Legends of THE AMERICAN SONG BOOK “From the 1930’s to the 1950’s American songwriters created an unequalled body of work called the American Song Book (ASB). Many of these tunes have become our standards, linked forever to the pop and jazz singers who continue to give them life; like Ella Fitzgerald’s performance of “Like Someone in Love” by the great Jimmy van Heusen and Billie Holiday’s aching rendition of “God Bless the Child” by Arthur Herzog or Dinah Washington’s wonderful version of Blue Skies by Irving Berlin. There was Sarah Vaughan’s beautiful interpretation of Harold Arlen’s “Somewhere over the Rainbow” and with his own special treatment of another Arlen Classic, “It’s Only Paper Moon”. gave us a timeless rendition of Cole Porter’s “Night and Day”. Tony Bennett made Richard Rogers “I’ve Got the World on String” one of his all time classics, while did the same for Rogers “The Lady is a Tramp”.

(Jane Monheit) “The 1. M______are incredibly S______. (Monheit) “There are so many things that can be done with these with these pieces of music.” (Pizzarelli) “They are Pliable”( ). (Ramsey Lewis), “They 2. i______your i______. (Monheit) “The lyrics discuss things that are eternal; love & loss and things that are appropriate to every generation; things that everyone can understand.” They are 3. U______.

In addition, many of the lyrics to the ASB are humorous and intelligent or 4. W______, and may also contain adult content that is nonetheless masked in meaning from children. Perhaps the most famous ASB Composers are George Gershwin, (whose “Summertime” is thought to be the most recorded song in jazz), Cole Porter who inked the quintessential Sinatra hit “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”, from the Big Band Singer era, and Irving Berlin, who wrote “God Bless America”. While Berlin’s “White Christmas” recorded by B______C______is the all-time number one seller, perhaps Harold Arlen’s classic S______O______T_____ R______”, performed by Judy Garland in the MGM musical The Wizard of Oz is the most famous ASB song.

The ASB wasn’t just Hollywood movie musicals, Broadway helped out too, and got an earlier start. “Tea for Two”, from No, No, Nanette was produced in 1924. Famous dancer, singer and actor, Fred Astaire was very important to the ASB.

Selections and Observations: 1. “I Got Rhythm”, by George Gershwin, is probably the most frequently used set of jazz changes-(sequence of chords), except for those in the blues. Do you hear half time? Y N Walking bass? Y N What is a ballad? How many strings does the guitarist use to solo? 1 2 6 2. “I Should Care”, Sammy Cahn, Alex Stordahl and What is the story about? 3. “They Can’t Take That Away From Me”, George and Ira Gershwin What is unusual about John Pizarelli’s scatting? c. 2014 David William Brubeck All Rights Reserved. davidbrubeck.com