Monthly Archives: March 2010

Get Happy with Harold Arlen

Posted on March 30, 2010 by

The first time I played Get Happy was appropriately enough for the first of six annual jazz worship services that I directed at the Hartford Street Presbyterian Church in Natick, MA. Although I had led jazz worship services as a … Continue reading →

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Blues in the Night, Mercer Meets Arlen

Posted on March 23, 2010 by

Recently, I wrote about how lyricist Johnny Mercer was inspired to write the first of his train-themed songs I Thought About You while on a train trip to Chicago. Less than two years after this brief collaboration with composer Jimmy … Continue reading →

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Polkadots and Moonbeams, Moon Songs Meet the Church Variety Show

Posted on March 16, 2010 by

When I was growing up there was a tradition among some of the local churches to present variety shows. This was a way to raise some money for the parish. However, it turned out to be both a way to … Continue reading →

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Like Someone In Love, Van Heusen & Burke On the Road with Bing Crosby

Posted on March 9, 2010 by

The first time I came across Like Someone In Love in a Fake Book, I was immediately taken by its descending bass line, the line that the left hand plays that is created by the bottom notes of each chord … Continue reading →

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I Thought About You, Mercer Meets Van Heusen

Posted on March 2, 2010 by

Several years ago, a composer friend recommended that I read a book called Walking on Water, which he found helpful for understanding the creative process. The author was Madeleine L’Engle. Many of you may recognize the writer’s name because of … Continue reading →

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