Loving You Tenderly

The arrangements, make a small group sound, at times, like a large band. Jerome Kern's The Song Is You, a merry-go-round of harmonic brilliance Tenderly was Joan and Tony's wedding song. The horns emulate organ chords, while Tony's exceptional clarity provide great meaning for the lyrics. Polka Dots and Moonbeams, Cardillo's bass solo makes one think of Eddie Gomez' sureness and depth. I Had the Craziest Dream. Sinatra with Harry James would have profited from the lovely ensemble horn emphasis. Tony's long note and a trumpet trill end the song memorably. Tony told me that the words I like New York in June in the song How About You remind him of the many important people who have their birthdays in June, including Joan, daughter, granddaughter (all sharing June 11), and many friends. Tony is once again to be noted for his precision during the duet with guitarist Lou Messana on When Sunny Gets Blue -a song Tony performed for the composer's wife and daughter, to their delight. Stella by Starlight was the tune that required the most 'takes'. It is also the most highly swinging selection on the CD. The penultimate I'm in the Mood for Love features Billy Heller's interpretation of Moody's Mood for Love. It still sounds fresh 60 years after it's introduction. A rubato introduction begins You Stepped out of Dream. Frank sets a latin background while the horns provide figures. Tony is specific with the words, after which Weldon solos, and then-that third of the triumverate of great drum southpaws after Stan Levey and Charlie Smith, and Long Island's answer to Buddy Rich-Frank Bellucci provides a solo that thrills. Al and Frank set a rhythmic point of reference for Tony to take the song out with great horn backing, bringing this tribute to Joan to a close.