Let
me say up front that I (Lara) am not a musician, nor do I claim to be a music
expert. I don't even know a lot of the lingo! I am an eager student,
though, and I can tell you that while listening to Jumaane Smith's new
cd, "I Only Have Eyes For You," while driving through Coldwater Canyon
in Los Angeles on a sweltering day in May, I felt my heart soar. Being a
huge fan of The Great American Songbook, it's really cool to see a
talented young artist embrace this music and help bring it to a new
generation.
You may know Jumaane as Michael Buble's trumpet player, but this album should definitely help
launch him to a place where he is known in his own right. "I Only Have
Eyes For You" actually made me really dig the trumpet; Jumaane's playing
seems to capture the feel and intensity of hearing a great trumpeter
live in concert. I swear, his trumpet was singing, hitting the notes
that a vocalist would and really making me hear classics like the title
track, "The Way You Look Tonight," and "Yesterday" (you know, that little hit by The Beatles!) with
fresh ears.
Jumaane also has quite a nice voice; maybe at his
shows he could sing along with a hologram of himself playing trumpet? I
think it was a great move to invite the aforementioned Mr. Buble,
Naturally 7, and Jackie Evancho to sing on "Come Rain or Come Shine," "I
Only Have Eyes For You," and "La Vie En Rose," respectively, and it was
nice to hear their familiar voices. "La Vie En Rose" is my favorite
song on the album, and I definitely heard the angels sing and went to
the place where roses bloom as Jumaane's trumpet and the vocals captured
the exquisite longing in the Edith Piaf tune. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at the recording of "La Vie En Rose!"
Grab Jumaane
Smith's new cd, and then tell all of your friends about it; it's fun to
feel like you have discovered a new artist, and you will look like a
musical genius when his career explodes. "I Only Have Eyes For You" is
the perfect cd to put on when you need to calm down in traffic, relax
after a crazy busy day, or when you are setting the mood for a special
night with wine, cheese, and candles. Jumaane is definitely an artist to
keep your eyes on!
You can hear Standards 24/7 on
www.MartiniInTheMorning.com, and catch me playing them Saturdays and
Sundays from 10a-2p Pacific Time.
Sometimes, you just need to swoon. And in our opinion, it is hard to find more romantic songs than ones in the Great American Songbook.
Lovingly crafted lyrics...orchestras that swell with the climax of the
song...artists that caress each syllable...we think we might need a cool
drink right now to calm down. Here are some classic tunes (many
re-imagined by contemporary artists) to help you set the mood.Ooh la la!
1. "Sway"--Dean Martin
"Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore, hold me close, sway me more." Yes, indeed!
2. "Feeling Good"--Jennifer Hudson
J-Hud has come a long, long way since the days of making small talk with Ryan Seacrest on American Idol and has us feeling GREAT with this one.
3. "Fly Me to the Moon"--Patrizio Buanne
Buanne, Bocelli, and Dino...when we are talking romance, you cannot go wrong with an Italian man.
4. "The Look of Love"--Diana Krall
Is that the look of love or the look of lust that's being sung about in this Burt Bacharach/Hal David classic?
5. "Besame Mucho"--Andrea Bocelli
Yes, please--we would like to be kissed a lot. A lot a lot.
6. "Quando Quando Quando"--Michael Buble featuring Nelly Furtado
I think we would all like to know the answer to this one: Exactly when (When? WHEN?!) will you be mine?
7. Never, Never--Patrizio Buanne and Renee Olstead
We've
heard that he considered becoming an Italian chef before pursuing a
singing career, which probably means that he could serenade you while
making an amazing spaghetti alla carbonara.
8. "Quizas, Quizas, Quizas"--Andrea Bocelli and Jennifer Lopez
The
word "perhaps" definitely sounds more romantic when sung in Spanish.
Here's a cool video of these two superstars performing their hit on Dancing With The Stars:
9. "Call Me"--Eliane Elias This beautiful gal is
talented in jazz, pop, classical, and Brazilian music. Hear her voice
once, and you will immediately recognize it forever after.
10. "Night and Day"--Frank Sinatra
As Frank Sings this 1932 classic by Cole Porter, you feel his torment, and that "hungry, yearnin', burnin'" inside of him.
Bonus:
"The Nearness of You"--Nicole Henry
It's
not the pale moon that delights, thrills, and excites us...it's
Nicole's voice! The 2013 Soul Train Awards winner almost sounds like she
is singing right into your ear words that are better than any sweet
conversation.
First of all, we have to give some love to Michael Buble for
bringing a lot of attention to The Great American Songbook , which is a group
of American songs written roughly between 1920 and 1960. Here was this young,
handsome kid belting out songs like “The Way You Look Tonight” and “Come Fly
With Me” with classic arrangements, yet making them sound fresh (and thank you
David Foster for the fabulous production). In my (lara’s) opinion, Michael’s
success definitely has opened doors for many other artists who are also singing
this music, and it is my pleasure to tell you about a few of them here. If you
have a favorite who is not mentioned, let us know about them in the Comments.
Happy Listening!
I have not listed these in any particular order, but I
programmed this just like I would the music on a radio show for a nice variety
of sound.
1.Carol Welsman—“I’ll Be Around” Carol is a tall, blonde, Canadian
vocalist and pianist who has put out seven albums since her debut in 1995, and
received five Juno nominations (that’s the Canadian equivalent of the Grammys).
As you listen to this song, hear the confidence with which she assures the
lover who is jilting her that she’ll be around…after things fall apart with his
new love and he realizes Carol is the one for him. Chills!
2.Tony DeSare—“Get Happy” I was blown
away by the energy Tony brought to his set when I saw him live in June. Maybe
that has something to do with his left hand piano style? Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler wrote “Get
Happy,” which was was introduced by legendary singer Ruth Etting in 1930; most
people probably think of Judy Garland singing it in 1950’s Summer Stock (her last film). Tony’s version will take you to the
Promised Land and beyond!
3.Queen Latifah—“The Lady Is A Tramp” Who
knew, back in 1994 when we first saw Queen Latifah (real name: Dana Owens)
rapping on “U.N.I.T.Y.” on MTV that she would one day put on red lipstick and
pearls and take on the classics? She does it brilliantly, and brings sass and
some seriously smooth vocals to “The Lady Is A Tramp,” which is the song Frank
Sinatra sang to Rita Hayworth in Pal
Joey. Bravo!
4.Seth MacFarlane—“Laura” When I look at Seth, he reminds me
of a more handsome version of Peter Brady. A Peter Brady that can act, host, do
voices, write, produce, sing, and direct, to name just a few of Seth’s
talents.When he was young, he
trained with some vocal coaches that once worked with Barbra Streisand and
Frank Sinatra (!!!), and has talked about having an attraction to the great
American songbook. “Laura” is on
Seth’s album Music Is Better Than Words, and features lyrics by Johnny Mercer
that were added to a tune composed by David Raskin for the 1944 Dana
Andrews/Gene Tierney film of the same name.
5.Joseph Leo Bwarie—I Can’t Give You Anything
But Love None other than the legendary Garry
Marshall described Joseph as “three of the most exciting words in show
business.” And he should know; the two often collaborate on productions at
Marshall’s Falcon Theatre in Toluca Lake, California. Joe Leo got a huge break
when he landed the role of Frankie Valli in the hugely successful musical
“Jersey Boys,” and is now breaking out with a solo recording career. He's also a lot of fun to follow on Twitter (www.twitter.com/JosephLeoBwarie), where he talks about everything from crab cakes in Maryland to upcoming shows.
6.Renee Olstead—“(I’d Like To Get You On A) Slow
Boat To China” I love this
arrangement of Frank Loesser’s 1948 song, which is poppy and features Carol
Welsman on background vocals. This song can be found on Renee’s self-titled
album of pop and jazz standards that came out in 2004, when Renee was 14 (!!!)
yet somehow delivered a performance that is sultry, knowing, and cheeky.Renee is also an actress, and just
wrapped up a run on the television series The Secret Life of the American
Teenager.
7.Dave Damiani—“Everything Happens To Me” Dave
performs regularly around Los Angeles with his small group, his 10-piece
orchestra, and his 17-piece orchestra! I saw him recently fronting a big band,
and was so impressed; his album is titled “Watch What Happens,” which is perfect
since he is definitely a new artist to keep an eye on. Enjoy his mournful
crooning about everything from black cats crossing his path to getting the
measles in this classic 1940 tune.
8.Nicole
Henry—“Like Someone In Love”Nicole
grew up singing at school and in church, and after doing very well as an
actress and voiceover artist she decided to devote herself to a singing career.
Yay! Nicole brings her sultry vocals to this jazzy interpretation of a 1944
song by Jimmy van Heusen and Johnny Burke, which was also a hit for artists
like Dinah Shore and Bing Crosby. And as a gal who grew up in Florida, I’m
happy to say that Nicole lives in Miami…where there are a lot ofbeautiful Art Deco buildings.
9.Jonny Blu—“Mack the Knife” I had the
pleasure of seeing Jonny perform at Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, and he
sang flawlessly in English, Spanish, French, and Chinese! Plus, he performed
two songs on the ukulele. ‘Nuff
said.
10.Tamela D’Amico—“One For My Baby” Tamela has been dubbed “Sinatra in
Heels,” and she channels Frank’s emotional delivery in this classic tune.
Although, in real life, she is making beautiful music with singer Billy Vera!
Tamela is amazingly talented, as she not only sings, but also is an actress and
a filmmaker.In fact, her
filmmaking made her a Top 24 finalist in the reality show On The Lot, which was
produced by Steven Spielberg and Mark Burnett.
Bonus:
Chris
Botti and Michael Buble—“”Let There Be Love” I listen to so many Standards
that it’s no wonder my young son walked up to a little girl on the playground
and introduced himself by saying, “Helloooo, cuckoo!” Five minutes later, they
were holding hands and sitting in a swing. Michael sings lines like, “Let there
by cuckoos, a lark and a dove,” while Chris plays his trumpet and women swoon.
This
past week in Southern California has been unreal, with brilliant sunshine and
temps of 100 degrees! It got me (Lara) wanting to hear uptempo songs that make
my heart take flight, and I hope that these tunes make you feel the same way as
you look forward to some bright and wonderful days, whether you’re headed to
the beach right now with your suntan lotion and a copy of Us Weekly, or still
wearing UGG boots and earmuffs in a chilly part of the planet.
And btw…these songs
are timeless (whether they are vintage or simply vintage inspired), so they
won’t go out of style, unlike the monokini. Enjoy!
1.
“Ain't That A Kick In The Head”—Dean Martin
You
may have seen/heard Dino performing this in Ocean’s Eleven (the original with
Sinatra, not the Clooney version), and been charmed by his effortless swagger. Not
to mention his perfect head of thick, dark hair. “Like a sailor said, quote, Ain’t
that a hole in a boat?” After watching this on YouTube, google his Vegas medley
and hear one of my favorite Dino moments: After performing for about nine
seconds, he says, “How long have I been on?”
2.
“The Lady Is A Tramp”—Cast of Glee
Originally
introduced in the 1937 Rogers and Hart musical Babes in Arms, the cast of Glee
updated it for a new generation and made us fall in love with the song all over
again. I love how this version features a guy and girl singing together, and
even though the lyrics have never quite made sense to me (“I love the theatre,
but never come late”—if you love the theatre, WOULDN’T you arrive on time?!),
we swoon all the same when we hear it.
3.
“So Nice (Summer Samba)”—Astrud Gilberto
Cool
ocean breezes, salty air, lazy afternoons, and balmy nights…those are all right
here in Astrud’s sultry vocals, much like in another one of her hits, “The Girl
From Ipanema.” The Brazilian Bossa Nova legend’s version of “So Nice” is one of
the most well-known, although it’s been covered by something like 180 artists
over the years, including Baby Spice (Emma Bunton) of the Spice Girls!
Swinging with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
4.
“Go Daddy-O”—Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
They
stole our hearts in 1996’s Swingers, and I think they were hugely responsible
for all the big bands that have popped up and the general swing revival. Plus,
how do you not love a band of 55 men (I might be exaggerating a teensy bit)
that play while wearing sharp suits and hats? They were even decked out like
this when I saw them rock a huge crowd in the parking lot at Staples Center in
Downtown Los Angeles before a Los Angeles Lakers game on a sweltering
afternoon. Plan your life around catching one of their live shows.
5.
“Take The A Train”—Nikki Yanofsky
You
may have heard Nikki (who is beautiful and looks a bit like Selena Gomez, I
think) singing the Canadian National Anthem at the opening of the 2010 Winter
Olympic Games in Vancouver, B.C. If you listen to one of my stations, www.MartiniInTheMorning.com,
you know we have been fans of hers for years now. Nikki is all of 19, but has
the voice and soul of someone much older. She absolutely tears up this song,
which was the signature tune of the Duke Ellington orchestra.
6.
“Come Fly With Me”—Frank Sinatra
Remember
the days when flying was something glamorous that people got really excited
about and dressed up for? Me, neither, but I hear that really did used to
happen, and in this song (with music by Jimmy Van Heusen and lyrics by Sammy
Cahn) Frank makes me want to pack a bag and brave LAX en route to a cuckoo
weekend in Acapulco. Or Bombay. Or wherever the jet is headed. Wheels up!
Brigitte Zarie
7.
“I Love Las Vegas”—Brigitte Zarie
Brigitte
says she was inspired to do this song after hearing her sister tell tales of
her trip to Sin City, and when we listen we are ready to book a room at the
Bellagio, stat. Giving shout outs to lights, blackjack tables, glamour, Elvis,
the Strip, private jets, and more, it’s a joyous celebration of one of my
favorite cities. Although it makes me want to celebrate in the pool, because
Vegas in the summer is fry-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk hot.
8.
“Haven’t Met You Yet”—Michael Buble
This song is so hopeful (love when the horns
start blaring) and happy, and even though in the song Michael is singing about
how he has not met that special someone yet…he met his real-life wife, Luisana
Lopilato, when she appeared in the video for the song. And this summer, they
will welcome a Baby Buble!
9. “Swing Swing Swing”—Keely Smith
I didn’t know that much about Keely Smith, and
then I was invited to a musical at the Geffen Playhouse called Louis &
Keely Live At The Sahara, which fabulously detailed the careers and tumultuous
relationship of Louis Prima (“Just A Gigolo”) and Keely Smith. Plus, I realized
that Keely rocked an amazing Louise Brooks-style bob. To me, this song still
sounds so fresh and modern and full of life. When you hear it, you will
understand why Louis Armstrong once said, “If you can’t feel swing, you’ll
never know it.” I feel it, Louis…everywhere!
10. “Zoot Suit Riot”—Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
This
song was such a huge hit when it came out in 1997 that Top 40 radio started
playing it. The station I was working for at the time invited the band to be
part of a show that included dance acts and Def Leppard, so you can imaging the
audience going, “What is this?” when the Daddies strutted out in their high-waisted,
wide-legged, tight-cuffed, pegged trousers, and long coats with the wide lapels
and wide padded shoulders (otherwise knows as “zoot suits.”) However, they won
the crowd over pretty much the moment the lead singer started riffing the, “ZaZu
Za Zazu” gibberish part of the song. This is a great one to put on when you
need to find some energy for a night out!
And a bonus song…
11. “Summer Wind”—Frank Sinatra
This is not an uptempo tune; in fact, Frank is singing about
losing his love after a fleeting romance. But Johnny Mercer’s lyrics so
beautifully capture the feeling of a seasonal affair that makes the sky look
bluer and the world so much brighter that it is required listening as we head
into summer. The passion and longing I hear about to burst forth in Frank’s
voice is enough to make you want to run hand in hand across the warm sand with
someone who makes your head spin, even though you know they will only be a
memory by the time the leaves start to fall from the trees in the autumn wind.
