I knew the first two lines to this song, of course, and as soon as the chorus began the next two, I could sing along, but I expected more text that I’d forgotten. Nope—and that simplicity is probably what made it fun for musicians to “play” with.
What a perfect Saturday afternoon interlude. I gave my full attention to listening to each rendition in order. No multi-tasking. Thank you! Once again you nailed it: reclaiming truth, beauty and goodness. God bless you for this life-affirming apostolate. Anne M.
Debra, I didn't think I was going to like the jazz version of this song, but boy, was I wrong! Benny Goodman's artistry on the clarinet is stupendous. The Laurel & Hardy version was very cleverly done, lighthearted, and a joy to watch. (No trigger warnings needed.) Even so, it is the first version that really touches the heart. As you said, "And perhaps in our times we need such a song too, to uplift our spirits and remind us of that hope of a The Everlasting Sunrise that we are all awaiting." AMEN to that.
At your suggestion, I went to YouTube to listen to a few other versions of the song. I came across a version that an older Benny Goodman performed with other musicians at the 1980 Aurex Jazz Festival in Japan. Oh my goodness. Goodman was 71 at the time, and had lost NONE of his great gift. I'm including the link as perhaps you and some of your subscribers may want to give it a listen. As always, thank you:)
About a month after 9-11, I was a chaplain in Pakistan with Air Force Special Operations. Of course, our (helo) missions to the north were all in darkness, so I spent many hours standing one the ramp, "waiting for the sunrise," and welcoming all my guys back to safety. I can honestly say the mood and the tenor of this song was the "Spirit" that sustained me, especially in those dark times when all was not "well."
I knew the first two lines to this song, of course, and as soon as the chorus began the next two, I could sing along, but I expected more text that I’d forgotten. Nope—and that simplicity is probably what made it fun for musicians to “play” with.
What a perfect Saturday afternoon interlude. I gave my full attention to listening to each rendition in order. No multi-tasking. Thank you! Once again you nailed it: reclaiming truth, beauty and goodness. God bless you for this life-affirming apostolate. Anne M.
Debra, I didn't think I was going to like the jazz version of this song, but boy, was I wrong! Benny Goodman's artistry on the clarinet is stupendous. The Laurel & Hardy version was very cleverly done, lighthearted, and a joy to watch. (No trigger warnings needed.) Even so, it is the first version that really touches the heart. As you said, "And perhaps in our times we need such a song too, to uplift our spirits and remind us of that hope of a The Everlasting Sunrise that we are all awaiting." AMEN to that.
At your suggestion, I went to YouTube to listen to a few other versions of the song. I came across a version that an older Benny Goodman performed with other musicians at the 1980 Aurex Jazz Festival in Japan. Oh my goodness. Goodman was 71 at the time, and had lost NONE of his great gift. I'm including the link as perhaps you and some of your subscribers may want to give it a listen. As always, thank you:)
https://youtu.be/nZazFYqtQC0?si=53grOK9NZDbWkiWT
First time I ever heard it was 1951, Les Paul and Mary Ford, pioneers in multi-track recording done in their makeshift garage studio.
O my...I am converted indeed. A new song for me.
About a month after 9-11, I was a chaplain in Pakistan with Air Force Special Operations. Of course, our (helo) missions to the north were all in darkness, so I spent many hours standing one the ramp, "waiting for the sunrise," and welcoming all my guys back to safety. I can honestly say the mood and the tenor of this song was the "Spirit" that sustained me, especially in those dark times when all was not "well."