This is an example..the lyrics to Moonlight in Vermont just don't work for me...and it is best that no one sings...Search you tube and you will find even great singers like Nat Cole, leave it alone and play as instrumental , where it can shine..

I remember arranging this song in college..great chords that can be embelished...

That all depends on the singer .... I'd listen to Ella or Karen sing the names in the phone book. And just a point - the first notes in that sax video were a little pitchy. Just sayin

I agree with UD. It totally depends upon the singer. Essentially, that sax is just a vocalist with a different voice.

Gary

I like Willie's version.
I used to sing it by wife made me stop. Now I play it as an instrumental if ever requested.

I would much rather hear these versions.

Gary

I betcha our own Donny Pesce could do a great job on this tune.

He has the pipes for it.

Do you do this one Donny?

Ian

The lyrics are terrible...it is not romantic...only nastalgic..No matter who sings it,,

I also thought Willie did it as well as others ..Sarah , is probaly the best recording (Count had something to do with it)..

No iPad for the Chairman of the Board!

No school like the old school!

And yes, I disagree with Fran, too. A great singer has no issues with the song. You just have to find the core (and a great arrangement doesn't hurt!).

Count Basie orchestral and Nelson Riddle band...I guess you would..I bet you are listening to the music...

Absolutely, Fran - In fact, I've always said that Sintra would not have achieved the fame and fortune he enjoyed if it were not for both those orchestras. Hell, if I had them behind me, I believe I could have a much larger boat now.

Gary

No you couldn't!

Those guys sounded great no matter WHO they recorded with. Never heard such BS before, LOL

Joe Williams did a great job on Vermont, but, hey, that's JOE WILLIAMS!

I agree, Fran, that some tunes are better as instrumentals.

As far as expression, just listen to Gato Barberi's version of Europa.

It doesn't get any more expressive than that.

As far as arrangements go, Fran is right about planning and arranging changes using inversions and some other neat "tricks".

You can't do that if you're arranging for the final product to be a vocal over a track, especially if the vocalist is going to vary the style, do retards, etc. That arrangement would need to be "straight ahead".

My favorite way to do "Vermont" is on a nylon string guitar...no band, just those beautiful changes.


Nice thoughtful topic Fran. And U/D, you're right. The tenor was a little sharp on the first line.

Wonderful tune!


Russ

...does every ballad have to be 'romantic ?!? ... just askin' ...

... and how about that organ 'voice' ... just sayin' ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuvIbpd5PAg

Pete Barbuti Moonlight in Vermont.

I saw this guy the first time in California around 1979, at an AF of M convention. He was hilarious.

JerryGHR

I never knew he endorsed Nord?