The 92Y Lyrics and Lyricists Concert

Boom, Bust and High Spirits

Sweepin’ the Clouds Away

Vince Giordano's Nighthawks

Christine Andreas

Klea Blackhurst

Erin Dilly

John Treacy Egan

Jason Graae

Robert Kimball, artistic director and host

Peter Yarin and Vince Giordano, co-music directors

A Review by Albert Haim of the February 24, 2014 2 PM Performance

Introduction

The late 1920s and early 1930s represented a difficult period in American History. Following the excesses of the early and mid-twenties (les annees folles in French, the crazy years), the stock market crashed in October 1929; otherwise law-abiding citizens defied prohibition openly; and by the mid-thirties the United States was in a deep recession. In spite of the serious economic problems, musicians, composers and performers were not silent in 1929-1932, the period represented in the 92Y Lyrics and Lyricists Concert series for 2014. Broadway shows were successful; with the advent of sound, Hollywood produced numerous musicals; dance halls were busy; recording studios continued providing customers with records.

The Songs

The songs performed in the concert were from 1929-1931 (with one from 1932) and originated in Broadways shows and Hollywood musicals (two from recordings). (lyricists first; music, last).

Great Day – Rose, Eiscu and Youmans – 1920, Broadway
Happy Days Are Here Again – Yellen and Ager – 1929, Hollywood
On the Sunny Side of the Street – Fields and McHugh – 1930, Broadway
Sweepin’ the Clouds Away – Coslow – 1930, Hollywood
Cheerful Little Earful – Gershwin, Rose and Warren – 1930, Broadway
Body and Soul – Heyman, Sour, Eyton and Green – 1930, Broadway
Embraceable You – Gershwin and Gershwin – 1930, Broadway
Rockin’ in Rhythm – Ellington – 1931, Recording
I Still Believe in You – Hart and Rodgers – 1930, Broadway
Memories of You – Razaf and Blake –  1930, Broadway
You’re Driving Me Crazy – Donaldson – 1930, Broadway
Puttin’ On the Ritz – Berlin –  1929, Hollywood
I Got Rhythm – Gershwin and Gerswhin – 1930, Broadway
Ten Cents A Dance – Hart and Rodgers – 1930, Broadway
Love for Sale – Porter – 1930, Broadway
Just A Gigolo – Caesar and Casucci – 1929, Song Standard
I Happen to Like New York – Porter – 1930, Broadway
Happy Feet – Yellen and Ager – 1930, Hollywood
Get Happy – Koehler and Arlen – 1930, Broadway
Time On My Hands – Adamson, Gordon and Youmans – 1930, Broadway
My Baby Just Cares For Me – Kahn and Donaldson – 1930, Hollywood
Three Little Words – Kalmar and Ruby – 1930 Hollywood
Something to Remember You By – Dietz and Schwartz – 1930, Broadway
Mademoiselle In New Rochelle – Gershwin and Gershwin – 1930, Broadway
Life Is Just A Bowl of Cherries – Brown and Henderson – 1931, Broadway
I’ve Got Five Dollars – Hart and Rodgers – 1931, Broadway
Fine And Dandy – James and Swift – 1930, Broadway
But Not For Me – Gershwin and Gershwin = 1930, Broadway
Beyond the Blue Horizon – Robin, Whiting and Harling – 1930, Hollywood
Let’s Have Another Cup of Coffee - Berlin – 1932, Broadway
As Time Goes By – Hupfeld – 1931, Hollywood
Good Night, Sweetheart – Noble, Campbell and Connelly – 1931, Recording

Bonus, not in the published program: Jazznocracy, Jimmie Lanceford, 1934, Recording

You will notice that although the show covered a very depressing period in the history of the United States, several of the songs have optimistic titles – “Great Day,” “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” “Fine and Dandy.” There were also poignant songs such as “Ten Cents A Dance.”

The Show

The Nighthawks and the singers were on the stage. There was a large screen behind the orchestra. The format of the show can be described as “sight and sound.” As host Robert Kimball presented each number, relevant images were displayed on the screen as the orchestra and singers perfomormed. For example, when Mr. Kimball told the audience about the stock market crash, the famous Variety headline was displayed on the screen.

Excellent images were depicted on the screen throughout the show: sheet music covers, photos of artists, etc.

Every song in the program was introduced by Mr. Kimball who provided highly informative historical context and sprinkled his remarks with amusing anecdotes.

The show moved quite rapidly: 33 songs in about 110 minutes including introductions. The singers were excellent, each chosen particularly for the type of song involved: Klea and Jason very amusing in “You’re Driving Me Crazy,” a dramatic rendition by Erin of “Ten Cents A Dance,” a joyous interpretation of “Cheerful Little Earful” by Klea.” The alternation of the mood of the songs brought in a variety of responses from the audience: enthusiastic applause for the rousing “Happy Days Are Here Again” by the ensemble, subdued reaction to the affecting “Love for Sale” by Christine.

Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks provided a superb accompaniment to the singers: clearly in front in the instrumental numbers, modestly standing back when the singers were vocalizing. Vince and the Nighthawks obviously enjoy ultra-fast numbers, and their rousing rendition of “Jazznocracy” was received with wild applause by the audience.

The music and lyrics for the songs included in the concert were written over eighty years ago. Some might think they are passé, antiquated. However, thanks to the authenticity of the arrangements and the faithful renditions by singers and musicians, the music is as fresh and vital today as it was when the composers and lyricists conceived the songs. Vince Giordano’s deep understanding of the sensibility and history of 1920s and 1930s music, and his passion for faithful recreations is clearly a powerful driving force and one of the main reasons for the great success of the show.

Photo, courtesy of the New York Times.

Photo, courtesy of  http://ttsheldy.blogspot.com/