Growing up my parents forbid rock n roll on religious grounds leaving me with the oldies as my musical diet. Sinatra, Darin, Bennett, Martin, Fitzgerald and Torme were regulars on my playlist as a kid. I discovered the great music of the 80s in college leaving the restraints of the standards behind.
Now that I am an adult I have constantly returned to Frank, Bobby, Tony, Dean and Mel. They are like good friends that give you a big hug after a long absence. Frank will fly you to the moon or remind you about a stranger in the night. Bobby will warn you about Mack the Knife or teach you about love beyond the sea. The first time I heard Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight” I was transported to the first time I saw someone special. Frank teaches us in this song to accept your loved one just the way they are. Maybe it is the arrangement. The horns laying the bass line just enough to keep the rhythm. I remember that this song could only be played with a full orchestra. Frank did not have to play an instrument because his voice was the chairman of the board. He just sang and the musicians gladly carried the responsibility of everything else. Frank was Frank and his collaborations were magical. The call and answer melody never gets old as Frank’s voice invites you to sway. Some of these songs are almost 80 years old now standing up to the test of time.
I will leave you with a quote from Just the Way You Look Tonight, ”With each word your tenderness grows. Tearin’ my fear apart…Lovely, never ever change. Keep that breathless charm. Won’t you please arrange it, cause I love you just the way you look tonight.”
Classic!
Albert R. Hartley
Currently Reading:
I am the Size of Whatever I See
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Cemetery Road
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