The Shadow of Your Smile

By Johnny Mandel and Paul Francis Webster
1965

One of the last of the great Academy Award winning movie songs of the traditional "songbook" era, this instant classic by arranger/bandleader Mandel and prolific lyricist Webster also won the Grammy for Song of the Year. Introduced in the Liz Taylor/Richard Burton film The Sandpiper by Mandel's orchestra, it was first recorded lyrically by singer Astrud Gilberto. Following the film, there was an explosion of recordings of the song throughout the late 1960s, with many artists of the old-school, lost in the burgeoning rock and roll era, latching on to it for its melodic beauty and poignant words. The one to be most successful with it at the time was Tony Bennett. Today, it remains a popular selection among instrumental groups and jazz bands, and was even recorded in 1992 by British actor Ian McShane.

Lyrics:

One day we walked along the sand
One day in early spring
You held a piper in your hand
To mend its broken wing
Now I'll remember many a day
And many a lonely mile
The echo of a piper's song
The shadow of a smile

The shadow of your smile
When you are gone
Will color all my dreams
And light the dawn
Look into my eyes
My love and see
All the lovely things
You are to me

Our wistful little star
Was far too high
A teardrop kissed your lips
And so did I
Now when I remember spring
All the joy that love can bring
I will be remembering
The shadow of your smile

Recorded By:

Peggy Lee
Ray Conniff
Sammy Davis Jr. & Laurindo Almeida
Ferrante & Teicher
Barbra Streisand

Tony Bennett and... Lady Gaga??

I'm breaking my two-months silence for a bit of a break from the usual routine here... to bring you this video which has been blowing my mind lately. It's from Tony Bennett's brand-new Duets II album, and features the greatest living traditional pop vocalist teaming up with none other than today's hottest pop sensation, Lady Gaga, for a rendition of Rodgers & Hart's "The Lady Is a Tramp".

I never would've imagined I'd like this as much as I do, but it cannot be denied that Ms. Gaga indeed has some talent! Honestly, her voice here reminds me a bit of Keely Smith and Anita O'Day. It just goes to prove what I've said in the past--that today's vocalists are often extremely talented, yet sabotage themselves with sub-par material in order to sell records. When given some quality standards to work with, they finally demonstrate what they really can do.

Enjoy! And congratulations to Mr. Bennett for staying in the mix all these years... I can't believe the Red Hot Chili Peppers stunt on the MTV Music Video Awards was nearly two decades ago...

Because of You

By Arthur Hammerstein & Dudley Wilkinson
1940

A warm, earnest love song that didn't really become anything of note until a young Tony Bennett recorded it in 1951. It became Bennett's first number-one hit, and immediately also became a standard as a result of that success. It was also featured in the 1951 film, I Was an American Spy. Bennett's version featured his trademark warm legato vocal style, and remains a favorite of enthusiasts of traditional pop.

Lyrics:

Because of you there's a song in my heart
Because of you my romance had its start
Because of you the sun will shine
The moon and stars will say you're mine
Forever and never to part

I only live for your love and your kiss
It's paradise to be near you like this
Because of you my life is now worth while
And I can smile
Because of you

Recorded By:

Johnny Desmond
Gloria DeHaven
Louis Armstrong
Chris Montez
Johnny Iris

The Good Life

By Sacha Distel & Jack Reardon
1962

Originally written as "La Belle Vie" by French composer Distel, the easy-going cabaret tune made its way to American shores almost immediately, and its English translation was turned into a signature hit by Tony Bennett. It made it to the top 20 on the pop charts, and remains part of Bennett's regular repertoire to this day.

Lyrics:

Oh, the good life--
"Full of fun" seems to be the ideal.
Yes, the good life
Lets you hide all the sadness you feel.

You won't really fall in love,
For you can't take the chance.
So be honest with yourself,
Don't try to fake romance.

It's the good life--
To be free, and explore the unknown.
Like the heartaches
When you learn you must face them alone.

Please remember I still want you,
And in case you wonder why,
Well, just wake up, kiss the good life goodbye.

Recorded By:

Frank Sinatra
Ray Charles
Shirley Horn
Matt Monro
Jack Jones