There are so many songs to choose from. This one about the phases of a beautiful relationship sums it up for me.

The one and only Tony Bennett turned 95 this summer of '21, when he gave a final live performance with Lady Gaga at Radio City Music Hall. Bennett has ended his live performing career because as you may know, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. And while the disease has stolen his memory, music still lives within him -- and pours out of him.

I've recorded covers of some of his iconic songs. Enjoy! And God bless you Tony!

'nuff said.

Words and music by Amanda McBroom. First recorded by Bette Midler for the movie of the same name.

Some say, "Love, it is a river
That drowns the tender reed"
Some say, "Love, it is a razor
That leaves your soul to bleed"

Some say, "Love, it is a hunger
An endless aching need"
I say, "Love, it is a flower
And you its only seed"

It's the heart afraid of breaking
That never learns to dance
It's the dream, afraid of waking
That never takes the chance

It's the one who won't be taken
Who cannot seem to give
And the soul afraid of dying
That never learns to live

When the night has been too lonely
And the road has been too long
And you think that love is only
For the lucky and the strong
​
Just remember in the winter
Far beneath the bitter snows
Lies the seed, that with the sun's love
In the spring becomes the rose

By Nino Oliviero, Riz Ortolani, Marcello Ciorciolini, Norman Newell. Known in Italian as Ti Guardero Nel Cuore.

 Music by Michel Legrand, lyrics by Marilyn and Alan Bergman.

Written by Bob Dylan. 

Yesterday, June 26, 2021, with about 30 friends and family members in attendance, Ilon and Ashley got married at The Victorian, a lovely wedding venue in Youngsville NC. We were thrilled to be part of the celebration.​

Ray Charles wrote a hot little song called "Hallelujah I Love Her So," and performed it in his inimitable style. Then Harry Belafonte gave it a spare, bluesy, jazzy spin. It's just become one of my favorite recordings. Submitted for your enjoyment, my cover of Mr. Belafonte covering Mr. Charles.

Summertime... and the living is..  fantastique!

We hop the pond to France for the sublime Cole Porter tune from back in the day, C'est Magnifique: 

My cover of the song from Can-Can:

Emerging from quarantine
tip toe-ing into the world
Can I see your whole face?
Touch your elbow?

I wander through the park
Sky smiling
Trees waving

This is a tune with words and music by a composer you may never have heard of: Bernice Petkere. 
    She was dubbed "The Queen of Tin Pan Alley" by the most famous American popular composer of the 20th century, Irving Berlin. Her first song was sung by Bing Crosby and that put her on the map. Now you know a little about Bernice!
     I think this song, Close Your Eyes, is one of the sultriest, dreamiest jazz tunes I've ever heard. See what you think.