an autograph.” He could tell I didn't need his signature on paper, to treasure the memory for a lifetime.

SINATRA – All My Tomorrows Today I may not have a thing at all except for just a dream or two But I've got lots of plans for tomorrow and all my tomorrows – belong to you! I'd just been thinking of that Sinatra song – composed by his 'personal song-writing team' of Sammy Cahn (w) and Jimmy Van Heusen (m) for a movie he starred-in with Edward G. Robinson. Thinking how my favorite living singer used it as her show closer on her second of three “Playing Favorites” programs. Calabria Foti selected the original late 50s recording arranged by Nelson Riddle, not Frank's later recording whose majestic arrangement by Don Costa is my all-time favorite of his. So what's playing right this minute on Siriusly Sinatra? “This is Jack Jones, and you are listening to Playing Favorites, and that was 'All My Tomorrows' written by Sammy Cahn for Frank Sinatra, for the movie A Hole in the Head starring Frank Sinatra and Edward G. Robinson.” “I've been a Sinatra fan since I was in high school. And one day at lunch time I ran into my friend Nancy Sinatra. She said 'Hey, Jonesie! Why don't you come down to the auditorium this afternoon. I have a surprise for you.” “So everyone went down there and the curtain opened and there was her father. He'd come to give us a little present: he did his show. And that was the moment I decided I wanted to become a singer!” Okay I Googled for it and the first offering is the more recent recording arranged by Don Costa. I think maybe his best-ever orchestration. Listen to the opening and closing orchestral flourishes and see if you agree. Love the first two comments below the video. Rey Thomas (4 months ago) It’s almost impossible…impossible…to pick your favorite Sinatra song. It just can’t be done. Impossible. That being said, this song, without question, is my FAVORITE Sinatra song. Period. Laurie Weinroth (2 months ago) Gorgeous, depicts life as realistically as possible. I heard Frank in 1973 at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto with my late mother. I was 18 and I felt privileged to hear such a master. They lowered a mike from the ceiling and he was singing beautifully in a boxing ring. Simply superb. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-5qMan4cj4 https://www.facebook.com/mark.blackburn.3910/

JENNIFER WARNES -- Big Noise, New York Watching a VHS video recording – shared on Facebook by musician "Tom Brechtlein" – from long ago 1990, “June 18 at New York's 'The Bottom Line'.” As I watch, I'm thinking: 'What else was happening around-and-about New York in those days?' And then it came to me: “Big Noise.” It was 1992 and I had a then- “new favorite (sessions) guitarist” named “Robben Ford.” The content of his solos, combined with such a perfect blues sound! I was blown away. I assumed in my innocence a Fender 'Strat' or 'Tele' was his weapon-of-choice; this, on his album with Jennifer Warnes, whose best track (Grammy nominated?) was “Big Noise, New York” (see below). So here I am, 30 years on, watching this blues genius “I've not seen before” …. and thinking: 'Stevie Ray Vaughan would have loved this guy's playing – and singing!' Then I read the not-so-fine print: “Robben Ford” [ ! ] Deepest thanks to Tom Brechtlein for sharing! https://www.facebook.com/tom.brechtlein/videos/7071475609558569 From Jennifer's 1992 CD “The Hunter” – with "backing vocals by Donald Fagen" who co-wrote the song. Oh yes, and listen to that guitarist. Goosebumps. “I only hear the loudest voices, with something new to sell But it was all big talk, big name, big noise … New York!” -- the

NATALIE -- Here's That Rainy Day Nan Schwartz won a Grammy for what Natalie herself called "your divine arrangement" of HERE'S THAT RAINY DAY. Most beautiful video presentation at YouTube? This one. Still gives me goosebumps. You too?

NATALIE COLE – Something's Gotta Give If I didn't know better I'd say 'What a coincidence!' Last night, driving home in a snowstorm from visiting my wife in hospital, I'd been racking my brain to remember “What's the other great hit song for which Johnny Mercer wrote the tune – a great melody and not just the lyrics. There's DREAM …. and …. what's the other one?” I turn on Siriusly Sinatra just now and they're playing Natalie Cole's brilliant, jazzy rendition of SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE. [ ! ] I used to know who orchestrated this gem of an arrangement. I do know that that on this same album Nan Schwartz won a Grammy for what Natalie herself called "your divine arrangement" of HERE'S THAT RAINY DAY. Another "all time favorite." Yes, America's greatest (non-theatrical) lyricist died almost half a century before Natalie recorded this. A great jazz singer himself, Johnny Mercer would have loved this. How I miss Natalie Cole, awaiting with anticipation, her 'next album of standards.' As my oldest musical grandson said, when he was little (and Chet Atkins has just died) : “We'll always have their music.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK8Jvk2RlLA P.S. Just before Natalie, Siriusly Sinatra played my “favorite living singer” Calabria Foti and her version – my absolute favorite, of “Anything Goes” – from her recent all- Cole Porter album “In The Still Of The Night” featuring her hubby – slide trombone virtuoso Bob McChesney. Is it at YouTube? Alas, no. I say again: If you buy that album and don't just love it, I promise to buy your copy!