They Write the Songs
American composer, Jerome Kern
Anyone who knows me knows I love jazz, show tunes and basically anything from the
. Imagine my delight when I discovered a BBC radio series dedicated to the greatest composers of the genre, hosted by
-- himself an influential composer/musician/vocalist. The series entitled
[a play on words referencing Manilow's own hit recording '
'], is actually in its second season or 'series', as they say in the UK. The first season honored music giants like George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Leonard Bernstein, Rodgers and Hart, and Rodgers and Hammerstein.
In each hour-long episode, Manilow highlights the career of the featured composer by sharing biographical information and anecdotes. He also shares his favorite recordings of the composer's famous songs. Some of his choices are charming, scratchy recordings from the 1920s. Others are modern renditions by contemporary artists like Michael Buble.
Perhaps what I enjoyed most though was hearing these beautiful songs paired with Manilow's insightful commentary. It makes quite an impact to hear someone talk about music who really knows it and is passionate about it. He points out how songs have different colors and shapes, how the orchestra swells in some parts to convey different emotions and how the beauty of even simplest melodic lines can continue to capture hearts generation after generation.
Today's second season premier was dedicated to the works of
(1885-1945), an American composer who wrote golden standards like Ol' Man River, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes and The Way You Look Tonight. Do your ears a favor and listen to
s haunting rendition of
. I dare you not to fall in love.
Even music fans outside the UK can enjoy They Write the Songs. Episodes air Thursday nights at 10:00 p.m. UK time-- which is 2:00 p.m. here in California. Being a purist, I streamed the episode on my phone 'live' but it's also available for playback on the website for up to one week. Check it out at
. Next week's episode will spotlight the delightfully witty and undeniably talented bon vivant,
.
