The song Fly Me to the Moon was written by Bart Howard in 1954. While many artists have recorded it, the version by Frank Sanatra, accompanied bt Count Basie, and arranged by Quincy Jones is the version that most people know. The original time signature for the song was 3/4 waltz time. Quency Jones changed this to 4/4 giving the song a swing feel. Famously Sanatra’s version was played by Buzz Albrin during the Apollo 11 landing.
Suggested Listening
Astrud Gilberto
Album – The Silver Collection
I just love this bossa nova version, I could be back in Rio strolling along the Copacabana beach !! There are heaps of other classic bossa nova songs on this album as well that you should check out.
Grace Kelly
Album – Times Too
A new version with just guitar and vocals by this young Asian American Star.
Wes Montgomery
Album – The Millenium Collection
Great Bossa Version. listen out for Wes’s signature octave unisons. Double notes like these will be covered in the guitar lessons. In guitar video lessons I teach a fingerpicking guitar technique. Check out Wes’s unique fingerstyle technique where he uses up and downstrokes with his thumb.
Victor Feldman
Album – Jazz at Ronnie Scotts
If you’re ever passing through London you’ve got to pay Ronnie Scott’s a visit. Great live recording by the British vibe player.
Frank Sinatra
Album – It might as Well be Swing
Well known swing version from ol’ blue eyes, arranged by Quincy Jones with the Count Basie Orchestra
Which artist’s version of Fly me to the Moon would you recommend? Tell me about it and I can feature it here