I found the fact that Ellington frequently used extensions in his melodies fascinating - thank you for that kind of detail. And your playing of the piece was beautiful and fascinating in and of itself - thank you for that especially!
Musically, if not totally lyrically. However, the lyrics combine love with a sense of sadness, which is similar to the lyrics of torch songs. To me it's in the same ballpark.
When you say Torch song I always think of Sinatra's "One for My Baby (and One More for the Road)" from Sinatra at the Sands, that's pretty much a definition of the song right there!! I believe Sinatra even says something about being at a bar in the wee hours of the morning!
I always thought that 'torch songs' had more to do with the style of performing them. I'd imagine the middle of a torch.....which is cool. But all around you it's burning....and one slip and you've had it. I always got that sense when I'd listen to Julie London...who I thought was the queen of torch. (and sometimes Sarah Vaughan). It was often a song of unrequited love, but the singing was so so 'cool'. But within that 'cool' was so much tension. I don't know if that makes any sense. And when ivy Anderson sings I've Got It Bad....yep. That's sheer 'torch'.
I found the fact that Ellington frequently used extensions in his melodies fascinating - thank you for that kind of detail. And your playing of the piece was beautiful and fascinating in and of itself - thank you for that especially!
Thanks Dana - you can use extensions like this in your own writing when it expresses the lyric.
Can't help lovin dat man is a torch song?
Musically, if not totally lyrically. However, the lyrics combine love with a sense of sadness, which is similar to the lyrics of torch songs. To me it's in the same ballpark.
Thanks again for sharing your knowledge!
It's a pleasure, Mike!
Hi! I started jazz piano a while ago and just wanted to say i love your videos!
I'm glad these are helping you with your own journey into jazz.
When you say Torch song I always think of Sinatra's "One for My Baby (and One More for the Road)" from Sinatra at the Sands, that's pretty much a definition of the song right there!! I believe Sinatra even says something about being at a bar in the wee hours of the morning!
Exactly!!!! That's a great example and one of the best albums of all time.
I always thought that 'torch songs' had more to do with the style of performing them. I'd imagine the middle of a torch.....which is cool. But all around you it's burning....and one slip and you've had it. I always got that sense when I'd listen to Julie London...who I thought was the queen of torch. (and sometimes Sarah Vaughan). It was often a song of unrequited love, but the singing was so so 'cool'. But within that 'cool' was so much tension. I don't know if that makes any sense. And when ivy Anderson sings I've Got It Bad....yep. That's sheer 'torch'.
Definitely!
Let me go get a glass of scotch before listening to you play this again.
:)