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| Written by harold Arlen with lyrics by E.Y Harburg and Billy Rose, It’s Only a Paper Moon was first published in 1933. Used in the movie Take a Chance Paul Whiteman recorded the first succesful version of the song with vocal by Peggy Healey. Many artists have recorded the song over the years with early success coming from versions by both Ella Fitzgerald and nat King Cole. Very much part of the jazz repetioire I’ve included some of my favourite versions below. | |
| Suggested Listening | |
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Martin Taylor Album -Sketches : A Tribute To Art Tatum Listen to how Martin sets up the initial groove in this one before he launches into a walking bass line with melody on top. This is something that I cover in the guitar course |
Nat King Cole Album – The Nat King Cole Story One of the original recordings of the song. Listen out for the guitar / piano unsin through the first chorus. Once it’s in you’re head it won’t leave.
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Ray Brown Album – Ray Brown Trio with Ulf Wakenius Lovely piano / double bass introduction before the bass takes over with the melody. I love to hear the bass playing the melody and often try to bring out bass lines in my solo guitar arrangements
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Django Reinhardt Album -The Essential Django Reinhardt I love the clarity of Django’s solo line playing. look out for him quoting the jazz standard “Salt Peanuts” |
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Earl Klugh Album – Rhino Hi-Five This arrangement very much from the Chet Atkins School. Listen out for the Stride Piano effect in the bass |
Which artist’s version of It’s Only A Paper Moon would you recommend? Tell me about it and I can feature it here |
