Here’s a beautiful version of a hauntingly beautiful song to send us into the weekend. The wistful words and music were written by Billy Strayhorn, who manages an uncanny melding of lyrical and musical phrases. The fact that most of it was written when Strayhorn was just 16 is, well, crazy.
It is performed here by Johnny Hartman, with John Coltrane on saxophone and McCoy Tyner on piano, a combination of talent impossible to match. If I ever drew up a personal Top Ten list of favorite recordings*, this one would be on it. It comes off a 1963 album recorded by Hartman and Coltrane that some experts call the greatest album ever made. The fact that it was recorded in a single day, with most songs laid down in a single take, still astounds, particularly in an era when musicians are often treated as a producer’s plaything.
Sink into “Lush Life,” and let it sink into you.
* (I started thinking about it, and my personal nominations to round out the Top Five jazz cuts would be Ellington’s “Take the A Train,” “Real Compared to What” by Les McCann and Eddie Harris, Miles Davis’ “Stella by Starlight” and Billie Holiday’s “Lover Man.”)
363 comments Add your comment
AmVet
January 28th, 2011
9:44 pm
Alright, Hillbilly revives Wildfire. And you know its a cold Nebraska night tonight.
And nice call with that Jackie Blue. It too has that syrupy sweet pop feel to it…
B, you really are hitting some deep funky stuff. (grin)
Almost pop by Fagen & Becker…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zmX6_ujBN0
Common Sense isn't very Common
January 28th, 2011
9:44 pm
Josef and HD
you might like this one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onWArx6Ui1A
Mick
January 28th, 2011
9:44 pm
hd
The cbs orchestra back up was note perfect. Here’s one more-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P02sjpf7RSU
Bruno
January 28th, 2011
9:46 pm
LOL. HD’s 9:40 = Bruno’s 9:42. Worth playing more than once, for sure!!!
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 28th, 2011
9:47 pm
Mick
Yeah the CBS orchestra’s harmonies helped it a lot, I thought.
This song, although it never was a number one, was one of the biggest selling songs of the 70’s It’s rise up the charts was slow and it’s fall took a long time, too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L886mjb0O8&feature=related
josef nix
January 28th, 2011
9:47 pm
Bruno
@ 9:22
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NwP3wes4M8
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 28th, 2011
9:48 pm
One of the great rock voices of the 70’s and 80’s.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIK5F4zRN0Y&feature=related
Bruno
January 28th, 2011
9:52 pm
not exactly pop, but definitely a 70s memory
It’s a shame that Hotel California got played into the ground, josef, because it really is well written with great lyrics.
Kam–Not a big Bobby Sherman fan, but thanx for the effort.
This one was on the charts for a while. Special for Am:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbj2uxUhjzg&feature=related
Too bad SC cut out before I could play this one for him ^^^^^^
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 28th, 2011
9:52 pm
These guys were based out of Atlanta and played locally a lot. Used to let one of my siblings in for free. Guess somebody in the family had to have the gift of schmoozing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCuQQcISZTM
Jazz Man
January 28th, 2011
9:53 pm
Bruno wins. I’m having a crappy B’Day, tired of jazz, Egypt is on meltdown, news channels suck and my girlfriend is making me nutz.
I’m headed to the bar up the street. Peace, luv and best wishes to everyone for the $66 million lotto tonight.
This con is elvis.
Bring on Mr. Daniels and Coca-Cola.
Ciao.
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 28th, 2011
9:55 pm
I liked the Bobby Sherman cut.
This is a simple song with a lot to say.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79NiN7ISW7E&feature=related
AmVet
January 28th, 2011
9:56 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsDMxWgPQcg
Bruno
January 28th, 2011
9:56 pm
josef @ 9:47:
For you, my Brother:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g62FAjh400A
Kamchak
January 28th, 2011
9:57 pm
Bruno
I’m trying to come up with the cheesiest songs that I can remember.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGNdvKvbxYQ
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 28th, 2011
9:58 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tr6H1a7YUac&feature=related
josef nix
January 28th, 2011
9:59 pm
The best thing about the seventies—at least what I can remember–was the music…what was pop, what was country, what was rock, funk, soul, disco, it didn’t matter…we listened to it all…a democratic time in music…a great decade, if I remember correctly…
AmVet
January 28th, 2011
10:00 pm
I’m trying to come up with the cheesiest songs that I can remember.
Yeah, and you’re succeeding. So please quit! (J/K LOL!)
Rockin’ pop…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRTMWzVoT_U
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 28th, 2011
10:02 pm
Really good voice here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_3QqzI23sE&feature=related
AmVet
January 28th, 2011
10:02 pm
Kam, check this one out…
The Top Ten Weirdest Songs of the 70s:
1. Angie Baby – Helen Reddy
2. Ma Belle Amie – The Tee Set
3. Ben – Michael Jackson
4. Spill The Wine – Eric Burden and War
5. Hocus Pocus – Focus
6. I Am … I Said – Neil Diamond
7. Space Oddity – David Bowie
8. Brand New Key – Melanie
9. Rocket Man – Elton John
10. Chick-A-Boom – Daddy Dewdrop
Bruno
January 28th, 2011
10:03 pm
This song, although it never was a number one, was one of the biggest selling songs of the 70’s It’s rise up the charts was slow and it’s fall took a long time, too.
HD–Why did you have to go and get me all weepy with “I Go Crazy”?????
Makes me think of all the GFs I blew it with over the years.
BTW, you’ve never mentioned if you were ever married before. You’re usually tight-lipped ( a smart man), but I’m sure your fans would like to know about that.
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 28th, 2011
10:06 pm
This was the song that went over biggest in this guy’s live shows. People focus on the persona, the charisma, and all that but the fact is, he had a world class voice. They don’t come along often.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBmAPYkPeYU
Common Sense isn't very Common
January 28th, 2011
10:07 pm
I went to high school with these guys LOL
They never made it big but what the hell it was the 70’s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETJda31iT8c
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 28th, 2011
10:08 pm
Bruno
I’m like Mr Wrestling #1. The mask never comes off.
Kamchak
January 28th, 2011
10:08 pm
Brother AmVet
Been looking at this list
http://www.furious.com/perfect/badsongs.html
Even TR made it for “Hello, It’s Me.”
Bruno
January 28th, 2011
10:09 pm
HD nailing it @ 9:55.
From the side bar on “Reflections”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1KtScrqtbc&feature=related
What do you say, josef–should we make this the official song of the Blog Brotherhood?? ^^^^^^^^
AmVet
January 28th, 2011
10:09 pm
“…her 1978 cover of Neil Young’s “Lotta Love”, her debut single, was a Number One Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks hit and #8 pop hit that year.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reSa2ipIH8s
moonbat betty
January 28th, 2011
10:10 pm
Like it or not, 70’s classic:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkTQUtx818w
Bruno
January 28th, 2011
10:10 pm
I’m like Mr Wrestling #1. The mask never comes off.
LMFAO @ HD.
Then I’m the Grand Wizard of Wrestling……..
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 28th, 2011
10:10 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5grdfnGUss
Bruno
January 28th, 2011
10:12 pm
Looks like I opened the fllodgates with the 70s songs—just a little past 10 and 228 entries already. Can’t wait to see what moonbat betty threw out for us. She always brings the killer to the party….
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 28th, 2011
10:14 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3×7DAia1eI
Bruno
January 28th, 2011
10:14 pm
Almost pop by Fagen & Becker…
Great song, but way too complex to be pop.
And still working the Grand Funk angle @ 9:56 I see.
Kamchak
January 28th, 2011
10:14 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZL_tZxyBDo
moonbat betty
January 28th, 2011
10:16 pm
to Bruno:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbtO_Ayjw0M
AmVet
January 28th, 2011
10:17 pm
Hysterical, as he has referred to it as his albatross. But I saw Jackson Browne, Moody Blues and plenty of other heavy weights, too! Love it.
Dug that Guadalcanal, Common.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJYREFafQ9s
Bruno
January 28th, 2011
10:18 pm
I’m trying to come up with the cheesiest songs that I can remember.
Kam, I’ll see your “Timothy” and rasie you a “Seasons In the Sun”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cd_Fdly3rX8
josef nix
January 28th, 2011
10:19 pm
Bruno
I’ll vote for that….
And, y’all keep it rolling…gotta run, somebody wants to take me somewhere…and, well, this is from him to me….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go9aks4aujM
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 28th, 2011
10:19 pm
Been listening to this song for close to 40 years now. The vocal still amazes me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw8nXCx5qgo&feature=related
Bruno
January 28th, 2011
10:19 pm
we listened to it all…a democratic time in music…a great decade, if I remember correctly…
And everyone sleeping with one another all the while. A great time for sure.
Kamchak
January 28th, 2011
10:21 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YY8APrYU2Gs
Bruno
January 28th, 2011
10:22 pm
Am kickin some major ass @ 10:00.
moonbat betty—I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1977, an experience I’ll never forget.
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 28th, 2011
10:22 pm
Pick the tempo back up a little.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiZg82R89Qc&feature=related
AmVet
January 28th, 2011
10:23 pm
The first track on their debut album.
I saw the show in 74. (Screw that pop! Thanks, betty!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxvV75C1a2g
Bruno
January 28th, 2011
10:26 pm
Am–I’m tempted to return fire with some more Chicago, but we’d be here all night. My poor bunny rabbit must be starving by now.
moonbat betty–”Beth” was one of the original “power ballads”. You’re definitely showing your age, girl.
Bruno
January 28th, 2011
10:27 pm
Am, you played it before, but it’s amazing how different Nicollette Larson’s version of “Lotta Love” sounds compared to the original.
Kamchak
January 28th, 2011
10:30 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fz1ex78QeQI
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 28th, 2011
10:30 pm
Another uptempo one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvVN_KRriTM&feature=related
AmVet
January 28th, 2011
10:34 pm
B, its just a righteous song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjfR8FUOEv0
Kamchak
January 28th, 2011
10:34 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ku6aErtjV0M
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 28th, 2011
10:35 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EBMo8xHGNs
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 28th, 2011
10:39 pm
Another one with a driving bass.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htZir_Taizg
Bruno
January 28th, 2011
10:43 pm
Thanks to whoever put up “Carefree Highway”.
HD–Big Guess Who fan here. Saw them along with Three Dog Night at Chastain as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvkFjgRMbNI
AmVet
January 28th, 2011
10:45 pm
Yeah, HD along with Chicago, BS & Ts, and others, they really had that horned up, beat driven power-groove. And superb musicianship…
And though lots of folks don’t care for Alice, he really does have a nice voice.
A monster hit for them…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lP94PlEtsEQ
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 28th, 2011
10:45 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyBS_1vGwpU
Bruno
January 28th, 2011
10:47 pm
Kam @ 10:34–I’ve been meaning to put up “Only Women Bleed” for Matti for quite some time. Great call!!
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 28th, 2011
10:50 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFCnVC2C8As
Bruno
January 28th, 2011
10:50 pm
Guys, I’ve gott hit the road. Great trip down Memory Lane tonight:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0z7MaFE-uRQ
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 28th, 2011
10:57 pm
A Canadian band that never really made it big in the US but they did get some airplay in Atlanta in the late 70’s. Always liked them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_gBmXQQCNU&feature=related
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 28th, 2011
11:01 pm
A really overlooked one fom the ’70’s.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kJ2YgfNwhw
AmVet
January 28th, 2011
11:05 pm
Thanks for that Boz.
Take care, Bruno.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCQdasbNe0E
Scout
January 28th, 2011
11:11 pm
Hillbilly:
I have always liked this song because the guitar and sax get a little “off key” and the drummer messes up in the middle. Great stuff ……………..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xm3qnh1sck
AmVet
January 28th, 2011
11:11 pm
Love the harmonies of those two; that is really a nice song. (and that they made Love is the Answer a hit.)
Well, buddy, its getting close to just you and me, so why not some Dan?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwZ4OOWPTLI&feature=related
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 28th, 2011
11:14 pm
Linda Ronstadt hat a hit with this but this is the writer’s version. Saw her do it at the Great Southeast Music Hall.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iU8inRDAIw8
Scout
January 28th, 2011
11:19 pm
Talk about falsetto ……………
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sFy5_kmEi4&feature=related
Scout
January 28th, 2011
11:22 pm
For you N.O.W. ladies out there:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmOrWG2FTbg&feature=related
AmVet
January 28th, 2011
11:22 pm
Must have been a fun show, HD. Her pop hit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwZ4OOWPTLI&feature=related
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 28th, 2011
11:22 pm
Scout
They recorded “live” in those days. You know what they say, “don’t stop; keep playing and hope nobody notices”.
AmVet
Go to this site and listen to “It’s A Crazy World”. Been hunting an online version of it for years. I’ve had it on vinyl since 1977. He’s from Mississippi, down in Josef’s neck of the woods. Plays in Buffett’s band and writes hit songs in Nashville, now.
http://www.myspace.com/macmcanally
Scout
January 28th, 2011
11:25 pm
Gettin’ even:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QvP0Q5w7qM&feature=related
Scout
January 28th, 2011
11:26 pm
Hillbilly:
Yep …………. just makes it better !
Scout
January 28th, 2011
11:28 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXGAif4dKhs …………………………….:o
AmVet
January 28th, 2011
11:28 pm
HD, as you know I’ve played this one a few times.
I first heard (part of) it in a film and just had to find out who it was…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X8Ryn82QLo
Scout
January 28th, 2011
11:30 pm
We used to sing this on the school bus in high school ……….. and of course you know what would happen…………………..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MJLi5_dyn0&feature=related
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 28th, 2011
11:31 pm
Scout
I had a friend who was pretty good harmonica player and he seldom messed up but one night, right in the middle of a solo, he missed so bad that a tone deaf person would of noticed. He happened to be looking right at me when it happened, he just shrugged his shoulders and kept on playing. Nobody seemed to care and I think it kind of got the crowd on his side, that he acknowledged his mistake.
This is a good story song from early Buffett. Written by Willis Alan Ramsey.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMIig33sCHU
Scout
January 28th, 2011
11:33 pm
And I’ll close out with my personal favorite:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irX7MpeMeig&feature=related
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 28th, 2011
11:39 pm
A couple of sisters.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMpjL92kigU
AmVet
January 28th, 2011
11:45 pm
OK, fellas.
I’m out with this one…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvazuyF6eXw
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 28th, 2011
11:48 pm
Nite to anybody left standing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWH_nvLK7jc
Mick
January 28th, 2011
11:52 pm
You guys are killing me…had to scrap the bottom of the barrel for this gem-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVtdYKVXYhI
Mick
January 29th, 2011
12:01 am
I’m cooked…been to key west and back with my girl….time to greet the sandman….roger out..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQVz6vuNq7s
RW-(the original)
January 29th, 2011
12:09 am
Oops! Should’ve left a drive by tag on my last comment. Too bad I never thought to blame my eff ups on typos back in the school days. I guess since they were few and far between they were kind of out of reality out of mind.
You don’t always have to reach back either….. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8itvQSruCE
RW-(the original)
January 29th, 2011
12:55 am
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/2037895/v2167622
stands for decibels
January 29th, 2011
6:12 am
mornin’.
Kam, I’ll see your “Timothy” and rasie you a “Seasons In the Sun”
wish i didn’t feel so beaten-down-with-that’s-going-around rotten yesterday eve, looks like I missed a good’un. Curse you, Nyquil!
Southern Comfort (B.P.O.I.B.W.)
January 29th, 2011
8:20 am
I’m like Mr Wrestling #1. The mask never comes off.
I knew there was something familiar about your style…
Bruno
January 29th, 2011
8:23 am
Keeping it going from last night:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiEIToOWr64
Bruno
January 29th, 2011
8:25 am
SC–Since Brother SouthernComfort is kind of awkward, I came up with a ne frat name for you: Bro So. How does that sit with you??
P.S. Hope you caught my Chi Lites dedication to you last night.
Redneck Convert (R--and proud of it)
January 29th, 2011
8:26 am
Well, if you want weird just play Neil Diamond’s “Stones.” I never could figure out what that song was about.
Have a good Saturday everybody.
Bruno
January 29th, 2011
8:27 am
For josef:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UM249-WfP4
Southern Comfort (B.P.O.I.B.W.)
January 29th, 2011
8:28 am
Bro So… I likes it. I’ll have to check that Chi Lites when I get to the house. Gov’t puters don’t likee youtube at all..
@@
January 29th, 2011
8:45 am
Couldn’t tell ‘ya what song was sung when (70s/80s). I only remember how I was dressin’.
80s? Men’s undershirt, leather bomber jacket, blue jeans and high-tops with the tongue hanging out. It was a KICK ASS look and I LOVED IT!
Bruno:
I’m a big Hillbilly fan but you seem to be the only one here who wants to delve into his private life. That’s the second time you’ve stuck your nose in…
Mick
January 29th, 2011
8:48 am
bruno
I guess this is a good a song as any to wake up to…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKOngTfTMs0
AmVet
January 29th, 2011
8:53 am
Happy Kansas Day! From a true blue Jayhawker son born on it, ninety years later!.
For me!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=439Hp_kxaW4
Mick
January 29th, 2011
8:59 am
Anybody catch bill maher last nite? He had a congressman from georgia, jack kingston, it was funny as hell-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEep67akIn4
Southern Comfort (B.P.O.I.B.W.)
January 29th, 2011
9:00 am
I’ve tried linking to this article twice, maybe the 3rd time’s a charm…
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sectionfronts/politics/index.html?nid=top_politics
Rand Paul is going to end up butting heads with the custodial staff in the Capitol Bldg at the rate he’s going…
TaxPayer
January 29th, 2011
9:12 am
I see that the tear gas canisters, used on the rioters in Egypt looking to change to a Democratic form of government, were proudly made in the USA. Who said we have lost our manufacturing base.
Southern Comfort (B.P.O.I.B.W.)
January 29th, 2011
9:22 am
TaxPayer
I saw that too. As I told Del the other day, our foreign policy is mostly bullets and bombs. Whether it’s the manufacturing, buying, selling, or using of them is the only difference.
TaxPayer
January 29th, 2011
9:25 am
Billionaire brothers David and Charles Koch are hosting their bi-annual secret gathering of right-wing billionaires at the Rancho Mirage Resort in Palm Springs this Sunday, January 30. The tycoons of Koch Industries, a private multi-industry company, are also well-known for their support of the Tea Party through their foundation Americans for Prosperity.
Even though the guest list for this weekend’s event is being kept under wraps, The Guardian reports that this “will be a meeting of ‘doers’, men and women willing to fight the Obama administration and its perceived attack on US free enterprise and unfettered wealth.”
The New York Times reported on this event last October, when invitations first went out. The event invite included exhortations to “develop strategies to counter the most severe threats facing our free society and outline a vision of how we can foster a renewal of American free enterprise and prosperity” and “review strategies for combating the multitude of public policies that threaten to destroy America as we know it.”
I assume several of our Supreme Court justices will once again be present at this event. How else could they hope to learn about the plight of the poor trampled-upon billionaires.
Mick
January 29th, 2011
9:29 am
sc
No matter how you look at it, the next half dozen years or so are going to be a grind. I’ve prepared my whole life for just this kind of scenerio. Still, its scary as hell, and some of the crew that we just elected doesn’t exactly inspire confidence..
bruno
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAsYrsrwnWI
Mick
January 29th, 2011
9:42 am
taxpayer
No disrespect to the many good repubs in the US, but the majority have been hoodwinked by the richest of the rich to carry their water and are unbelievably “proud” to do it…capiche?
Time to go biking…out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAVhKjsImeI
TaxPayer
January 29th, 2011
9:42 am
By all accounts, Sen. Jack Murphy, R-Cumming, is a nice guy. But it’s past time for Murphy, or GOP Senate leaders, to decide that a man being sued by federal banking regulators shouldn’t chair the state Senate Banking Committee.
Can you believe Kyle actually posted that! Where’s the swooning couch.
wet wiccan
January 29th, 2011
9:43 am
Hey AmVet – Happy Birthday!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkPsAFoVVPQ