What captivates you most in a song? Are the lyrics mesmerizing... playful? Does the melody haunt you ... claim you? Being a vocalist, I can assure you that, nine times out of ten, the melody DOES something to me. If it is a great song, it winds through my every being and I HAVE to learn it! Then I become "its" addict. Yes, one can "overdose" on music.... but what an addiction to have, right?
Currently, I sing traditional Jazz Standards. My favorites happen to be written by a great lyricist: Johnny Mercer ... sheer poetry! When I was a young singer, it was all about the tune.. and the livelier, the better. As an adult, I have found great songs that combine great melody with beautifully expressive lyrics. My favorite, in that category is Mercer's SKYLARK.... the music mournfully weaves the song with the lyrics... BEAUTIFUL!
FYI, this year is Johnny Mercer's 90th celebration... listen to his music, or sing one of HIS songs to celebrate his birthday in November.
Currently, I sing traditional Jazz Standards. My favorites happen to be written by a great lyricist: Johnny Mercer ... sheer poetry! When I was a young singer, it was all about the tune.. and the livelier, the better. As an adult, I have found great songs that combine great melody with beautifully expressive lyrics. My favorite, in that category is Mercer's SKYLARK.... the music mournfully weaves the song with the lyrics... BEAUTIFUL!
FYI, this year is Johnny Mercer's 90th celebration... listen to his music, or sing one of HIS songs to celebrate his birthday in November.
Skylark, have you anything to say to me?
Won't you tell me where my love can be?
Is there a meadow in the mist
where someone's waiting to be kissed?
Skylark, have you seen a valley green with spring
where my heart can go a journeying
over the shadows and the rain
to a blossom covered lane?
And in your lonely flight
haven't you heard the music in the night,
wonderful music,
faint as a will o' the wisp, crazy as a loon,
sad as a gypsy serenading the moon.
Oh, skylark, I don't know if you can find these things
but my heart is riding on your wings.
So if you see them anywhere
won't you lead me there?
Won't you tell me where my love can be?
Is there a meadow in the mist
where someone's waiting to be kissed?
Skylark, have you seen a valley green with spring
where my heart can go a journeying
over the shadows and the rain
to a blossom covered lane?
And in your lonely flight
haven't you heard the music in the night,
wonderful music,
faint as a will o' the wisp, crazy as a loon,
sad as a gypsy serenading the moon.
Oh, skylark, I don't know if you can find these things
but my heart is riding on your wings.
So if you see them anywhere
won't you lead me there?
