How Are Things In Glocca Morra Guitar Chords And Lyrics
Recorded By Bing Crosby. Words by E.Y. Harburg, music by Burton Lane and written around 1946. The guitar chords in chordpro are in the keys of D and G.
Bing Crosbie's other songs about Ireland include Galway Bay Song . It seems like Bing was very fond of the old Irish ballads. How are things in Glocca Morra tin whistle NOTES AND PIANO SHEET MUSIC INCLUDED.
Bing Crosbie's other songs about Ireland include Galway Bay Song . It seems like Bing was very fond of the old Irish ballads. How are things in Glocca Morra tin whistle NOTES AND PIANO SHEET MUSIC INCLUDED.
Introduction
'How Are Things In Glocca Morra' is a classic song from the 1947 Broadway musical 'Finian's Rainbow' written by Burton Lane (music) and E.Y. Harburg (lyrics). The song has been covered by numerous artists and has become a popular standard in the American songbook. It is a dreamy and whimsical tune that has captivated audiences for decades with its romanticized portrayal of a fictional Irish village. The lyrics and melody of the song have a timeless quality that continues to resonate with listeners today.
In this thesis, we will explore the meaning and significance of 'How Are Things In Glocca Morra' in the context of both the musical and the socio-political landscape of the 1940s. We will examine the origins of the song, its cultural impact, and the ways in which it has been interpreted and performed over the years. Through this analysis, we will gain a deeper understanding of the song's enduring appeal and its continued relevance in contemporary society.
Historical Context
To fully appreciate the significance of 'How Are Things In Glocca Morra,' it is essential to understand the historical context in which it was created. The song was written and composed during the post-World War II era, a time of great social and political change in the United States. The country was recovering from the economic devastation of the Great Depression and the horrors of the war, and there was a renewed sense of hope and optimism for the future.
Against this backdrop, the musical 'Finian's Rainbow' was born. The show, which opened on Broadway in 1947, was a whimsical and fantastical tale about an Irish immigrant and his daughter who come to America with a pot of gold stolen from a leprechaun. The story was a commentary on the American dream and the pursuit of wealth and happiness in a land of opportunity. 'How Are Things In Glocca Morra' was a pivotal song in the show, encapsulating the themes of longing, nostalgia, and the search for a better life.
Lyrics and Melody
The lyrics of 'How Are Things In Glocca Morra' are a masterpiece of poetic imagery and wordplay. The song opens with the line 'I hear a bird, a Londonderry bird,' which immediately transports the listener to the idyllic Irish countryside. The use of onomatopoeia, such as 'lilt' and 'croon,' adds to the dreamy and musical quality of the lyrics.
The chorus of the song, 'How are things in Glocca Morra?/Is that little brook still leaping there?/Does it still run down to Donny cove?/Through Killybegs, Kilkerry, and Kildare?' is a nostalgic and wistful reflection on a simpler way of life. The repetition of the phrase 'how are things' emphasizes the longing for a place that is far away and seemingly untouched by the problems of the modern world.
The melody of the song is equally enchanting, with its lilting and flowing rhythm. The use of Irish folk music elements, such as the Irish harp and flute, adds to the authenticity and charm of the song. The melody perfectly complements the lyrics, creating a sense of longing and nostalgia that lingers long after the song has ended.
Cultural Impact
'How Are Things In Glocca Morra' was an instant hit when it was first introduced in 'Finian's Rainbow.' The show ran for 725 performances and was later adapted into a film in 1968. The song quickly became a popular standard and has been covered by many famous artists, including Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, and Judy Garland.
The song's cultural impact extends beyond the world of music and theatre. Its themes of longing and nostalgia have resonated with audiences from all walks of life, making it a timeless and universal anthem. The song has been used in various films and TV shows, such as 'The Simpsons' and 'Family Guy,' and has been referenced in literature and popular culture.
Interpretations and Performances
Over the years, 'How Are Things In Glocca Morra' has been interpreted and performed in various ways, each bringing a unique perspective to the song. In the original Broadway production, the song was sung by the character Sharon McLonergan, who longs for a simpler life in Ireland. In later productions, the song has been sung by male characters, adding a new layer of meaning to the lyrics.
The song has also been performed by artists from different genres, such as jazz, pop, and country. Each interpretation brings a different musical style and interpretation to the song, showcasing its versatility and enduring appeal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 'How Are Things In Glocca Morra' is a timeless and beloved song that has captured the hearts of audiences for over seven decades. Its dreamy and whimsical lyrics, combined with a nostalgic melody, have made it a classic in the American songbook. The song's cultural impact and continued relevance in contemporary society are a testament to its enduring appeal and the universal themes it represents. As long as there is a longing for a simpler and happier life, 'How Are Things In Glocca Morra' will continue to be a beloved and cherished song.
'How Are Things In Glocca Morra' is a classic song from the 1947 Broadway musical 'Finian's Rainbow' written by Burton Lane (music) and E.Y. Harburg (lyrics). The song has been covered by numerous artists and has become a popular standard in the American songbook. It is a dreamy and whimsical tune that has captivated audiences for decades with its romanticized portrayal of a fictional Irish village. The lyrics and melody of the song have a timeless quality that continues to resonate with listeners today.
In this thesis, we will explore the meaning and significance of 'How Are Things In Glocca Morra' in the context of both the musical and the socio-political landscape of the 1940s. We will examine the origins of the song, its cultural impact, and the ways in which it has been interpreted and performed over the years. Through this analysis, we will gain a deeper understanding of the song's enduring appeal and its continued relevance in contemporary society.
Historical Context
To fully appreciate the significance of 'How Are Things In Glocca Morra,' it is essential to understand the historical context in which it was created. The song was written and composed during the post-World War II era, a time of great social and political change in the United States. The country was recovering from the economic devastation of the Great Depression and the horrors of the war, and there was a renewed sense of hope and optimism for the future.
Against this backdrop, the musical 'Finian's Rainbow' was born. The show, which opened on Broadway in 1947, was a whimsical and fantastical tale about an Irish immigrant and his daughter who come to America with a pot of gold stolen from a leprechaun. The story was a commentary on the American dream and the pursuit of wealth and happiness in a land of opportunity. 'How Are Things In Glocca Morra' was a pivotal song in the show, encapsulating the themes of longing, nostalgia, and the search for a better life.
Lyrics and Melody
The lyrics of 'How Are Things In Glocca Morra' are a masterpiece of poetic imagery and wordplay. The song opens with the line 'I hear a bird, a Londonderry bird,' which immediately transports the listener to the idyllic Irish countryside. The use of onomatopoeia, such as 'lilt' and 'croon,' adds to the dreamy and musical quality of the lyrics.
The chorus of the song, 'How are things in Glocca Morra?/Is that little brook still leaping there?/Does it still run down to Donny cove?/Through Killybegs, Kilkerry, and Kildare?' is a nostalgic and wistful reflection on a simpler way of life. The repetition of the phrase 'how are things' emphasizes the longing for a place that is far away and seemingly untouched by the problems of the modern world.
The melody of the song is equally enchanting, with its lilting and flowing rhythm. The use of Irish folk music elements, such as the Irish harp and flute, adds to the authenticity and charm of the song. The melody perfectly complements the lyrics, creating a sense of longing and nostalgia that lingers long after the song has ended.
Cultural Impact
'How Are Things In Glocca Morra' was an instant hit when it was first introduced in 'Finian's Rainbow.' The show ran for 725 performances and was later adapted into a film in 1968. The song quickly became a popular standard and has been covered by many famous artists, including Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, and Judy Garland.
The song's cultural impact extends beyond the world of music and theatre. Its themes of longing and nostalgia have resonated with audiences from all walks of life, making it a timeless and universal anthem. The song has been used in various films and TV shows, such as 'The Simpsons' and 'Family Guy,' and has been referenced in literature and popular culture.
Interpretations and Performances
Over the years, 'How Are Things In Glocca Morra' has been interpreted and performed in various ways, each bringing a unique perspective to the song. In the original Broadway production, the song was sung by the character Sharon McLonergan, who longs for a simpler life in Ireland. In later productions, the song has been sung by male characters, adding a new layer of meaning to the lyrics.
The song has also been performed by artists from different genres, such as jazz, pop, and country. Each interpretation brings a different musical style and interpretation to the song, showcasing its versatility and enduring appeal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 'How Are Things In Glocca Morra' is a timeless and beloved song that has captured the hearts of audiences for over seven decades. Its dreamy and whimsical lyrics, combined with a nostalgic melody, have made it a classic in the American songbook. The song's cultural impact and continued relevance in contemporary society are a testament to its enduring appeal and the universal themes it represents. As long as there is a longing for a simpler and happier life, 'How Are Things In Glocca Morra' will continue to be a beloved and cherished song.
[D]I [G]hear a [D]bird, London[G]derry [D]bird
It [G]well may [D]be he's [G]bringing [D]me a [A]cheering [D]word
I [G]hear a [D]breeze, a River [G]Shannon [D]breeze
It [G]well may [D]be it's [G]followed [D]me a[A]cross the [D]seas
Then [A]tell me [D]please:
[A]How are [D]things in Glocca [G]Morr[D]a?
[D]Is that little brook still [A]leaping there?
Does it still run down to [Em]Donny cove?
Through Killybegs, Kilkerry and Kil[D]dare?
[A]How are [D]things in Glocca [G]Morr[D]a?
[D]Is that willow tree still [A]weeping there?
Does that lassie with the [Em]twinklin' eye
Come smilin' by and [G]does she walk away
Sad and [D]dreamy there not [A]to see [D]me there?
[D]So I [G]ask each weepin' willow and each [D]brook along the way
And each [G]lass that comes a-sighin" [A]Too ra lay
How are things in Glocca Morra this fine [D]day?
It [G]well may [D]be he's [G]bringing [D]me a [A]cheering [D]word
I [G]hear a [D]breeze, a River [G]Shannon [D]breeze
It [G]well may [D]be it's [G]followed [D]me a[A]cross the [D]seas
Then [A]tell me [D]please:
[A]How are [D]things in Glocca [G]Morr[D]a?
[D]Is that little brook still [A]leaping there?
Does it still run down to [Em]Donny cove?
Through Killybegs, Kilkerry and Kil[D]dare?
[A]How are [D]things in Glocca [G]Morr[D]a?
[D]Is that willow tree still [A]weeping there?
Does that lassie with the [Em]twinklin' eye
Come smilin' by and [G]does she walk away
Sad and [D]dreamy there not [A]to see [D]me there?
[D]So I [G]ask each weepin' willow and each [D]brook along the way
And each [G]lass that comes a-sighin" [A]Too ra lay
How are things in Glocca Morra this fine [D]day?
How Are Things In Glocca Morra Guitar Chords Key Of G Major
[G]I [C]hear a [G]bird, London[C]derry [G]bird
It [C]well may [G]be he's [C]bringing [G]me a [D]cheering [G]word
I [C]hear a [G]breeze, a River [C]Shannon [G]breeze
It [C]well may [G]be it's [C]followed [G]me a[D]cross the [G]seas
Then [D]tell me [G]please:
[D]How are [G]things in Glocca [C]Morr[G]a?
[G]Is that little brook still [D]leaping there?
Does it still run down to [Am]Donny cove?
Through Killybegs, Kilkerry and Kil[G]dare?
[D]How are [G]things in Glocca [C]Morr[G]a?
[G]Is that willow tree still [D]weeping there?
Does that lassie with the [Am]twinklin' eye
Come smilin' by and [C]does she walk away
Sad and [G]dreamy there not [D]to see [G]me there?
[G]So I [C]ask each weepin' willow and each [G]brook along the way
And each [C]lass that comes a-sighin" [D]Too ra lay
How are things in Glocca Morra this fine [G]day?
Irish songs G-J
[G]I [C]hear a [G]bird, London[C]derry [G]bird
It [C]well may [G]be he's [C]bringing [G]me a [D]cheering [G]word
I [C]hear a [G]breeze, a River [C]Shannon [G]breeze
It [C]well may [G]be it's [C]followed [G]me a[D]cross the [G]seas
Then [D]tell me [G]please:
[D]How are [G]things in Glocca [C]Morr[G]a?
[G]Is that little brook still [D]leaping there?
Does it still run down to [Am]Donny cove?
Through Killybegs, Kilkerry and Kil[G]dare?
[D]How are [G]things in Glocca [C]Morr[G]a?
[G]Is that willow tree still [D]weeping there?
Does that lassie with the [Am]twinklin' eye
Come smilin' by and [C]does she walk away
Sad and [G]dreamy there not [D]to see [G]me there?
[G]So I [C]ask each weepin' willow and each [G]brook along the way
And each [C]lass that comes a-sighin" [D]Too ra lay
How are things in Glocca Morra this fine [G]day?
Irish songs G-J
How are things in Glocca Morra lyrics
How are things in Glocca Morra piano sheet music
How are things in Glocca Morra tin whistle sheet music
AMONG MY SOUVENIRS and JONI JAMES SINGS IRISH FAVORITES ALBUM
Two of the Joni James albums most cherished by her thousands and thousands of fans appear in heir entirety, and with all their songs in the original program order, on this marvelous and long- anticipated compact disc.
"Among My Souvenirs" and "Joni Sings Irish Favorites" have been requested over and over by Joni James admirers around the world in heartfelt letters asking these long-beloved albums be reissued on C.D. Joni has generously complied, personally overseeing the transfer of these beautiful collections From the original M-G-M Records master tapes to state-of-the-art digital stereo in the best sound currently achievable in the recording profession.
It's strangely ironic that these charming albums have won such a treasured place in the hearts of Joni's family of fans. Because between the time they were born in the recording studio and finally delivered to the record stores, each of these albums was a little lost musical lamb.
It's still difficult to know how to describe Joni's album "Among My Souvenirs." No popular artist had recorded an album like it before Joni did and, in fact, no popular artist has recorded an album ike it since Joni did!
The music is the kind you might expect to be performed and heard on the wide veranda of some gracefully gingerbreaded house in some charming small town on a balmy spring afternoon at the urn of the century. The guests seated in wicker chairs, sipping on minted iced tea or homemade emonade, the singer and musicians in their loveliest linen afternoon finery.
But, then, some of the songs on "Among My Souvenirs," such as "Greensleeves," far predate such an era, and some, such as "Together," came well after that era.
Joni James herself thinks of "Among My Souvenirs" as a musical valentine. It's a compendium of ever-popular songs such as "Always," historic songs such as "Alice Blue Gown" (Alice Blue being he color favored by the free-spirited, widely-admired and widely-disapproved daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt, Alice), and folk songs bordering on the classical such as Brahm's "Lullaby." Joni is in her most beautiful voice for this eclectic collection and elegantly centerpieced in gorgeous arrangements by the distinguished David Terry replete with harpsichord, organ, chimes and other Couches which bespeak eras gone by. "Among My Souvenirs" indeed evokes a melodic, innocent westeryear; a time when romantic love was longingly pursued, cherished when claimed and deeply nourned when lost; a musical day of rich melodies and evocative lyrics, of songs which told detailed stories with which every listener could personally identify.
It's no wonder, then, that this delicately-sewn musical needlepoint of an album confounded Joni's record label. Joni conceived and recorded "Among My Souvenirs" at a time when rock-'n-roll was running riot over the record charts, when being a class act was the least of most recording artists' Concerns and when any musical glance backward was suspect as being old hat and out-of-touch. With her usual independence, vision and matter-of-fact pioneer spirit, Joni thoroughly enjoyed researching the music, selecting the songs and finally recording the album but her label seemed horoughly at a loss at exactly what to do with it.
Originally announced for a late fall release. "Among My Souvenirs" languished for more than half 1 year as other Joni recordings were placed before the public instead. Finally, it was decided to release "Among My Souvenirs" as a special summertime listening collection and hope for the best.
The reaction was immediate and better than the best! Music critics applauded Joni's little musical valentine as both historically authentic and timelessly charming. The music public immediately clasped the album to their hearts, charmed by Joni's heartfelt, rich stylings and tender interpretations of long-beloved melodies and lyrics. Even the album cover, with its charming portrait of Joni in a tableau cleverly illustrating the story told in the title song "Among My Souvenirs," became especially beloved.
Rock-'n-roll, of course, kept rocking and rolling. And Joni, with her long string of ingenious ballad-with-a-beat hit singles, became part of that scene, though in a gentle way. But this very special album vindicated Joni's courageous musical course in recording music she loved because she believed her faithful musical audience would also love it, no matter what the current trends or prevailing commercial winds.
And, many years later, "Among My Souvenirs" continues to occupy a unique place in the hearts of thousands of Joni James fans the world over. How wonderful to hear this lovely album newly-fresh and enchantingly charming on this compact disc.
"Joni Sings Irish Favorites" was recorded as part of a series of pioneering albums of international music Joni conceived in the face of misgivings in the record profession that there wasn't enough of an audience for such projects to make them profitable. But as Joni's albums were released and scored enormous successes it became evident there indeed existed a sizeable audience for such music. Other artists on both Joni's label and other labels began recognizing the potential of this repertoire and it became accepted standard album material. But Joni did it first and, we think, best! Growing up in an Italian-Irish neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, Joni had long loved all things Irish and been captivated by the legend and legacy of the Emerald Isle. Recording an Irish album was a desire long dear to her heart.
When the opportunity finally came, Joni proceeded with her usual thoroughness. Never casual about her work, ever respectful of bringing the best she could to all her music, Joni first carefully researched hundreds of songs from Ireland and songs with Irish themes to find the perfect dozen. Then she researched the correct brogue that beguiling Gaelic accent-for each song based on the dialect of the area in which it was composed or earliest performed or, in the case of show tunes, the setting in which they were originally staged.
Next, Joni's career director, musical director and husband, the late and much-missed Anthony Acquaviva, engaged the finest available musicians in New York City to form an orchestra expressly for recording this album. Finally, two of Joni's most sympathetic arrangers, Chuck Sagle and David Terry, were commissioned to fashion just the right musical setting for each selection.
Joni's voice absolutely sparkles within their setting of vibrant strings, horns and woodwinds; engaging choral accompaniments; and a wide variety of tempos among the songs. Vocally, Joni is an engagingly spirited Irish colleen from first song to last, bubbly in the happy songs, haunting in the sad songs, nostalgic in the reminiscent songs.
And, oh, the songs! So wonderful in the musical pictures they evoke ("When Irish Eyes Are Smiling"), so touching in the tales they tell ("Molly Malone"), so heartfelt in the timeless emotions they evoke ("Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms"). Familiar songs ("How Are Things In Glocca Mora?"), not-so-familiar songs ("Did Your Mother Come From Ireland?"), historic songs ("Galway Bay").
And one song a surpassing Joni James classic, still insisted on by her concert audiences to this day, "Danny Boy." The recording in "Joni Sings Irish Favorites," incidentally, is not the original hit single (yes, "Danny Boy" was a Joni James hit and in fact eventual million-seller in the period rock was running sales riot over every other kind of music) but a stereo rerecording especially created for this album. It's almost the same arrangement as the original and almost the same interpretation. But Joni, never being satisfied with her work and always looking for ways to improve it, did have the arrangement changed slightly. And, never singing the same song the same way twice, she does bring to this recording some new viewpoints on an old, old song and her own previous, world-renowned performance. It's a delicious treat!
When "Joni Sings Irish Favorites" was completed it was scheduled for a February release and major promotion for St. Patrick's Day, March 17. But a previously-recorded Joni album, released in January, took off like a skyrocket on the best-seller charts and "Irish Favorites" had to be delayed so the two albums would not compete with each other.
But then the album recorded after "Irish Favorites" became another massive hit and so "Irish Favorites" again was kept on the back burner. Then the album after that
became a super hit. By the time the next St. Patrick's Day rolled around "Irish Favorites" finally was given a release date. But yet another of Joni's surefire hit albums was to be released on the same date. Except for fliers sent to record stores for a St. Patrick's Day promotion, "Irish Favorites" emerged in the shadow of the other album.
Joni James fans did not welcome "Irish Favorites" enthusiastically at first, either. The few Irish albums on the market mostly offered the same songs performed in the established and respected but all-too-familiar way. Few of even Joni's most ardent admirers could imagine what she might bring to the genre that was fresh and different.
So when Joni's Irish album finally appeared, bedecked in a luscious green cover with leprechauns and shamrocks dancing about a sparkling portrait of Joni complete with Irish lace, the word-of- mouth got out and about quickly. The album was a must-have! Delightful-tuneful, engaging, entrancing, lovely to listen to, joyful to sing along with. Different-each song presented as complete three-act play with a beginning, middle and ending, beautifully mounted within a melodic and memorable orchestration. And truly enjoyable, with Joni's delightful brogue the frosting on the musical cake.
"Joni Sings Irish Favorites" proved a big seller, too, thank you very much. In retrospect, Joni herself says she never thought it wouldn't be! Again, she figured if she liked the music everyone would like the music.
So here are Joni's two little lost musical lambs, very grown up now, very beloved, very yearned- for and certainly very, very welcome once more in their lustrous new digitally-achieved sound, the full richness of the original recordings fully heard for the first time.
And very much at home in any collection of memorable music to be enjoyed again and again and again.
Track List Of Songs
ALWAYS
WHEN YOU WERE SWEET SIXTEEN
LET ME CALL YOU SWEETHEART
ALICE BLUE GOWN
AMONG MY SOUVENIRS
WHEN I GROW TOO OLD TO DREAM
THE ANNIVERSARY SONG
TOGETHER
SOMETHING TO REMEMBER YOU BY
GREENSLEEVES
'TILL WE MEET AGAIN
LULLABY
Two of the Joni James albums most cherished by her thousands and thousands of fans appear in heir entirety, and with all their songs in the original program order, on this marvelous and long- anticipated compact disc.
"Among My Souvenirs" and "Joni Sings Irish Favorites" have been requested over and over by Joni James admirers around the world in heartfelt letters asking these long-beloved albums be reissued on C.D. Joni has generously complied, personally overseeing the transfer of these beautiful collections From the original M-G-M Records master tapes to state-of-the-art digital stereo in the best sound currently achievable in the recording profession.
It's strangely ironic that these charming albums have won such a treasured place in the hearts of Joni's family of fans. Because between the time they were born in the recording studio and finally delivered to the record stores, each of these albums was a little lost musical lamb.
It's still difficult to know how to describe Joni's album "Among My Souvenirs." No popular artist had recorded an album like it before Joni did and, in fact, no popular artist has recorded an album ike it since Joni did!
The music is the kind you might expect to be performed and heard on the wide veranda of some gracefully gingerbreaded house in some charming small town on a balmy spring afternoon at the urn of the century. The guests seated in wicker chairs, sipping on minted iced tea or homemade emonade, the singer and musicians in their loveliest linen afternoon finery.
But, then, some of the songs on "Among My Souvenirs," such as "Greensleeves," far predate such an era, and some, such as "Together," came well after that era.
Joni James herself thinks of "Among My Souvenirs" as a musical valentine. It's a compendium of ever-popular songs such as "Always," historic songs such as "Alice Blue Gown" (Alice Blue being he color favored by the free-spirited, widely-admired and widely-disapproved daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt, Alice), and folk songs bordering on the classical such as Brahm's "Lullaby." Joni is in her most beautiful voice for this eclectic collection and elegantly centerpieced in gorgeous arrangements by the distinguished David Terry replete with harpsichord, organ, chimes and other Couches which bespeak eras gone by. "Among My Souvenirs" indeed evokes a melodic, innocent westeryear; a time when romantic love was longingly pursued, cherished when claimed and deeply nourned when lost; a musical day of rich melodies and evocative lyrics, of songs which told detailed stories with which every listener could personally identify.
It's no wonder, then, that this delicately-sewn musical needlepoint of an album confounded Joni's record label. Joni conceived and recorded "Among My Souvenirs" at a time when rock-'n-roll was running riot over the record charts, when being a class act was the least of most recording artists' Concerns and when any musical glance backward was suspect as being old hat and out-of-touch. With her usual independence, vision and matter-of-fact pioneer spirit, Joni thoroughly enjoyed researching the music, selecting the songs and finally recording the album but her label seemed horoughly at a loss at exactly what to do with it.
Originally announced for a late fall release. "Among My Souvenirs" languished for more than half 1 year as other Joni recordings were placed before the public instead. Finally, it was decided to release "Among My Souvenirs" as a special summertime listening collection and hope for the best.
The reaction was immediate and better than the best! Music critics applauded Joni's little musical valentine as both historically authentic and timelessly charming. The music public immediately clasped the album to their hearts, charmed by Joni's heartfelt, rich stylings and tender interpretations of long-beloved melodies and lyrics. Even the album cover, with its charming portrait of Joni in a tableau cleverly illustrating the story told in the title song "Among My Souvenirs," became especially beloved.
Rock-'n-roll, of course, kept rocking and rolling. And Joni, with her long string of ingenious ballad-with-a-beat hit singles, became part of that scene, though in a gentle way. But this very special album vindicated Joni's courageous musical course in recording music she loved because she believed her faithful musical audience would also love it, no matter what the current trends or prevailing commercial winds.
And, many years later, "Among My Souvenirs" continues to occupy a unique place in the hearts of thousands of Joni James fans the world over. How wonderful to hear this lovely album newly-fresh and enchantingly charming on this compact disc.
"Joni Sings Irish Favorites" was recorded as part of a series of pioneering albums of international music Joni conceived in the face of misgivings in the record profession that there wasn't enough of an audience for such projects to make them profitable. But as Joni's albums were released and scored enormous successes it became evident there indeed existed a sizeable audience for such music. Other artists on both Joni's label and other labels began recognizing the potential of this repertoire and it became accepted standard album material. But Joni did it first and, we think, best! Growing up in an Italian-Irish neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, Joni had long loved all things Irish and been captivated by the legend and legacy of the Emerald Isle. Recording an Irish album was a desire long dear to her heart.
When the opportunity finally came, Joni proceeded with her usual thoroughness. Never casual about her work, ever respectful of bringing the best she could to all her music, Joni first carefully researched hundreds of songs from Ireland and songs with Irish themes to find the perfect dozen. Then she researched the correct brogue that beguiling Gaelic accent-for each song based on the dialect of the area in which it was composed or earliest performed or, in the case of show tunes, the setting in which they were originally staged.
Next, Joni's career director, musical director and husband, the late and much-missed Anthony Acquaviva, engaged the finest available musicians in New York City to form an orchestra expressly for recording this album. Finally, two of Joni's most sympathetic arrangers, Chuck Sagle and David Terry, were commissioned to fashion just the right musical setting for each selection.
Joni's voice absolutely sparkles within their setting of vibrant strings, horns and woodwinds; engaging choral accompaniments; and a wide variety of tempos among the songs. Vocally, Joni is an engagingly spirited Irish colleen from first song to last, bubbly in the happy songs, haunting in the sad songs, nostalgic in the reminiscent songs.
And, oh, the songs! So wonderful in the musical pictures they evoke ("When Irish Eyes Are Smiling"), so touching in the tales they tell ("Molly Malone"), so heartfelt in the timeless emotions they evoke ("Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms"). Familiar songs ("How Are Things In Glocca Mora?"), not-so-familiar songs ("Did Your Mother Come From Ireland?"), historic songs ("Galway Bay").
And one song a surpassing Joni James classic, still insisted on by her concert audiences to this day, "Danny Boy." The recording in "Joni Sings Irish Favorites," incidentally, is not the original hit single (yes, "Danny Boy" was a Joni James hit and in fact eventual million-seller in the period rock was running sales riot over every other kind of music) but a stereo rerecording especially created for this album. It's almost the same arrangement as the original and almost the same interpretation. But Joni, never being satisfied with her work and always looking for ways to improve it, did have the arrangement changed slightly. And, never singing the same song the same way twice, she does bring to this recording some new viewpoints on an old, old song and her own previous, world-renowned performance. It's a delicious treat!
When "Joni Sings Irish Favorites" was completed it was scheduled for a February release and major promotion for St. Patrick's Day, March 17. But a previously-recorded Joni album, released in January, took off like a skyrocket on the best-seller charts and "Irish Favorites" had to be delayed so the two albums would not compete with each other.
But then the album recorded after "Irish Favorites" became another massive hit and so "Irish Favorites" again was kept on the back burner. Then the album after that
became a super hit. By the time the next St. Patrick's Day rolled around "Irish Favorites" finally was given a release date. But yet another of Joni's surefire hit albums was to be released on the same date. Except for fliers sent to record stores for a St. Patrick's Day promotion, "Irish Favorites" emerged in the shadow of the other album.
Joni James fans did not welcome "Irish Favorites" enthusiastically at first, either. The few Irish albums on the market mostly offered the same songs performed in the established and respected but all-too-familiar way. Few of even Joni's most ardent admirers could imagine what she might bring to the genre that was fresh and different.
So when Joni's Irish album finally appeared, bedecked in a luscious green cover with leprechauns and shamrocks dancing about a sparkling portrait of Joni complete with Irish lace, the word-of- mouth got out and about quickly. The album was a must-have! Delightful-tuneful, engaging, entrancing, lovely to listen to, joyful to sing along with. Different-each song presented as complete three-act play with a beginning, middle and ending, beautifully mounted within a melodic and memorable orchestration. And truly enjoyable, with Joni's delightful brogue the frosting on the musical cake.
"Joni Sings Irish Favorites" proved a big seller, too, thank you very much. In retrospect, Joni herself says she never thought it wouldn't be! Again, she figured if she liked the music everyone would like the music.
So here are Joni's two little lost musical lambs, very grown up now, very beloved, very yearned- for and certainly very, very welcome once more in their lustrous new digitally-achieved sound, the full richness of the original recordings fully heard for the first time.
And very much at home in any collection of memorable music to be enjoyed again and again and again.
Track List Of Songs
ALWAYS
WHEN YOU WERE SWEET SIXTEEN
LET ME CALL YOU SWEETHEART
ALICE BLUE GOWN
AMONG MY SOUVENIRS
WHEN I GROW TOO OLD TO DREAM
THE ANNIVERSARY SONG
TOGETHER
SOMETHING TO REMEMBER YOU BY
GREENSLEEVES
'TILL WE MEET AGAIN
LULLABY
