You’re Nearer

Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart

Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart

PROFILE
Composer Richard Rodgers
Lyricist Lorenz Hart
Year Written 1940
About You’re Nearer
Rodgers and Hart wrote “You’re Nearer” for the 1940 movie version of Too Many Girls. It’s one of their loveliest and most elegant love songs. On the cover for the album, Richard Rodgers states “Tony’s recording of You’re Nearer makes me extremely happy and would affect Larry Hart the same way if he could hear it.”

Lyrics

Time is a healer
but it cannot heal my heart
my mind says I’ve forgotten you
anf then I feel my heart.
The miles lie between us,
but your fingers touch my owm.
You’re nearer far away from me,
for you’re too much my own.

You’re nearer
than my head to my pillow.
Nearer
than the wind is to the willow.
Dearer
than the rain is to the earth below.
Precious as the sun to the things that grow.
You’re nearer
than the ivy to thw wall is.
Nearer
than the winter to the fall is.
Leave me,
but when you’re away you’ll know
You’re nearer
for I love you so.

Session / Album Information

1976-1

“You’re Nearer” was recorded in September, 1976 and was released the following year on Together Again.

You"re Nearer - Remastered 2003

Listen to You"re Nearer - Remastered 2003 on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Bill Evans · 1977

This recording released on:

  • 1977: Improv LP 12″: 7117 — Together Again
  • Disky CD: BX 883552 — As Time Goes By
  • 1991: DRG CD: CDMRS901 — Together Again
  • 1996: Victor CD: VICJ-5177 — Together Again
  • 1999: Rhino CD: R2 75837 — Together Again
  • 2000: Horatio Nelson CD: HNRCD9001 — The Essential Tony Bennett (UK)
  • 2002: Recall CD: RECA 353 — Have You Met Miss Jones? [UK]
  • 2003: Concord CD: CCD-2198 — Together Again
  • 2004: Concord CD: CCD4-2255 — The Complete Improv Recordings
  • 2009: Concord CD: FAN-31281 — The Complete Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Recordings
  • 2011: Disc #53 in The Tony Bennett Complete Collection (88697874602-JK52) Together Again

1976-2

“You’re Nearer” (alternate, take #9) was recorded in September, 1976 but was not released until the 1999 Rhino release of Together Again.

You"re Nearer (alternate take 9)

Listen to You"re Nearer (alternate take 9) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Bill Evans · 2009

This recording released on:

  • 1999: Rhino CD: R2 75837 — Together Again
  • 2003: Concord CD: CCD-2198 — Together Again
  • 2004: Concord CD: CCD4-2255 — The Complete Improv Recordings
  • 2009: Concord CD: FAN-31281 — The Complete Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Recordings
  • 2011: Disc #53 in The Tony Bennett Complete Collection (88697874602-JK52) Together Again

White Christmas


PROFILE
Composer and Lyricist Irving Berlin
Year Written 1940
About White Christmas
“White Christmas” is one of America’s most beloved Christmas songs. In the not-often-heard verse of the song, we hear that “the sun is shining, the grass is green, the orange and palm trees sway, there’s never been such a day in Beverly Hills, L.A. But it’s December the 24 …” And indeed, Irving Berlin was in Los Angeles when he wrote “White Christmas,” expressing that longing for a traditional back-home Christmas. Bing Crosby recorded the song in 1942 and completely dominated the music charts for weeks. Crosby’s single “White Christmas” is the biggest-selling single record of all time, worldwide, with over 100 million copies.

Lyrics

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the tree tops glisten
And children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all
Your Christmases be white

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the tree tops glisten
And children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases
May all your Christmases
May all your Christmases
May all your Christmases be white

Session / Album Information

1967

“White Christmas” was recorded in June 1967 and released the next year on the album Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album. It was arranged by Robert Farnon.

White Christmas

Tony Bennett · Snowfall - The Tony Bennett Christmas Album · Song · 1968

This recording released on:

  • 1968: Columbia LP 12″: CS 9739 — Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album
  • 1969: CBS LP 12″: 63782 — Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album (UK)
  • 1972: Columbia Special Products LP 12″: P 11406 — Tony Bennett and His Friends “Over The Holidays”
  • 1989: Columbia House Music Collection CD: C22-7927 — The Great American Composers: Irving Berlin
  • 1994: Columbia CD: CK 66459 — Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album
  • 2011: Disc #37 in The Tony Bennett Complete Collection (88697874602-JK36) Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album

1987

“White Christmas” was recorded in May 1987 and was released that year on Bennett/Berlin. This song was arranged by Tony Bennett and features Dexter Gordon on tenor saxophone.

White Christmas - 1987 Version

Listen to White Christmas - 1987 Version on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Dexter Gordon · 1987

This recording released on:

  • 1987: Columbia 45: 38-07658
  • 1987: Columbia LP 12″: FC 44029 — Bennett/Berlin
  • 1987: Columbia LP 12″: C 44029 — Bennett/Berlin
  • 1987: CBS LP 12″: 4604501 — Bennett/Berlin (Neth.)
  • 1987: CBS LP 12″: 4604501 — Bennett/Berlin (UK)
  • 1987: Columbia CD: CK 44029 — Bennett/Berlin
  • 1988: CBS/Sony CD: 32DP-893 — Bennett/Berlin [Japan]
  • 2011: Disc #56 in The Tony Bennett Complete Collection (88697874602-JK55) Bennett/Berlin

2000

“White Christmas” was recorded on December 21, 2000 with Vanessa Williams and was released the following year on Our Favorite Things. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

White Christmas - Voice

Listen to White Christmas - Voice on Spotify. Song · Irving Berlin, Plácido Domingo, Tony Bennett, Vanessa Williams, Steven Mercurio, Wiener Symphoniker · 2001

This recording released on:

  • 2011: Disc #66 in The Tony Bennett Complete Collection (88697874602-JK64) Our Favorite Things

When You Wish Upon A Star

wish2
PROFILE
Composer Leigh Harline
Lyricist Ned Washington
Year Written 1940
About When You Wish Upon A Star
This song was written for the 1940 Walt Disney adaption of Pinocchio. It was sung by Cliff Edwards as Jiminy Cricket. “When You Wish Upon A Star” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, and was the first Disney song to win this award. Th American Film Institute rated it seventh in their 100 Greatest Songs in Film History. The song has also been recognized by the Library of Congress, which preserved the song in National Recording Registry in 2009.

Lyrics

When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires will come to you

If your heart is in your dream
No request is too extreme
When you wish upon a star
As dreamers do

Fate is kind
She brings to those who love
The sweet fulfillment of their secret longing

Like a bolt out of the blue
Fate steps in and sees you through
When you wish upon a star
Your dreams come true
Your dreams come true

Session / Album Information

1998

“When You Wish Upon A Star” was recorded in June 1998 and released that same year on the album The Playground.

When You Wish Upon A Star

Listen to When You Wish Upon A Star on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1998

This recording released on:

  • 1998: Columbia CD: CK 69380 —The Playground
  • 2011: Disc #64 in The Tony Bennett Complete Collection (88697874602-JK62) The Playground

2011

“When You Wish Upon A Star” with Jackie Evancho was recorded in 2011 and was released that year on Duets II. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

This recording released on:

  • 2011: RPM Sony 88697967672: Duets II (UK Tesco Release)
  • 2011: RPM Sony: Duets II (Target Release)

Taking a Chance on Love

takingachanceonlove
PROFILE
Composer Vernon Duke
Lyricists John La Touche, Ted Fetter
Year Written 1940
About Taking a Chance on Love
“Taking a Chance on Love” was written for the 1940 musical Cabin in the Sky, where it was introduced by the great Ethel Waters and Dooley Wilson. The song works well for both jazz singers and instrumentalists, with significant recordings by Dave Brubeck, Tony Bennett, Judy Garland and Dizzy Gillespie.

Lyrics

Here I go again
I hear those trumpets blow again
I’m all aglow again
Taking a chance on love

Here I slide again
About to take that ride again
Starry eyed again
Taking a chance on love

I thought the cards were a frame-up
I never would try
Now I’m taking that game up
And the ace of hearts is high

Things are mending now
I see a rainbow blending now
We’ll have a happy ending now
Taking a chance on love

I walk around with a horseshoe
In clover I lie
And Mr. Rabbit of course you
Better kiss your foot good-bye

I’m on the ball again
I’m riding for a fall again
I’m gonna give my all again
Taking a chance on love

Session / Album Information

1956

“Taking A Chance On Love” was recorded on September 11, 1956 and released in 1957 on the album Tony. It was arranged by Ray Conniff.

Taking A Chance On Love

Listen to Taking A Chance On Love on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1957

This recording was released on:

  • 1957: Columbia LP 12″: CL 938 — Tony
  • 1976: Warwick LP 12″: PR 5021 — The Very Best Of Tony Bennett: 20 Greatest Hits [UK]
  • 1976: Warwick/CBS LP 12″: CBS 5021 — The Very Best Of Tony Bennett: 20 Greatest Hits [UK]
  • 1990: Columbia CD: SOY21552 — The Good Life
  • 2005: Collectables CD: CCL8053 — The Good Life
  • 2007: Proper CD: PROPERBOX 121 — Young Tony
  • 2008: Not Now Music CD: NOT3CD010 — Three Original Hit Albums [UK]
  • 2011: Disc #10 in The Tony Bennett Complete Collection (88697874602-JK10) Tony

1958

“Taking a Chance on Love” was recorded on December 30, 1958 and released in 1959 on the album In Person!. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon.

Taking a Chance on Love

Listen to Taking a Chance on Love on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett & Count Basie · 2013

This recording was also released on:

  • Columbia LP 12″: LE 10125 — In Person! With Count Basie
  • CBS LP 12″: 35DP159 — In Person! With Count Basie [Japan]
  • CBS LP 12″: 20AP1418 — In Person! With Count Basie [Japan]
  • Philips LP 12″: 840059BY — In Person! With Count Basie [UK]
  • 1959: CBS LP 12″: BPG 62250 — In Person! [UK]
  • 1959: Columbia LP 12″: CS 8104 — In Person! With Count Basie
  • 1959: Columbia LP 12″ (Mono): CL 1294 — In Person! With Count Basie
  • 1959: Philips LP 12″: BBL 7398/SBBL 542 — In Person! With Count Basie [UK]
  • 1962: CBS LP 12″: SBPG 62201 — I Left My Heart In San Francisco [UK]
  • 1962: Columbia LP 12″: CS 8669 — I Left My Heart In San Francisco
  • 1980: CBS LP 12″: 32732 — I Left My Heart In San Francisco [UK]
  • 1983: CBS LP 12″ (Mono): 32373 — In Person! [UK]
  • 1990: Columbia CD: CK 08669 — I Left My Heart In San Francisco   (1990)
  • 1994: Columbia CD: CK 64276 — In Person! With Count Basie
  • 1999: Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab CD: UDCD743 — In Person!
  • 2007: Sony Music CD: 715320 — Sings the Ultimate American Songbook, Vol. 1
  • 2008: Jasmine CD: JASCD482 — Together At Last/A Perfect Combination
  • 2011: Disc #14 in The Tony Bennett Complete Collection (88697874602-JK14) In Person!
  • 2011: Disc #23 in The Tony Bennett Complete Collection (88697874602-JK23) I Left My Heart in San Francisco

1962

“Taking a Chance on Love” was recorded live at Tony Bennett’s concert at Carnegie Hall on June 9, 1962, but was not released until 1997 on the album Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall: Complete Concert. Ralph Sharon arranged the song.

Taking A Chance On Love (From "Cabin In The Sky") (with Ralph Sharon & his Orchestra) - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962

Listen to Taking A Chance On Love (From "Cabin In The Sky") (with Ralph Sharon & his Orchestra) - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962 on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Ralph Sharon & His Orchestra · 1962

This recording released on:

  • 1997: Columbia CD: C2K 64609 — At Carnegie Hall June 9, 1962: Complete Concert
  • 2011: Disc #25 in The Tony Bennett Complete Collection (88697874602-JK24) Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall

Remind Me

Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields

Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields

PROFILE
Composer Jerome Kern
Lyricist Dorothy Fields
Year Written 1940
About Remind Me
“Remind Me” was written for 1940 movie musical One Night In the Tropics, starring Abbott and Costello. The song wasn’t used well and was not immediately successful. Mabel Mercer recorded it towards the end of the 1940s and it is now considered one of the popular standards. It has also been recorded by Jeri Southern and Nina Simone.

Lyrics

Turn off that charm
I’m through with love for awhile
I’m through and yet, you have a fabulous smile
So if I forget

Remind me
Not to find you so attractive
Remind me
That the world is full of men

When I start to miss you
To touch your hand
To kiss you
Remind me
To count to ten

I had a feeling when I met you
You’d drive me crazy if I let you
But all my efforts to forget you
Remind me I’m in love again

I get my heart, well in hand, and I’m certain
That I can take you, or leave you alone
Then you begin that beguine again
And boom, I give in, again
I have a will made of steel, my friend
But when it seems about to bend

Remind me
Not to mention that I love you
Remind me
To be sorry that we met

Although I adore you
Remind me to ignore you
You’re one thing I will regret

So when your charm begins to blind me
I’ll simply tie my hands behind me
Don’t let me kiss you please, remind me
Unless, my darling, you forget

Session / Album Information

1971

“Remind Me” was recorded on October 1, 1971 and released the following year on the album With Love. It was arranged by Robert Farnon.

Remind Me

Listen to Remind Me on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1972

This recording released on:

  • 1972: Columbia LP 12″: KC 31460 — With Love
  • 1972: Columbia LP 12″: CBS-64849 — With Love (UK)
  • 2011: Disc #44 in The Tony Bennett Complete Collection (88697874602-JK43) With Love

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