Episodes

  • "These Foolish Things"

    "These Foolish Things"
    Dec 28 2018
    Joe and Tom discuss 4 renditions of "These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)," a beautiful standard by Eric Maschwitz. Then they discuss another of his works called "A Nightingale Sang in Barkley Square" for this week's bonus tune!
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    38 mins
  • "Luck Be a Lady"

    "Luck Be a Lady"
    Dec 13 2018
    Joe and his guest, Carl Topilow, listen with you to 4 renditions of "Luck Be a Lady," exploring the varied paces in the performances of this standard. They dive into the rich history of this song, which made its debut in the 1950 musical, Guys and Dolls. Enjoy a special rendition of this song performed by its composer Frank Loesser. At the end of the episode you can enjoy this week's bonus tune, “Fugue for Tinhorns," performed by the cast of Guys and Dolls.
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    38 mins
  • "Here's That Rainy Day"

    "Here's That Rainy Day"
    Dec 5 2018
    Joe and his guest, Lee Bush, listen with you to 4 renditions of "Here's that Rainy Day," exploring the different levels of the melodies and harmonies in this standard. They dive into the profoundly sad lyrics, exposing the ironic nature of this song. Then they listen with you to this week's bonus tune, “September in the Rain," a song performed by Joe Williams with a more upbeat take on rain.
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    39 mins
  • "Falling in Love with Love"

    "Falling in Love with Love"
    Nov 28 2018
    Joe and his guest, Bill Rudman, listen with you to renditions of "Falling in Love with Love" by Frances Langford, Frank Sinatra, Julian "Cannonball" Adderley & Mary Cleere Haran. They explore the merits of each (of which there are many) and Bill discusses the appearance of this standard in the farce of a play: "The Boys from Syracuse." Then discuss this week's bonus tune, "Thou Swell" by Nat King Cole.
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    36 mins
  • "All the Things You Are"

    "All the Things You Are"
    Nov 21 2018
    Joe and Les kick off their exploration of this romantic standard with a performance by Mildred Bailey, before delving into three other renditions of this classic. From the storytelling of the lyrics to stunning harmonies, Joe and Les give you the low-down on all the things in “All the Things You Are.”
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    38 mins
  • "What's New?"

    "What's New?"
    Aug 15 2018
    Joe and Les cover a charming song from the jazz era, made popular by Bing Crosby in 1939, by exploring four different renditions. You’ll hear versions from the talented jazz musician Dinah Washington, a strong vocal performance from Linda Ronstadt, a romantic instrumental version and much more!
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    40 mins
  • "The Nearness of You"

    "The Nearness of You"
    Aug 8 2018
    Joe and Les delve into one of the most romantic tracks from the Great American Songbook and discuss four flawless renditions including an enchanting modern version by Norah Jones. From the intimate nature of the song lyrics to the smooth instrumentals of Hoagy Carmichael’s 1928 “The Nearness of You,” this episode is sure to warm your heart!
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    39 mins
  • "My Funny Valentine"

    "My Funny Valentine"
    Aug 1 2018
    Joe and Lee discuss a timeless classic from the 1937 musical Babes in Arms that went on to become one the most beloved jazz standards of the Great American Songbook. The popularity of “My Funny Valentine” has been covered by over 600 artists and has landed an unforgettable spot in American culture. From the emotional rendition by Sarah Vaughan to the elegant instrumental version by the Chico Hamilton Quintet, you’ll enjoy this episode in all it’s melodies.
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    40 mins