An example of why Joe Williams was one of the great singers of the 20th century of jazz, blues and popular songs. I saw him as a college kid in the 1970s with the Basie band, and later on with my wife, with Basie again, in jazz clubs in NYC and Carnegie Hall in the 1980s and 1990s. A classic performance from a classic performer.
I never comment on videos, but I feel compelled to today. Where is Joe Williams when we need him? In his amazing recordings, I suppose. This song chokes me up more with each passing year. I understood the flawless technical brilliance when I first heard this in the mid 90s, but only with age, do I understand the truly deep pathos and emotion in this performance. Hands down, the definition of phrases like "excellence," or "class," or "the best." Joe Williams always was and still remains peerless. I know your craft is making those tears fall wherever you are, Joe.
Not just love for, but respect for the music. And respect for the lyrics. Does such phrasing, enunciation, and intonation still exist among 21st Cent. Balladeers? There don't seem to be any who come close to matching the artistry of the late JW. Larger than life he was. 1918-1999. RIP kind sir.
This can make you cry, it is so beautiful. Some years ago, Joe was on his way to Greensboro, NC, for a concert. We had our tickets and then heard that he had suddenly died. Thank goodness there is such a rich history of his work for us to hear. God bless, Joe.
This is so beautiful... Robert Farnon was a legend, here he accompanies another legend.. 🙏😢💥
I had the chance to hear this man sing....for two hours I was fixed on every phrase and note that came out his mouth. Such a memorable evening.
An example of why Joe Williams was one of the great singers of the 20th century of jazz, blues and popular songs. I saw him as a college kid in the 1970s with the Basie band, and later on with my wife, with Basie again, in jazz clubs in NYC and Carnegie Hall in the 1980s and 1990s. A classic performance from a classic performer.
I never comment on videos, but I feel compelled to today. Where is Joe Williams when we need him? In his amazing recordings, I suppose. This song chokes me up more with each passing year. I understood the flawless technical brilliance when I first heard this in the mid 90s, but only with age, do I understand the truly deep pathos and emotion in this performance. Hands down, the definition of phrases like "excellence," or "class," or "the best." Joe Williams always was and still remains peerless. I know your craft is making those tears fall wherever you are, Joe.
Shirley Horn and Joe Williams do the best versions of this song
Not just love for, but respect for the music. And respect for the lyrics. Does such phrasing, enunciation, and intonation still exist among 21st Cent. Balladeers? There don't seem to be any who come close to matching the artistry of the late JW. Larger than life he was. 1918-1999. RIP kind sir.
This can make you cry, it is so beautiful. Some years ago, Joe was on his way to Greensboro, NC, for a concert. We had our tickets and then heard that he had suddenly died. Thank goodness there is such a rich history of his work for us to hear. God bless, Joe.
+Ann McEnery ..Amen Ann, Joe, was one beautiful human being...."Here's to life"
Heard this for the first time this evening.
what a sympathetic orchestration from Robert Farnon.
"HERE'S TO LIFE🍷🌷🙏💃"
Great!!!!!!!!!
Achingly beautiful and emotional
Even though the song can be viewed as the female answer to "My Way", Joe Williams offers his version here.
Nicely stated. And true.
great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
❤❤