WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEW YEARS EVE?
WHEN THE BELLS ALL RING, AND THE HORNS ALL BLOW
AND THE COUPLES WE KNOW ARE FONDLY KISSING
WILL I BE WITH YOU
OR WILL I BE AMONG THE MISSING?

MAYBE IT’S STILL TOO EARLY IN THE GAME
STILL I THOUGHT I’D ASK YOU JUST THE SAME
WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEW YEARS,
NEW YEARS EVE?

WONDER WHO’S ARMS WILL HOLD YOU OH SO TIGHT
WHEN IT’S EXACTLY 12:00 THAT NIGHT
WELCOMING IN THE NEW YEAR
NEW YEARS EVE
MAYBE I’M CRAZY
CRAZY TO SUPPOSE
I’D EVER BE THE ONE YOU CHOSE
OUT OF THE THOUSAND INVITATIONS YOU’LL RECEIVE
OH, BUT IN CASE I STAND ONE LITTLE CHANCE
HERE COMES THE JACKPOT QUESTION IN ADVANCE
WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEW YEARS
NEW YEARS EVE

WINTER WONDERLAND
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening
in the lane snow is glistening
A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight
walking in a winter wonderland

Gone away is the bluebird, here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song, as we go along
walking in a winter wonderland

In the meadow we can build a snowman
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say: Are you married? we'll say: No man
But you can do the job when you're in town

Later on, we'll conspire
as we dream by the fire
To face unafraid, the plans that we've made
walking in a winter wonderland

In the meadow we can build a snowman
and pretend that he's a circus clown
We'll have lots of fun with mister snowman
until the other kiddies knock him down

When it snows, ain't it thrilling
Though your nose gets a chilling
We'll frolic and play the Eskimo way
walking in a winter wonderland
Walking in a winter wonderland
walking in a winter wonderland

SLEIGH RIDE
Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring ting ting-a-ling too
Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you
Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling "yoo hoo",
Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.
Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap,
Let's go! Let's look at the show,
We're riding in a wonderland of snow.
Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap,
It's grand! Just holding your hand.
We're gliding along with a song of a wintry fairy land

Our cheeks are nice and rosy and comfy cozy are we
We're snuggled up together like two birds of a feather would be
Let's take that road before us and sing a chorus or two
Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.

There's a birthday party at the home of Farmer Gray
It'll be the perfect ending a perfect day
We'll be singing the songs
We love to sing without a single stop
At the fireplace while we watch
The chestnuts pop. pop! pop! pop!

There's a happy feeling nothing in the world can buy
When they pass around the coffee and the pumpkin pie
It'll nearly be like a picture print by Currier and Ives
These wonderful things are the things
We remember all through our lives!
These wonderful things are the things
We remember all through our lives!

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring ting ting-a-ling too
Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you
Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling "yoo hoo",
Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.

SANTA BABY
Santa baby, just slip a sable under the tree, for me
Been an awful good girl
Santa baby so hurry down the chimney tonight

Santa baby, a '54 convertible too, light blue,
I'll wait up for you dear
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight

Think of all the fun I've missed,
Think of all the fellows that I haven't kissed
Next year I could be just as good
If you check off my Christmas list

Santa baby, I want a yacht and really that’s not a lot
Been an angel all year
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight

Come and trim my Christmas tree,
With some decorations bought at Tiffany's
I really do believe in you,
Let's see if you believe in me

Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing, a ring,
I don't mean on the phone,
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight

Hurry down the chimney tonight
Hurry, tonight.

CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE
Christmas time is here
Happiness and cheer
Fun for all that children call
Their favorite time of the year

Snowflakes in the air
Carols everywhere
Olden times and ancient rhymes
Of love and dreams to share

Sleigh bells in the air
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories there

Christmas time is here
We'll be drawing near
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year...

Baby, It’s Cold Outside
I really can’t stay
But baby it’s cold outside

I’ve got to go ‘way
But baby it’s cold outside

This evening has been…
Been hopin’ that you’d drop in

So very nice.
I’ll hold your hands, - they’re just like ice.

My mother will start to worry.
Beautiful, what’s your hurry?

And father will be pacing the floor
Listen to that fireplace roar

So really I’d better scurry
Beautiful, please don’t hurry

Well, maybe just a half a drink more
Put on some record while I pour

The neighbours might think.
But baby, it’s bad out there

Say, what’s in this drink?
No cabs to be had out there.

I wish I knew how…
Your eyes are like starlight now

To break the spell
I’ll take your hat, your hair looks swell.

I ought to say “no, no, no sir!”
Mind if I move in closer?

At least I’m gonna say that I tried
What’s the sense of hurting my pride?

I really can’t stay - baby it’s cold outside
Oh, baby don’t hold out - baby it’s cold outside

I simply must go
But baby it’s cold outside

The answer is no
But baby it’s cold outside

The welcome has been
How lucky that you dropped in

So nice and warm
Look out the window at that storm

My sister will be suspicious
Gosh, your lips look delicious

My brother will be there at the door
Waves upon a tropical shore

My maiden aunt’s mind is vicious
Gosh, your lips Are delicious

Well, maybe just a cigarette more
Never such a blizzard before

I’ve got to get home
But baby, you’d freeze out there

Say, lend me a comb
It’s up to your knees out there

You’ve really been grand
I thrill when you touch my hand

But don’t you see?
How can you do this thing to me?

There’s bound to be talk tomorrow
Think of my life long sorrow

At least there will be plenty implied
If you caught pneumonia and died

I really can’t stay - ah, but it’s cold outside
Get over that old doubt - baby it’s cold outside

LITTLE JACK FROST, GET LOST
LITTLE JACK FROST, GET LOST, GET LOST
LITTLE JACK FROST, GET LOST
YOU KNOW YOU DON’T DO A THING BUT PUT THE BITE ON THE TOES
FREEZE UP THE GROUND AND TAKE THE BLOOM FROM THE ROSE.
OH LITTLE JACK FROST, GO AWAY, GO AWAY
AND DON’T YOU COME BACK ANOTHER DAY
THERE’S LOTS OF COLD FEET
ALL THE LOVERS COMPLAIN
YOU TURNED OFF THE HEAT DOWN IN LOVERS LANE
THE BENCH IN THE PARK IS ALL ALONE IN THE DARK
SO LITTLE JACK FROST, GET LOST, GET LOST
LITTLE JACK FROST, GET LOST

WON’T YOU LISTEN UP, L.J. FROST GO ON GET OUTTA HERE
YOU’RE SCARING AWAY THE BLUE SKIES AND THE WHOLE GREEN SCENE
FROSTING UP MY WINDOW PANE
FREEZING ME TO THE BONE
TELL THAT GRUMPY OLD MAN WINTER TO LET YOU COME HOME
WITH YOUR COLD, COLD WIND, AND YOUR ICE AND SNOW
BETTER BUNDLE UP YOUR OVERCOAT WHEN HE STARTS TO BLOW
PUT BACK THE LEAVES ON THE MAPLE TREES
BRING BACK THE SUN AND THE SUMMER BREEZE
LET’S CALL IT A DAY. DON’T COME BACK, NO WAY
LITTLE JACK FROST, GET LOST

WHERE ARE ALL THE BOYS AND GIRLS
WALKING HAND IN HAND DOWN AT THE PARK
THEY GOT THEIR HANDS IN THEIR MITTENS
AND THEIR MITTENS IN THEIR POCKETS
AND THEY GOTTA GET HOME BEFORE DARK
L.J’S IN TOWN - HE’S GONNA BRING YOU DOWN
SPRINKLING HIS FROSTYNESS ALL OVER TOWN
CHICKADEE-DEE-DEE-DEE
WHERE’D’YA GO WHEN THEY BROUGHT ALL THAT SNOW?
DO YOU GO WHERE THE FLOWERS HIDE WHEN L.J. DROPS BY?
WOULD YOU LISTEN TO ME, OH FROSTY ONE
PUT YOUR SNOWFLAKES AWAY, WE CAN CALL IT A DAY
AND OUR WORK CAN BE DONE
GET OUT AND STAY OUT - STAY FAR, FAR AWAY OUT
LITTLE JACK FROST, GET LOST, GET LOST
LITTLE JACK FROST GET LOST

I’VE GOT MY LOVE TO KEEP ME WARM
THE SNOW IS SNOWING
THE WIND IS BLOWING
BUT I CAN WEATHER THE STORM
WHAT DO I CARE
HOW MUCH IT MAY STORM?
I’VE GOT MY LOVE TO KEEP ME WARM

I CAN’T REMEMBER
A WORSE DECEMBER
WATCH THE ICICLES FORM
WHAT DO I CARE
IF ICICLES FORM?
I’VE GOT MY LOVE TO KEEP ME WARM

OFF WITH MY OVERCOAT
OFF WITH MY GLOVES
I NEED NO OVERCOAT
I’M BURNING WITH LOVE

MY HEART’S ON FIRE
THE FLAME GROWS HIGHER
I CAN WEATHER THE STORM
WHAT DO I CARE HOW MUCH IT MAY STORM
I’VE GOT MY LOVE TO KEEP ME WARM

LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW!
OH, THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL
BUT THE FIRE IS SO DELIGHTFUL
AND SINCE THERE’S NO PLACE TO GO
LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW!

WELL IT DOESN’T SHOW SIGNS OF STOPPING
AND I BROUGHT SOME CORN FOR POPPING
THE LIGHTS ARE TURNED WAY DOWN LOW
LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW!

WHEN WE FINALLY KISS GOODNIGHT
HOW I HATE GOING OUT IN THE STORM
BUT IF YOU REALLY HOLD ME TIGHT
ALL THE WAY HME I’LL BE WARM

OH, THE FIRE IS SLOWLY DYING
BUT MY DEAR WE’E STILL GOODBYE-ING
AND AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME SO
LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW!

ANGELS’ LULLABY
SILENT NIGHT
HOLY NIGHT
LITTLE ONE IT’S GONNA BE ALRIGHT
AND MORNING WILL SEE A NEW DAY

SO CLOSE YOUR EYES
WHILE STARLIGHT BEAMS
AND SHEDS ITS LIGHT ON ALL THE DREAMERS’ DREAMS
TOMORROW WILL BE A NEW DAY

AND SO WE’RE SINGING
LULLABY, OH LITTLE ONE
WE’RE SINGING LULLABY
WE’VE ONLY JUST BEGUN

NOW SLEEP IN PEACE

ALL IS CALM
DON’T YOU CRY
LISTEN TO THE ANGELS’ LULLABY
FOR TOMORROW WILL BE CHRISTMAS DAY

(EVERYBODY’S WAITIN’ FOR) THE MAN WITH THE BAG
(BONUS TRACK - JAPAN ONLY!)
OLD MR. KRINGLE IS SOON GONNA JINGLE
THE BELLS THAT’LL TINGLE ALL YOUR TROUBLES AWAY
EVERYBODY’S WAITIN’ FOR THE MAN WITH THE BAG
‘CAUSE CHRISTMAS IS COMING AGAIN

HE’S GOT A SLEIGHFUL THAT’S NOT GONNA STAY FULL
HE’S GOT STUFF TO DROP AT EVERY STOP ON THE WAY
EVERYBODY’S WAITIN’ FOR THE MAN WITH THE BAG
‘CAUSE CHRISTMAS IS COMING AGAIN

HE’LL BE HERE
WITH THE ANSWERS TO THE PRAYERS THAT YOU MADE
THROUGH THE YEAR
YOU’LL GET YOURS
IF YOU’VE DONE EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD
EXTRA SPECIAL GOOD

HE’LL MAKE THIS DECEMBER THE ONE YOU’LL REMEMBER
THE BEST AND THE MERRIEST YOU EVER DID HAVE
EVERYBODY’S WAITIN’ FOR THE MAN WITH THE BAG
‘CAUSE CHRISTMAS IS HERE AGAIN

EVERYBODY’S WAITIN’
THEY’RE ANTICIPATIN’
WAITIN’ FOR THE MAN WITH THE BAG

LIKE A LOVER
(Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Dorival T Caymmi, Nelson Motta)
(Warner Bros Inc.)

Tom Szczesniak first introduced me to this song several years ago. We were on a break at a gig and he was sitting at the piano noodling around. He said, ãEm, you have to do this song, have you heard this song? Like A Lover? Oh, man, itâs great. You should do it! Iâll send you a copyœ. He made me a CD with that tune, plus a bunch of other great stuff. I listened to it, and then promptly lost it when I moved from one apartment to another. More years went by and I kept hearing a piece of this song in my head, haunting me. Tom kept on mentioning it every now and then, and finally I had to admit that I had lost the CD - and could he please send me another one? Again, he sent me a beautiful mix CD. This time I was ready to lift and record the song. My version is a bit different from the Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66 version that was the inspiration. I am thrilled with the way it turned out. It is exactly how I heard it in my head. OH, and arenât these the most beautiful words?

LIKE A LOVER, THE MORNING SUN
SLOWLY RISES AND KISSES YOU AWAKE.
YOUR SMILE IS SOFT AND DROWSY
AS YOU LET IT PLAY UPON YOUR FACE.
OH, HOW I DREAM I COULD BE LIKE THE MORNING SUN TO YOU.

LIKE A LOVER, THE RIVER WIND
SIGHS AND RIPPLES ITâS FINGERS THROUGH YOUR HAIR.
UPON YOUR CHEEK IT LINGERS NEVER HAVING KNOW A SWEETER PLACE.
OH, HOW I DREAM I MIGHT BE LIKE THE RIVER WIND TO YOU.
HOW I ENVY A CUP THAT KNOWS YOUR LIPS.
LET IT BE ME, MY LOVE.
AND A TABLE THAT FEELS YOUR FINGERTIPS
LET IT BE ME. LET ME BE YOUR LOVE.
BRING AN END TO THE ENDLESS DAY AND NIGHTS WITHOUT YOU.

LIKE A LOVER, THE VELVET MOON
SHARES YOU PILLOW AND WATCHES WHILE YOU SLEEP.
ITS LIGHT ARRIVES ON TIPTOE
NEVER HAVING KNOWN A SWEETER PLACE.
OH, HOW I DREAM I MIGHT BE LIKE THE VELVET MOON TO YOU.

ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET
(Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh)
(EMI Music Publishing)
When I was in college, there was this great vocal jazz singer/teacher by the name of Lisa Martinelli. She ran one of the vocal ensembles I was in. She always picked great material, and one of the tunes we did was ãSunny Sideœ. We did this great arrangement with some alternate lyrics, which Iâm sure I have messed about with over the years. Anyway, hereâs how I sing it

GRAB YOUR COAT, AND GET YOUR HAT.
LEAVE YOUR WORRIES ON THE DOORSTEP.
JUST DIRECT YOUR FEET TO THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET.

CANâT YOU HEAR THAT PITTER-PAT?
YOU KNOW THAT HAPPY TUNE IS YOUR STEP.
LIFE CAN BE SO SWEET, ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET.

I USED TO WALK IN THE SHADE WITH MY BLUES ON PARADE.
BUT IâM NOT AFRAID. THIS ROVER CROSSED OVER.

IF I NEVER HAD A CENT, IâD BE RICH AS ROCKEFELLER.
GOLD DUST ÎROUND MY FEET,
ON THE SUNNY, SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET

COME ON AND GRAB YOUR COAT
DONâT FORGET YOUR HAT
AND LEAVE YOUR WORRIES, LEAVE ÎEM ON THE DOORSTEP.
LIFE IS SWEET.
JUST DIRECT YOUR FEET TO THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET

HOT BOTTLES IN THE SAVâ, PITTER-PAT
YOU KNOW THAT HAPPY TUNE IS MY STEP
LIFE'S ALREET, IF YA DIG THAT BEAT
ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET

USED TO WALK IN THE SHADE WITH MY BLUES ON PARADE
WHAT A DRAG OLD MAN, GETTING STUCK IN THE SHADE
GET HIP. DONâT BE AFRAID
MOVE IT ON OVER, KILL YOURSELF IN THE CLOVER. OOH.
IâM GONNA HIT FOR A CENT. WHO CARES?
RICH AS ROCKEFELLER, CANâT BE BEAT
GOLD DUST ÎROUND MY FEET
ON THE SUNNY, SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET.

SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME
(George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin)
(Warner Bros. Inc.)

I used to perform this tune live as part of a Gershwin medley, but felt that the song was just perfect on its own. What can I say about this tune? It is such a beautiful ballad, and probably right up there with my favourite melodies of all time. However, I know Iâll get flack for not doing the verse. Shame on me!

THERE'S A SOMEBODY IâM LONGING TO SEE.
I HOPE THAT HE TURNS OUT TO BE
SOMEONE WHOâLL WATCH OVER ME.

IâM A LITTLE LAMB WHOâS LOST IN THE WOOD.
I KNOW I COULD BE OH SO GOOD
TO ONE WHOâLL WATCH OVER ME.

ALTHOUGH HE MAY NOT BE THE MAN SOME GIRLS THINK OF
AS HANDSOME,
TO MY HEART HE CARRIES THE KEY.

WONâT YOU TELL HIM, PLEASE,
TO PUT ON SOME SPEED.
FOLLOW MY LEAD. OH, HOW I NEED,
SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME

A TIME FOR LOVE

(Johnny Mandel, Paul Francis Webster)
(Whitmark M & Sons, Warner Bros. Inc.)

This is one of those tunes, like Sunny Side, that I have been performing live for years and years, but havenât gotten around to recording yet ö until now! Interestingly, I find this tune quite hard to sing. I guess it is because it covers a large range, and has some tricky intervals that are difficult to make smooth. When I first recorded the vocals, I was being overly critical of myself and though I didnât do a very good job. I had to go away and not listen to it for a while. After I had taken some space from it, I went back and listened and was pleasantly surprised at how great it sounded. What do I know?

A TIME FOR SUMMER SKIES.
FOR HUMMINGBIRDS AND BUTTERFLIES.
FOR TENDER WORDS THAT HARMONIZE WITH LOVE.

A TIME FOR CLIMBING HILLS.
FOR LEANING OUT OF WINDOWSILLS
ADMIRING THE DAFFODILLS ABOVE.

A TIME FOR HOLDING HANDS TOGETHER.
A TIME FOR RAINBOW COLOURED WEATHER.
A TIME FOR MAKE-BELIEVE, THAT WEâVE BEEN DREAMING OF.

AS TIME GOES DRIFTING BY
THE WILLOW BENDS AND SO DO I
BUT OH MY FRIENDS, WHATEVER SKY ABOVE
I'VE KNOW A TIME FOR SPRING,
A TIME FOR FALL,
BUT BEST OF ALL, A TIME FOR LOVE.

THE THINGS WE DID LAST SUMMER
(Jule Styne, Sammy Cahn )
(Warner Chappell Music Inc,, Cherry Lane Music Publishing)
(Vocalese Lyrics by E.C.B.)

Interestingly, Lisa Martinelli was part of the inspiration behind this tune as well as ãSunny Sideœ. I went to see her sing at Le Select Bistro in Toronto one night and this was one of the songs that she sang. I had never heard it before and fell in love with it immediately. This was probably about 9 years ago, in 1996 and I was living in my first little apartment, a teeny bachelor pad, right down near the beach. I had no television, so I listened to a lot of music. One night I was bored, and this song had stuck in my head. I got the inspiration to extrapolate on the lyric and away I went. I have been performing it live for about 8 years, and have wanted to record it for about as long. I am very happy with the way the recording turned out. Marc Rogers really got it. As you listen to, or read the lyrics, you will see how we take a trip through all the seasons, and in each one, I borrowed some bits and pieces from some great tunes. I think there are 14 references to seasonal songs in the vocalese. Can you find them all?

THE BOATRIDES WE WOULD TAKE,
THE MOONLIGHT ON THE LAKE,
THE WAY WE DANCED AND HUMMED OUT FAVOURITE SONG.
THE THINGS WE DID LAST SUMMER,
IâLL REMEMBER ALL WINTER LONG.

THE MIDWAY AND THE FUN,
THE KEWPIE DOLLS WE WON,
THE BELL YOU RANG TO PROVE THAT YOU WERE STRONG (DING-DONG)
THE THINGS WE DID LAST SUMMER,
IâLL REMEMBER ALL WINTER LONG.

THE EARLY MORNING HIKE,
THE RENTED TANDEM BIKE,
THE LUNCHES THAT WE USED TO PACK.
WE NEVER COULD EXPLAIN THAT SUDDEN SUMMER RAIN
AND THE LOOKS WE GOT WHEN WE GOT BACK.

THE LEAVES BEGAN TO FADE LIKE PROMISES WE MADE
HOW COULD A LOVE THAT FELT SO RIGHT GO WRONG?
THE THINGS WE DID LAST SUMMER,
IâLL REMEMBER ALL WINTER LONG.

(VOCALESE)

WELL IT WAS SUNNY SUMMER LOVINâ
AND WE HAD OURSELVES A BLAST.
ITâS FUNNY THEY SAY, HOW WE HAD OUR DAY
NOW ITS ALL IN THE PAST
AND MY RAINY DAY I FEAR IS FINALLY HER
AND NOW THAT IâVE CRIED FOR WISHES THAT I THREW ASIDE,
LESSONS IN LOVE WERE NOT LOST MY DEAR.

THE MEMORIES OF AUTUMN LEAVES
SOMETHING TO BE DESIRED.
AS YELLOW MAROON AND BROWN,
AND ORANGE AND RED BEGIN TO FALL.
OUR SUMMER SONG GREW OLD AND TIRED,
YOUR POEMS AND SONNETS SEEMED UNINSPIRED.
OUR HAPPY DAYS IN SUMMER HAZE
SEEMED HARDER TO RECALL.
AND EVEN THE THRILL OF AUTUMN IN NEW YORK
WELL IT DIDNâT REALLY SEEM SO INVITING.
AND OH, MY DEAR. HOW I ONLY WISH,
WE COULD BE REUNITING

AS IâM SINGING THESE WORDS
SPILLING OUT MY SORROWS.
DREADING ALL THE TOMORROWS,
WHEN LOVEâS LOST AND JACKâS FROST
IS CHILLING ME TO THE BONE
THE FIRE HAS FIZZLED AND GONE RIGHT OUT
AND LEFT ME ALL ALONE
WITHOUT YOUR LOVE TO KEEP ME WARM

WOULDNâT IT HAVE BEEN GRAND
TO FROLICK IN THIS WINTER WONDERLAND?
BUT OUR LOVE COULDNâT WITHSTAND
THE CHANGE OF SEASON.
WHAT I WOUDNâT GIVE, YOU DONâT EVEN KNOW,
TO GET YOU AND KEEP YOU UNDER THE MISTLETOE.
WHY COULDNâT EVERYTHING HAVE STAYED JUST SO??

AND SPRING CAME ALONG,
SUPPOSEDLY A SEASON OF SONG.
SADLY I MUST SAY,
IT ÎAINâT NECESSARILY SO.
IF EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN
THEN WHY CANâT I HAVE YOU AGAIN?
IâD EVEN SETTLE FOR TEMPORARILY SO.

THINGS ARE LOOKING UP THEY SAY,
IIN THE SEASON OF THE FOUR LEAF CLOVER.
WHEN MAY AND JUNE ARE BUSTING OUT ALL OVER.
WELL EXCUSE ME IF IâM A LESS THAN GRACIOUS HOST,
BUT SPRING IS THE SEASON THAT HANGS ME UP THE MOST.

WE COULD SPEND APRIL IN PARIS,
BUT BABY CANâT YOU SEE IT JUST ISNâT THE SAME
AS THE CAREFREE WAYS AND THE ENDLESS DAYS
WHEN WE DID THE THINGS WE DID LAST SUMMER

(I'VE GOT) JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING I NEED
(Bob Dorough)

Here's another tune that goes back to my college days. For a while I got really into Tuck and Patti and this was one of the tunes that they recorded. Again, I have some lyric issues with this one. There are just a few lines that I was never 100% sure of, even after listening to the song over and over. I ended up just making stuff up and adapting it over the years.

I'VE GOT JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING I NEED
TO MAKE THIS LIFE I LEAD AN ENJOYABLE THING
I'VE GOT ROBINS AND ROSES AND BLUEBIRDS AND POSIES
ALL KINDS OF FLOWERS THAT BLOOM
ALL KINDS OF BIRDS THAT SING

IâVE GOT JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING I WANT
TO MAKE THIS EARTH I WALK A MIRACULOUS PLACE
I'VE GOT FRESH AIR AND SUNSHINE AND MAY WINE
AND WHAT IS REALLY A BOOM
I LIKE THE HUMAN RACE
WHEN I SAY JUST ABOUT, JUST ABOUT
JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING

I MEAN I MUST ADMIT, ONE THING I NEED IS MISSING
I'M NOT COMPLAINING, WITH OR WITHOUT IT
IâVE STILL GOT WHAT IâVE GOT
BUT YOU COULD BETTER MY LIFE
WITH SOME OF YOUR HUGGINâ AND KISSINâ
THATâS WHAT IS MISSINâ

JUST SAY THOSE WORDS THAT I LONG TO HEAR YOU SAY
AND THEN MY LIFE WILL BE COMPLETE AND SULL TO THE TOP
AND I WILL SHARE ALL MY PLEAURES, MY RICHES AND TREAURES
MAKING THE TWO OF US ONE
THATâS ALL THERE NEED BE DONE
JUST SAY YOUâLL BE MY OWN
MY ONE AND ONLY ONE
THEN I CAN SAY, IâVE GOT EVERYTHING I NEED

IâVE GOT JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING IT TAKES
TO SET THIS SCENE AND MAKE IT A MARVELLOUS BIT
IâVE GOT BARRELS OF LAUGHTER AND HOPE EVER AFTER
AND THOUGH I DONâT LIKE TO BOAST
SHUCKS BABY IâVE GOT IT!

IâVE GOT JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING THERE IS
TO MAKE THIS HERS AND HIS A TERRIFIC AFFAIR
IâVE GOT SINATRA AND DARRIN AND BOBBY MCFERRIN
AND TO COMPLETE MY GOOD LUCK
IâVE GOT PATTI AND TUCK
WHEN I SAY JUST ABOUT, JUST ABOUT
JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING
I THINK I KNOW BY NOW JUST WHAT I NEED THATâS LACKING
NO DOUBT ABOUT IT, LIVING WITHOUT IT
I MIGHT TURN OUT ALL WRONG
BUT NOW IâM SINGINâ OUR SONG, SO COME ON NOW
BABY LETâS TRY IT, DONâT YOU DENY IT
JUST SAY THOSE WORDS THAT I LONG TO HERE YOU SAY
AND THEN MY LIFE WILL BE COMPLETE AND FULL TO THE TOP
AND I WILL SHARE ALL MY PLEASURES, MY RICHES AND TREASURES
MAKING THE TWO OF US ONE, THATâS ALL THERE NEED BE DONE
JUST SAY YOUâLL BE MY ONE, MY ONE AND ONLY ONE
THEN I CAN SAY I HAVE GOT EVERYTHING I NEED

WHEN I SAY JUST ABOUT, JUST ABOUT
JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING
I THINK I KNOW BY NOW IâM GONNA GET WHATâS LACKING
HOT DIGGY-DIGGY, I FEEL SO WIGGY
I COULD FLY TO THE MOON
AND COMPOSE A BEAUTIFUL TUNE
TO TELL YOU HOW MUCH I ADORE YOU AND I IMPLORE YOU

JUST SAY THOSE WORDS THAT I LONG TO HERE YOU SAY
AND THEN MY LIFE WILL BE COMPLETE AND FULL TO THE TOP
AND I WILL SHARE ALL MY PLEASURES, MY RICHES AND TREASURES
MAKING THE TWO OF US ONE, THATâS ALL THERE NEED BE DONE
JUST SAY YOUâLL BE MY ONE, MY ONE AND ONLY ONE
THEN I CAN SAY I'VE GOT EVERYTHING I NEED

GENTLE RAIN
Luis Bonfa/Matt Dubey

Luis Bonfa, the Brasilian guitarist and composer is probably best known for his composition "Manha de Carnival" (theme from Black Orpheus). Apparently, "Manha de Carnaval" is one of the top ten most played songs in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Hmm most played....not sure exactly what that means....but, it's not even the song I want to discuss, so whatever.

"Gentle Rain", the song at hand, was originally written in 1965 for the soundtrack to the movie "The Gentle Rain". Lyricist. Matt Dubey added lyrics later for Astrud Gilberto to sing. And here they are....

WE BOTH ARE LOST
AND ALONE INT HE WORLD
WALK WITH ME IN THE GENTLE RAIN

DON'T BE AFRAID
I'VE A HAND FOR YOUR HAND
AND I WILL BE YOUR LOVE
FOR A WHILE

I FEEL YOUR TEARS
AS THEY FALL DOWN MY CHEEK
THEY ARE WARM LIKE THE GENTLE RAIN

COME LITTLE ONE
YOU HAVE ME IN THE WORLD
AND OUR LOVE WILL BE SWEET
VERY SAD

VERY SWEET
LIKE THE GENTLE RAIN
LIKE THE GENTLE RAIN

FREDDIE FREELOADER
Miles Davis/Jon Hendricks

Any true jazz fan has a few 'staples' in their CD collection. One of those staples is most definitely Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue". The vocalese master, Jon Hendricks, took it upon himself to write lyrics to all the solos on this tune called Freddie Freeloader. Now that in itself is a pretty great thing. But he takes the next step and gathers a group of vocalists to sing these solos. Jon, handles the John Coltrane solo of course, Bobby McFerrin takes on the Wynton Kelly piano solo, George Benson works Cannonball Adderly's solo, and lastly, but not least, Al Jarreau sings Miles' solo. I chose to interpret my version of the Wynton Kelly solo, and the Miles Davis solo.

Now, here's the thing about this one. I had some trouble figuring out what Jon Hendricks was singing in a few spot, so I ended up making up some of the lyrics. I also added some in the 'chorus' section........just because! I guess I have made it my own, and to be honest, I haven't listened to the original in a while, so I can't be precise at this point as to where I took liberties with the lyrics (and the melody for that matter). In any case, I offer my apologies to Mr. Hendricks for messin' around with the greatness. If anyone out there has an accurate transcription of Jon's lyrics for all the solos, I would love to take a look at it.....although I'm used to my own version now!

Without further ado, here are the lyrics......

THERE'S THIS CAT
HIS NAME IS FREDDIE
THIS CAT'S A BARTENDER
WELL KNOWN BY ANYONE HIP
AND HE CAN MIX THE KIND OF DRINKS
THAT YOU WON'T FORGET
ONE SIP AND YOU'LL FLIP

AND FOR CHASERS
FREDDIE'S GOT SOME STUFF FOR HIP LIPS
GROOVY STUFF FOR YOUR CUP
LET THE FLOW GO
GET DOWN AND DRINK IT UP
I SWEAR HE MADE IT UP HIMSELF
AND IT'LL HYPNOTIZE AN ELF

THEM DRINKS THAT FREDDIE MIX
AIN'T NO AIL THAT THEY WON'T FIX
FOR EACH EMOTION
FREDDIE GOT A POTION
HE'S KNOWN TO HAVE YOU TOXIFIED
BEFORE YOU KNOW YOU'RE EVEN DRY

JUST MENTION HIS NAME
ALL THE CATS KNOW FREDDIE
HE SERVES ONE
SO FREDDIE DESERVES ONE
CAUSE TENDIN' BAR THE WAY THAT FREDDIE DOES
HE TENDS TO UNNERVE ONE

SO ALL DAY
HE JUICES ALL DAY, FREDDIE
BUT ALL THAT BREAD
DON'T REACH THE TILL
THOUGH I 'AIN'T SAYIN' FREDDIE STEALIN'
IF YOU KNOW HIM AT ALL
THEN IT'S A CINCH THAT YOU KNOW HE WILL

EVER-READY FREDDIE
WITH A PAW SO STEADY
I SEEN HIM SINK ONE DRINK
BEFORE THE NEXT HALF WAS READY
HE'S GOT A STYLE THAT'S ALL I KNOW
FREDDIE'S ON TIME THE JUICE IS ON TAP
IT'S ALL HIS OWN

THE ONE TO MEET IS FREDDIE
HE'LL MAKE YOUR DRINK, HE'S READY
GO SEE FRED, YOU KNOW WHERE
HE'S YOUR MAN, HE'LL BE THERE
WITH SHOOTERS AND BOTTLES
HE'D LOVE TO GET YOU DRUNK
AND YOU ALL KNOW FRED 'CAUSE YOU NEED HIM
YOU SURE WOULD LOVE TO MEET HIM
STRAIGHT FLYIN' HE'S STEADY
FREDDIE'S GOT YOUR SUBSTANCE
FREE DUES, FREE BOOZE
THAT'S FREDDIE

HE ISN'T GOOD LOOKING
YET HANDSOME
YOU WANT SOME CREDIT?
HE CAN SPARE SOME
'CAUSE SERVING DRINKS IS WHAT HE DOES
GROOVIER THAN MOST MEN
HE'S READYIN' THEM UP IN CASE YOU COME IN
'CAUSE FREDDIE REALLY LOVES THAT THING CALLED BE-BOP
LET THE CATS DRINK EVERY DROP
WHILE HE DIGS ON IT NONSTOP

CAUSE CATS HAVE NO DOUBT THAT HE'S FINE
YOUR THROAT'S DRY
KNOWING THAT THAT'S THE PLACE
THAT FREDDIE GETS DOWN AND GETS YA HIGH
WITHOUT EVER WORRYIN' 'BOUT PAYMENT
FREDDIE HAS A HANDLE ON
ALL THE THINGS ABOUT THIS PLACE
SO YOU NEVER HAVE TO EVEN THINK ABOUT IT
JUST HAVE HIM HOLD ON TO SOME DRINKS AND
YOUR TAB'S ALL PAID
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

AND POUR ME ANOHER DRINK AS A TOAST TO OLD FREDDIE
THE CAT THAT'S HIP AND WHERE IT WAS
AND WHERE IT'S AT
HE USED TO BE SUCH A SOLID OLD FELLA OF THE CHURCH
HE USED TO BE SO GOOD BOY
HE HAD HIS RELIGION
BUT NOW AS THE DEVIL'S MOVED IN AND HAD HIS WAY
YOU'LL FIND THAT HE CAN BE TEMPTED
WITH EVEN THE TINIEST SMIDGEN

SO DRINK UP ALL THIS STYLE
HAVE A BREAKDOWN WHEN HE'S AROUND
AND NOW MY CAT'S YOU KNOW THAT
HE'LL FIX SOMETHIN' UP FOR YOU
SOON AS HE GETS BACK AROUND THE BAR
IT'S SUCH A BREW
YOU NEED ANOTHER ONE TO HELP YOU SEE IT THROUGH
I HEARD HIM SAY THAT
SPEAKIN' OF FRED HE'S GOT THE
UGLY KIND OF FACE
THAT ONLY A MOM COULD LOVE
AND I KNOW
FREDDIE DON'T PLAY THAT

THE ONE TO MEET IS FREDDIE
HE'LL MAKE YOUR DRINK HE'S READY
GO SEE FRED, YOU KNOW WHERE
HE'S MY MAN HE'LL BE THERE
WITH SHOOTERS, AND BOTTLES
HE'D LOVE TO GET YOU DRUNK
AND YOU ALL KNOW FRED 'CAUSE YOU NEED HIM
YOU SURE WOULD LOVE TO MEET HIM
STRAIGHT FLYIN' HE'S STEADY
FREDDIE'S GOT YOUR SUBSTANCE


FREE BOOZE, FREE BLUES
THAT'S FREDDIE
FREE BOOZE, FREE DUES
THAT'S FREDDIE
FREE DUES, FREE BLUES
THAT'S FRED

STOMPIN' AT THE SAVOY
(Benny Goodman/Chick Webb/Edgar Sampson/ Andy Razaf)

In this tune we find the inspiration behind the CD title Happy Feet. I did a bit of research before singing this song, and then wrote the vocalese, which, together with the main lyrics, basically sums up the 'vibe' of the "Home of Happy Feet", the famous Savoy Ballroom in Harlem.

THE HOME OF SWEET ROMANCE
IT WINS YOU AT A GLANCE
GIVES HAPPY FEET A CHANCE
TO DANCE

YOUR FORM A CLINGING VINE
YOUR LIPS AS SWEET AS WINE
YOUR CHEEK SO CLOSE TO MINE
DIVINE

HOW MY HEART IS SINGIN'
WHILE THE BAND IS SWINGIN'
I NEVER TIRE OF ROMPIN'
AND STOMPIN' WITH YOU
AT THE SAVOY

A PERFECT HOLIDAY
WHERE WE CAN GLIDE AND SWAY
UNTIL THE BREAK OF DAY WITH YOU

(additional vocalese lyrics by Emilie-Claire)

SUZY-Q-TRUCKIN'
THE BUMPY BUMPERS BUMPIN
THE CHARLESTON AND THE SHIM SHAM
BREAKAWAY TO THE LINDY HOP
FLIP ON YOUR BACK DOWN AT THE TRACK

THERE WAS SHORTY GEORGE AND BIG BEA
LEROY 'STRETCH' JONES AND LITTLE BEA
BUT FRANKIE MANNING WAS THE MAN TO BEAT
THE COOLEST LINDY HOPPER
WITH THE FANCIEST FEET

AND THEY WERE DOWN IN CAT'S CORNER
ON THE NORTHEAST SIDE OF THE FLOOR
YOU COULD 'DANCE THEM' IF YOU WANNA
ONLY 65 CENTS WHEN YOU COME IN THE DOOR

TO THE HOME OF HAPPY FEET THEY SAY
THE SAVOY BALLROOM HAD IT'S DAY
AND BENNY GOODMAN LED THE BAND TO PLAY
SO WE COULD DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY

Zabumba no mar
I first heard this song on a disc called Outro Lado released in 2000 by a band named Zuco 103. Zabumba No Mar is a 'dance tune' that sounds like it's from the eighties with Brazilian singer Lilian Vieira rapping at breakneck speed. On Happy Feet, we slowed it down considerably performed it with just percussion and drums - oh yeah - and those 'creepy monkey sounds'!

Just in case you were wondering, ZABUMBA is a Brazilian drum and NO MAR means of/on the sea.

TAVA SUBINDO BUSCAR AGUA
Lç NO MORRO COM MARIA
DO SOCORRO E RESOLVI CANANDIç

QUE A CARNE ƒ FRACA
MAS EU SEI QUE A VIDA ƒ CURTA
E AGRADE‚O ç PROVIDæNCIA
POR EU TER NASCIDO Lç

DIZ O DITADO QUE QUEM NÌO
CHORA NÌO MAMA
MAS EU DIGO QUE EU AMO
E NÌO FAZ FALTA NEM CHORAR

QUE QUEM TRABALHA FAZ
SEU PRîPRIO CAMINHO
FALA BAIXO PIANINHO
NÌO PRECISA NEM GRITAR

MARACATU, CARCARç, MARACATU, CARCARç
ZABUMBA, ZABUMBA, ZABUMBA NO MAR

AGUAS DE MARCO
(Antonio Carlos Jobim)

And now.....the much requested lyrics for Waters of March!!! This tune, by Antonio Carlos Jobim seems to be a favourite from the TRIBUTE CD. Without further ado...

A STICK, A STONE, IT'S THE END OF THE ROAD
IT'S THE REST OF A STUMP, IT'S A LITTLE ALONE
IT'S A SLIVER OF GLASS, IT IS LIFE, IT'S THE SUN
IT IS NIGHT, IT IS DEATH, IT'S A TRAP, IT'S A GUN

THE OAK WHEN IT BLOOMS, A FOX IN THE BRUSH
THE KNOT IN THE WOOD, THE SONG OF A THRUSH
THE WOOD OF THE WIND, A CLIFF, A FALL
A SCRATCH, A LUMP, IT IS NOTHING AT ALL

IT'S THE WIND BLOWING FREE
IT'S THE END OF THE SLOPE
IT'S A BEAM, IT'S A VOID, IT'S A HUNCH, IT'S A HOPE
AND THE RIVERBANK TALKS OF THE WATERS OF MARCH
IT'S THE END OF A STRAIN, IT'S THE JOY IN YOUR HEART

THE FOOT, THE GROUND, THE FLESH AND THE BONE
THE BEAT OF THE ROAD, A SLINGSHOT STONE
A FISH, A FLASH, A SILVERY GLOW
A FIGHT, A BET, THE RANGE OF A BOW

THE BED OF THE WELL, THE END OF THE LINE
THE DISMAY IN THE FACE, IT'S A LOSS, IT'S A FIND
A SPEAR, A SPIKE, A POINT, A NAIL
A DRIP, A DROP, THE END OF THE TALE

A TRUCKLOAD OF BRICKS IN THE SOFT MORNING LIGHT
THE SHOT OF A GUN IN THE DEAD OF THE NIGHT
A MILE, A MUST, A THRUST, A BUMP
IT'S A GIRL, IT'S A RHYME, IT'S A COLD, IT'S THE MUMPS

THE PLAN OF THE HOUSE, THE BODY IN BED
AND THE CAR THAT GOT STUCK
IT'S THE MUD, IT'S THE MUD

A FLOAT, A DRIFT, A FLIGHT, A WIND
A HAWK A QUAIL, THE PROMISE OF SPRING
AND THE RIVERBANK TALKS OF THE WATERS OF MARCH
IT'S THE PROMISE OF LIFE, IT'S THE JOY IN YOUR HEART

TWISTED
(Wardell Gray/Annie Ross)

Wardell Gray was one of the top tenors to emerge during the bop era. In 1949, he recorded 'Twisted', and a few years later, his solo was turned into vocalese by Annie Ross.

MY ANALYST TOLD ME, THAT I WAS RIGHT OUT OF MY HEAD.
THE WAY HE DESCRIBED IT,
HE SAID I'D BE BETTER DEAD THAN LIVE.
I DIDN'T LISTEN TO HIS JIVE.
I KNEW ALL ALONG THAT HE WAS ALL WRONG,
AND I KNEW THAT HE THOUGHT, I WAS CRAZY
BUT I'M NOT, OH NO.

MY ANALYST TOLD ME, THAT I WAS RIGHT OUT OF MY HEAD.
HE SAID I'D NEED TREATMENT,
BUT I'M NOT THAT EASILY LEAD, HE SAID,
I WAS THE TYPE THAT WAS MOST INCLINED,
WHEN OUT OF HIS SIGHT, TO BE OUT OF MY MIND,
AND HE THOUGHT I WAS NUTS.
NO MORE IFS OR ANDS OR BUTS, OH NO.

THEY SAY AS A CHILD, I APPEARED A LITTLE BIT WILD
WITH ALL MY CRAZY IDEAS.
BUT I KNEW WHAT WAS HAPPENING, I KNEW,
I WAS A GENIUS.
WHAT'S SO STRANGE,
WHEN YOU KNOW THAT YOU'RE A WIZARD AT THREE?
I KNEW THAT THIS WAS MEANT TO BE.

WELL I HEARD LITTLE CHILDREN WERE SUPPOSED TO SLEEP TIGHT.
THAT'S WHY I DRANK A FIFTH OF VODKA ONE NIGHT.
MY PARENTS GOT FRANTIC, DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.
BUT I SAW SOME CRAZY THINGS BEFORE I CAME TO, NOW,
DO YOU THINK I WAS CRAZY?
I MAY HAVE BBEN ONLY THREE, BUT I WAS SWINGIN'

THEY ALL LAUGHED AT A. GRAHAM BELL.
THEY ALL LAUGHED AT EDISON, AND ALSO AT EINSTEIN.
SO WHAT SHOULD I FEEL SORRY FOR
IF THEY COULN'T UNDERSTAND THE REASONING AND THE LOGIC
THAT WENT ON IN MY HEAD?
I HAD A BRAIN,
IT WAS INSANE,
SOLDIERS USED TO LAUGH AT ME
WHEN I REFUSED TO RIDE ON ALL THOSE DOUBLE-DECKER BUSES,
ALL BECAUSE THERE WAS NO DRIVER ON THE TOP.

MY ANALYST TOLD ME, THAT I WAS RIGHT OUT OF MY HEAD,
BUT I SAID, "DEAR DOCTOR, I THINK IT'S YOU INSTEAD,
'CAUSE I HAVE GOT A PLAN THAT'S UNIQUE AND NEW.
IT PROVES THAT I'LL HAVE THE LAST LAUGH ON YOU.
'CAUSE INSTEAD OF ONE HEAD.....I GOT TWO!
AND YOU KNOW TWO HEADS ARE BETTER THAN ONE".

LA BELLE DAME SANS REGRET

When I heard "La Bell Dame Sans Regret" I fell in love with it immediately. I didn't have a CD player in my car at the time, and so I had a habit of making "mix tapes" with songs I couldn't get enough of. One evening, I was picking my dad up after a show. I was early, so I sat in the car and listed to this tune over and over. One of the things that made me love this track so much is Kenny Kirkland's brilliant piano solo. As I sat there waiting, I gave myself the project of learning every note of that solo. By the time my dad arrived at the car, I was singing it full out. He looked at me and said "We have to record this!"

And so, we did.

Sadly, Kenny Kirkland passed away in 1998, two years after "Mercury Falling" was released. On our CD "TRIBUTE", Tom Szczesniak and I do our best to reproduce Kirkland's solo as a tribute to him.

"La Belle Dame Sams Regret" was written by Sting and Dominic Miller. I have come across many websites with the translation of this tune, but like most cases, the words speak better in the language they were originally written in.

DANSONS TU DIS
ET MOI, JE SUIS
MES PAS SONT GAUCHES
MES PIEDS TU FAUCHES
JE CRAINS LES SOTS
JE CHERCHES EN VAIN LES MOTS
POUR M'EXPLIQUER TA VIE, ALORS,

TU MENTS, MA SOEUR
TU BRISES MON COEUR
JE PENSE, TU SAIS
ERREURS, JAMAIS
J'ECOUTES, TU PARLES
JE NE COMPRENDS PAS BIEN
LA BELLE DAME SANS REGRET

JE PLEURE, TU RIS
JE CHANTE, TU CRIES
TU SEMES LES GRAINES
D'UN MAUVAIS CHENE
MON BLE S'ENVOLE
TU EN A A RAS LE BOL
J'ATTENDS, TOUJOURS
MES CRIS SONT SOURDS

TU MENTS, MA SOEUR
TU BRISES MON COEUR
JE PENSE, TU SAIS
ERREURS, JAMAIS
J'ECOUTES, TU PARLES
JE NE COMPRENDS PAS BIEN
LA BELLE DAME SANS REGRET

LUSH LIFE
While Summer Song is beautiful in it's simplicity, Billy Strayhorn's "LUSH LIFE" is exquisite in it's sophistication. It hard to imagine that Billy Strayhorn, composer and pianist, wrote this song at the age of 21. In my opinion, this song is as flawless as it gets. Strayhorn has managed to paint a picture that is cultured, stylish, hopeful, lonely, romantic, and depressing, all at the same time.

It is interesting to read these lyrics without the music. It works just as well...it is poetry. The rhyming scheme is clever and satisfying, without compromising the most choice words. Then add the music, which is harmonically sophisticated (one may not find themselves casually whistling this one!) and well rounded with emotional peaks and valleys. If song-writing is a craft, then this should be the ultimate example, especially since it doesn't feel like a "study". It feels like an honest peek into Billy Strayhorn's life.

If you are interested in reading about Billy Strayhorn, check out "LUSH LIFE: A BIOGRAPHY OF BILLY STRAYHORN" by David Hadju.

P.S. When I first read these lyrics, I wasn't sure what "distingue" meant. In case I'm not the only one.....

DISTINGUE:distinguished, especially in manner or bearing cultured, polished, refined.

I USED TO VISIT ALL THE VERY GAY PLACES,
THOSE COME WHAT MAY PLACES,
WHERE ONE RELAXES ON THE AXIS OF THE WHEEL OF LIFE,
TO GET THE FEEL OF LIFE,
FROM JAZZ AND COCKTAILS.

THE GIRLS I KNEW HAD SAD AND SULLEN GRAY FACES,
WITH DISTINGUE TRACES,
THAT USED TO BE THERE, YOU COULD SEE WHERE
THEY'D BEEN WASHED AWAY,
BY TOO MANY THROUGH THE DAY
TWELVE O'CLOCK TALES.

THEN YOU CAME ALONG WITH YOUR SIREN SONG
TO TEMPT ME TO MADNESS.
I THOUGHT FOR A WHILE, THAT YOUR POIGNANT SMILE,
WAS TINGED WITH THE SADNESS
OF A GREAT LOVE FOR ME.
AH YES, I WAS WRONG.
AGAIN, I WAS WRONG.

LIFE IS LONELY AGAIN,
AND ONLY LAST YEAR,
EVERYTHING SEEMED SO SURE.

NOW LIFE IS AWFUL AGAIN.
A TROUGH FULL OF HEARTS,
COULD ONLY BE A BORE.

A WEEK IN PARIS WILL EASE THE BITE OF IT.
ALL I CARE IS TO SMILE, IN SPITE OF IT.

I'LL FORGET YOU, I WILL,
WHILE YET YOU ARE STILL
BURNING INSIDE MY BRAIN.

ROMANCE IS MUSH,
STIFLING THOSE WHO STRIVE.
I'LL LIVE A LUSH LIFE
IN SOME SMALL DIVE.

AND THERE I'LL BE,
WHILE I ROT WITH THE REST
OF THOSE WHOSE LIVES ARE LONELY TOO.

SUMMER SONG
(Dave Brubeck/Iola Brubeck)
SUMMER SONG came to me in a special way, which makes it an important song to me. I have only heard one recorded version of it...other than my own! From my research, I believe it was originally written by Dave Brubeck, (with collaboration from his wife and songwriting partner Iola Brubeck) as a vocal feature for Louis Armstrong in the short lived production "The Real Ambassadors" (1962)

There are also several solo piano recordings, and the version with Louis Armsrong was added to a 2001 release "Vocal Encounters".

This song paints such a lovely picture on it's own, but I also think that everyone has a memory of a day like this, and hearing these words can bring you back there.

LOVE TO ME, IS LIKE A SUMMER DAY.
SILENT 'CAUSE, THERE'S JUST TOO MUCH TO SAY.
STILL AND WARM AND PEACEFUL.
EVEN CLOUDS THAT MAY DRIFT BY,
CAN'T DISTURB OUR SUMMER SKY.

I'LL TAKE SUMMER, THAT'S MY TIME OF YEAR.
WINTER'S SHADOWS SEEM TO DISAPPEAR.
GAYEST, WARMEST SEASON.
THAT'S THE REASON I CAN SAY,
THAT I LOVE A SUMMER DAY.

I HEAR LAUGHTER BY THE SWIMMING HOLE.
KIDS OUT FISHING, WITH THE WILLOW POLE.
BOATS COME DRIFTING 'ROUND THE BEND
WHY MUST SUMMER EVER END?

LOVE TO ME, IS LIKE A SUMMER DAY.
WHEN IT'S GONE THE MEMORIES WILL STAY.
STILL, AND WARM, AND PEACEFUL.
NOW THE DAYS ARE GETTING LONG,
I CAN SING MY SUMMER SONG.

MOOD INDIGO
(Edward Kennedy Ellington,Barney Bigard,Irving Mills - EMI Mills Music Inc.)

First on the list is Mood Indigo from "TRIBUTE". The "tribute" in this case is to Duke Ellington who gave the world so much beautiful music. In describing Mood Indigo, Duke said:

"Just a story about a little girl and a little boy. They are about eight and the little girl loves the boy. They never speak of it, of course, but she just likes the way he wears his hat. Every day he comes to her house at a certain time and she sits in her window and waits. Then one day he doesn't come. 'Mood Indigo' just tells how she feels".

YOU AIN'T BEEN BLUE.
NO, NO, NO.
YOU AIN'T BEEN BLUE,
'TILL YOU GET THAT MOOD INDIGO.
THAT FEELING
GOES STEALING DOWN, TO MY SHOES.
WHILE I SIT AND SIGH.
GO LONG BLUES.

ALWAYS GET THAT MOOD INDIGO,
SINCE MY BABY SAID GOODBYE.
IN THE EVENING, WHEN LIGHTS ARE LOW,
I'M SO LONESOME I COULD CRY.

'CAUSE THERE'S NOBODY WHO CARES ABOUT ME.
I'M JUST A SOUL, WHO'S BLUER THAN BLUE CAN BE.
WHEN I GET THAT MOOD INDIGO,
I COULD LAY ME DOWN AND DIE.

I THOUGHT ABOUT YOU
What a tune! A collaboration between two greats: Jimmy Van Heusen (music) and Johnny Mercer (lyrics).

Jimmy Van Heusen was actually born Edward Chester Babcock...what a name! He apparently got the idea for his stage name from a shirt company advertisment, and changed it early on. Van Heusen collaborated with many people including Johnny Burke and Sammy Cahn. With these collaborators he wrote 76 tunes recorded by Frank Sinatra, more than any other composer. Some of his compositions include Darn That Dream, Here's That Rainy Day, Polka Dots and Moonbeams, Love and Marriage....just to name a few.

In 1939, I believe, he wrote I Thought About You with Johnny Mercer.

Johnny Mercer, born in Savanna, Georgia, moved to New York at a young age to pursue acting. He auditioned for a part in Garrick Garrities. He was turned down for an acting role, but instead, his first published song, Out of Breath and Scared to Death appeared in the show. Mercer went on to become one of the most prolific lyricists with over 1000 songs to his credit. Some of his collaborators include: Harold Arlen, Jerome Kern, Hoagy Carmichael, and Henry Mancini. (Everybbody loves Moon River!!)

I TOOK A TRIP ON A TRAIN
AND I THOUGHT ABOUT YOU
I PASSED A SHADOWY LANE
AND I THOUGHT ABOUT YOU

TWO OR THREE CARS PARKED UNDERNEATH THE STARS
A WINDING STREAM
MOON SHINING DOWN ON SOME LITTLE TOWN
AND WITH EACH BEAM, THE SAME OLD DREAM

AT EVERY STOP THAT WE MADE
I THOUGHT ABOUT YOU
AND WHEN I PULLED DOWN THE SHADE
THEN I REALLY FELT BLUE

I PEEKED THROUGH THE CRACK
AND I LOOKED AT THE TRACK
THE ONE GOING BACK TO YOU
AND WHAT DID I DO
OH, I THOUGHT ABOUT YOU

SPRING CAN REALLY HANG YOU UP THE MOST

Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most is, of course, another gem. The lyrics were written by songwriter/poet Fran Landesman.

It is fitting to have this song right beside Lush Life because they both have the same strengths, lyrics that stand on their own, and beautiful intricate melodies.

I has been said that Fran Landesman was pondering how the T.S. Elliot line: "April is the Cruelest Month" would be expressed by a hip jazz musician. What she came up with is: "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most".

She collaborated with pianist and composer Tommy J. Wolf Jr. to complete this wonderful piece of music.

On my recording of this tune, I do not sing the "A" section, the second time around. But I have written out the full lyrics, click below to view.

ONCE I WAS A SENTIMENTAL THING.
THREW MY HEART AWAY EACH SPRING.
NOW A SPRING ROMANCE,
HASN'T GOT A CHANCE.
PROMISED MY FIRST DANCE TO WINTER.
ALL I'VE GOT TO SHOW'S A SPLINTER
FOR MY LITTLE FLING.

SPRING THIS YEAR, HAS GOT ME FEELING
LIKE A HORSE THAT NEVER LEFT THE POST.
I LIE IN MY ROOM, STARING UP AT THE CEILING,
SPRING CAN REALLY HANG YOU UP THE MOST

MORNING'S KISS WAKES TREES AND FLOWERS,
AND TO THEM, I'D LIKE TO DRINK A TOAST.
I WALK IN THE PARK JUST TO KILL LONELY HOURS.
SPRING CAN REALLY HANG YOU UP THE MOST.

ALL AFTERNOON, THE BIRDS TWITTER-TWIT.
I KNOW THE TUNE." THIS IS LOVE, THIS IS IT".
I'VE HEARD IT BEFORE, AND I KNOW THE SCORE.
AND I'VE DECIDED, THAT SPRING IS A BORE.

LOVE SEEMED SURE, AROUND THE NEW YEAR.
NOW IT'S APRIL. LOVE IS JUST A GHOST.
SPRING ARRIVED ON TIME, ONLY, WHAT BECAME OF YOU DEAR?
SPRING CAN REALLY HANG YOU UP THE MOST
SPRING CAN REALLY HANG YOU UP THE MOST

SPRING IS HERE, THERE'S NO MISTAKING.
ROBINS BUILDING NESTS FROM COAST TO COAST.
MY HEART TRIES TO SING SO I WON'T HEAR IT BREAKING
SPRING CAN REALLY HANG YOU UP THE MOST.

COLLEGE BOYS ARE WRITING SONNETS.
IN THE TENDER PASSION, THEY'RE ENGROSSED.
BUT I'M ON THE SHELF WITH LAST YEAR'S EASTER BONNETS
SPRING CAN REALLY HANG YOU UP THE MOST.

LOVE CAME MY WAY AND I HOPED IT WOULD LAST.
WE HAD OUR DAY, NOW IT'S ALL IN THE PAST
SPRING CAME ALONG, A SEASON OF SONG.
FULL OF SWEET PROMISE, BUT SOMETHING WENT WRONG.

DOCTORS ONCE PRESCRIBED A TONIC.
SULFUR AND MOLASSES WAS THE DOSE.
DIDN'T HELP A BIT, MY CONDITION MUST BE CHRONIC.
SPRING CAN REALLY HANG YOU UP THE MOST

I'M ALL ALONE
THE PARTY IS OVER
OLD MAN WINTER WAS A GRACIOUS HOST.
BUT WHEN YOU KEEP PRAYING
FOR SNOW TO HIDE THE CLOVER

SPRING CAN REALLY HANG YOU UP THE MOST

I'VE GOT THE WORLD ON A STRING
Music by: Harold Arlen
Lyrics by Ted Koehler

Featured in the 1950 Hollywood musical "I'll Get By", "I''ve Got the World on a String" is one of many tunes written by the fabulous songwriting team of Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler. Harold Arlen has composed over 400 tunes, including the recently named 'Number One Song of the Century' "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from the Wizard of Oz.

Other tunes by this duo include: Stormy Weather, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, Get Happy, I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues and Let's Fall in Love.

But, back to the tune of the moment.....I feel the need to mention that in end of the first verse, the original lyrics are "WHAT A WORLD, WHAT A LIFE, I'M IN LOVE". To be honest, I'm not sure why I didn't sing those lyrics. I think I just liked the way the other ones sounded. Shame on me! Anyway, here are the lyrics as I sing them.

I'VE GOT THE WORLD ON A STRING
SITTIN' ON A RAINBOW
GOT THAT STRING AROUND MY FINGER
*LUCKY ME, CAN'T YOU SEE *
I'M IN LOVE

I'VE GOT A SONG THAT I SING
I CAN MAKE THE RAIN GO
EVERYTIME I MOVE MY FINGER
LUCKY ME, CAN'T YOU SEE
I'M IN LOVE

LIFE IS A BEAUTIFUL THING
LONG AS I HOLD THAT STRING
I'D BE A SILLY SO-AND-SO
IF I SHOULD EVER LET IT GO

I'VE GOT THE WORLD ON A STRING
SITTIN' ON A RAINBOW
GOT THAT STRING AROUND MY FINGER
LUCKY ME, CAN'T YOU SEE
I'M IN LOVE

* (originally "what a world, what a life)