I've Heard That Song Before
25 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 5 years ago - ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsExplore the jazz standards of the Great American Songbook! Joe Hunter invites a jazz musician guest to explore a standard. Hear 4 different renditions of the featured song, accompanied by insightful, witty commentary from the hosts. Their easy-going conversation makes the show enjoyable for both jazz buffs and novices alike.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
"These Foolish Things"
December 28, 2018 15:10 - 37 minutesJoe and Tom discuss 4 renditions of "These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)," a beautiful standard by Eric Maschwitz. Then they discuss another of his works called "A Nightingale Sang in Barkley Square" for this week's bonus tune!
"Luck Be a Lady"
December 13, 2018 17:57 - 37 minutesJoe and his guest, Carl Topilow, listen with you to 4 renditions of "Luck Be a Lady," exploring the varied paces in the performances of this standard. They dive into the rich history of this song, which made its debut in the 1950 musical, Guys and Dolls. Enjoy a special rendition of this song performed by its composer Frank Loesser. At the end of the episode you can enjoy this week's bonus tune, “Fugue for Tinhorns," performed by the cast of Guys and Dolls.
"Here's That Rainy Day"
December 05, 2018 17:48 - 38 minutesJoe and his guest, Lee Bush, listen with you to 4 renditions of "Here's that Rainy Day," exploring the different levels of the melodies and harmonies in this standard. They dive into the profoundly sad lyrics, exposing the ironic nature of this song. Then they listen with you to this week's bonus tune, “September in the Rain," a song performed by Joe Williams with a more upbeat take on rain.
"Falling in Love with Love"
November 28, 2018 22:34 - 35 minutesJoe and his guest, Bill Rudman, listen with you to renditions of "Falling in Love with Love" by Frances Langford, Frank Sinatra, Julian "Cannonball" Adderley & Mary Cleere Haran. They explore the merits of each (of which there are many) and Bill discusses the appearance of this standard in the farce of a play: "The Boys from Syracuse." Then discuss this week's bonus tune, "Thou Swell" by Nat King Cole.
"All the Things You Are"
November 21, 2018 17:03 - 37 minutesJoe and Les kick off their exploration of this romantic standard with a performance by Mildred Bailey, before delving into three other renditions of this classic. From the storytelling of the lyrics to stunning harmonies, Joe and Les give you the low-down on all the things in “All the Things You Are.”
"What's New?"
August 15, 2018 16:54 - 38 minutesJoe and Les cover a charming song from the jazz era, made popular by Bing Crosby in 1939, by exploring four different renditions. You’ll hear versions from the talented jazz musician Dinah Washington, a strong vocal performance from Linda Ronstadt, a romantic instrumental version and much more!
"The Nearness of You"
August 08, 2018 14:00 - 38 minutesJoe and Les delve into one of the most romantic tracks from the Great American Songbook and discuss four flawless renditions including an enchanting modern version by Norah Jones. From the intimate nature of the song lyrics to the smooth instrumentals of Hoagy Carmichael’s 1928 “The Nearness of You,” this episode is sure to warm your heart!
"My Funny Valentine"
August 01, 2018 14:15 - 39 minutesJoe and Lee discuss a timeless classic from the 1937 musical Babes in Arms that went on to become one the most beloved jazz standards of the Great American Songbook. The popularity of “My Funny Valentine” has been covered by over 600 artists and has landed an unforgettable spot in American culture. From the emotional rendition by Sarah Vaughan to the elegant instrumental version by the Chico Hamilton Quintet, you’ll enjoy this episode in all it’s melodies.
"Love For Sale"
July 25, 2018 13:38 - 39 minutesJoe and Ernie explore, "Love for Sale," the lyrically controversial tune from 1930's Broadway musical, "The New Yorkers." They dive in and discuss the story behind the song as well as the artists who sang them. You'll hear renditions from the legendary Ella Fitzgerald, the sultry Julie London, a beautiful piano instrumental, and a skat master.
"I've Got You Under My Skin"
July 18, 2018 14:14 - 39 minutesJoe and Ernie explore this memorable romantic classic and it’s many renditions. From the musical Born To Dance (1936), “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Song and went on to become a signature song for Frank Sinatra as well as many popular jazz musicians of the time. From the lyrics to the well-crafted arrangement, you’ll enjoy every musical moment of this show!
"Georgia On My Mind"
July 11, 2018 14:57 - 39 minutesJoe and Tom listen with you to four renditions of one of the most popular jazz standards, “Georgia On My Mind,” telling the stories behind the different performers of this song. They celebrate the great west coast jazz artists who brought this song to life, and even discuss a legendary Belgian-American jazz musician to finish out the podcast.
"Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered"
July 11, 2018 14:56 - 39 minutesJoe Hunter and Les Roberts celebrate a show tune from Rodgers and Hart's 1940 musical, "Pal Joey," diving into the most notable renditions of “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered.” They dissect each version and discuss the legacy of the Great American Songbook.
"Angel Eyes"
July 11, 2018 14:54 - 39 minutesMusicians, Joe Hunter and Lee Bush, listen with you to a few memorable renditions of “Angel Eyes.” From the melancholy Frank Sinatra arrangement to the sophisticated instrumental version by jazz guitarist, Kenny Burrell to the song composer’s original version, you’ll love their commentary about each piece. Then enjoy their thoughts about the modern jazz era and its ever-evolving legacy.
"Ain't Misbehavin'"
July 20, 2017 18:27 - 38 minutesJoe Hunter and his guest, George Foley, listen with you to 4 renditions of “Ain’t Misbehavin” by Thomas “Fats” Waller, Louis Armstrong, Art Tatum, & Leon Redbone. They discuss the life of the great pianist Thomas “Fats” Waller, the style of jazz piano called “stride piano,” the overall impact of the song “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” and some of the artists who have performed this song. You’ll also enjoy this week's bonus tune by the classic jazz pianist, John Ulrich, titled “Little
"Lush Life"
July 13, 2017 14:12 - 34 minutesJoe Hunter and his guest, jazz pianist Les Roberts, listen with you to 4 renditions of “Lush Life” by Nat King Cole, John Coltrane, Billy Strayhorn, & Queen Latifah. Joe and Les discuss the relative obscurity of this song, they tell stories behind the different performers of this song, and they reveal their honest feelings about each each version of it. You’ll enjoy this week's bonus tune too, which was also written by Billy Strayhorn, called “I’m Checkin’ Out, Goombye,” performed by Rosemar
"Love Walked In"
July 06, 2017 20:54 - 38 minutesJoe and his guest, Ernie Krivda, listen with you to renditions of "Love Walked in" by Kenny Baker, Erroll Garner, The Flamingoes, Ernie Krivda, and Frank Sinatra. They explore how the song has evolved over time and the great variety of the performers who have made their own versions of this song. Then you'll enjoy this week's bonus tune by the great saxophonist, Ben Webster, performing another popular Gershwin tune.
"September Song"
June 29, 2017 18:27 - 38 minutesJoe Hunter and his guest, jazz trombonist George Carr, listen with you to 4 renditions of “September Song” by Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Chet Baker, & Mel Torme. Joe and George discuss the very interesting life of composer Kurt Weill as well as the Broadway musical in which this song was first introduced, Knickerbocker Holiday. In addition, George explains why Torme’s version is his favorite one. You’ll also enjoy this week's bonus tune from the musical, Camelot, as Frank Sinatra perform...
"I Remember You"
June 22, 2017 16:20 - 38 minutesJoe Hunter and his guest, Larry Angell, listen with you to 4 renditions of “I Remember You” by Rosemary Clooney, Ella Fitzgerald, Gene Harris, & Sarah Vaughan. Joe and Larry discuss the short, yet illustrious career of composer Victor Schertzinger as well as the swingin’ and cookin’ nature of this piece. You’ll also enjoy this week's bonus tune by lyricist, Johnny Mercer as he sings the hilarious tune: “Save the Bones for Henry Jones” with Nat King Cole.
"It Might as Well Be Spring"
June 15, 2017 20:13 - 37 minutesJoe Hunter and his guest, Les Roberts, listen with you to 4 renditions of “It Might as Well Be Spring” by Astrud Gilberto, Sandy Stewart, Stephane Grappelli, & Ella Fitzgerald. Joe and Les discuss the conflicting tones of cheerfulness and melancholy. You’ll also enjoy this week's bonus tune by Nancy Wilson (accompanied by Cannonball Adderley!), a piece taken from South Pacific.
"Come Rain or Come Shine"
June 15, 2017 19:10 - 37 minutesJoe Hunter and his guest, Ernie Krivda, listen with you to renditions of "Come Rain or Come Shine" by Joe Williams, Nancy LaMont, Zoot Sims, & Ray Charles. Joe and Ernie discuss the many blues influences in this song. You’ll also enjoy this week's bonus tune by Helen Humes, another piece that is influenced by both blues and jazz.
"I Feel Pretty"
June 15, 2017 19:04 - 35 minutesJoe Hunter and his guest, Dennis Lewin, listen with you to renditions of "I Feel Pretty" by Marni Nixon, Sophie Milman, Oscar Peterson, and Sarah Vaughan. Dennis discusses this song and its place in the West Side Story soundtrack, including its use of baritone. Although not exactly a jazz standard, they discuss the influence of jazz on this piece. Then you'll enjoy this week's bonus tune by Jim Bryant & Marni Nixon, performing another piece from West Side Story. (S1 Ep 5)
"Moonlight in Vermont"
June 15, 2017 18:53 - 34 minutesJoe Hunter and his guest, Bill Rudman, listen with you to renditions of "Moonlight in Vermont" by Margaret Whiting, Ray Charles, Ahmad Jamal, and Willie Nelson. As the nephew of the song’s lyricist, John Blackburn, Bill Rudman gives us special insight into the history of this piece. Then you'll enjoy this week's bonus tune by Ahmad Jamal and his trio, performing a piece by one Rudman’s favorite composers. (S1 Ep4)
"A Foggy Day in London Town"
June 15, 2017 18:31 - 37 minutesJoe and his guest, Les Roberts, listen with you to renditions of "A Foggy Day in London Town" by Fred Astaire, Patti Page, Oscar Peterson, & Judy Garland. They explore the merits of each - of which there are many - and Les discusses the appearance of this song in film. Then you'll enjoy this week's bonus tune, a rare vocal performance by the great pianist, Oscar Peterson. (S1 Ep 3)
"The Lady is a Tramp"
June 15, 2017 18:26 - 38 minutesJoe and his guest, Ernie Krivda, listen with you to renditions of "Begin the Beguine" by Frank Sinatra, Sheryl Crow, Artie Shaw, & Sammy Davis Jr.. They explore the merits of each - which are many - while Ernie explains what he'd like to hear in just one. Then enjoy a tropical Bonus Tune by Bing Crosby. (S1 Ep2)
"Begin the Beguine"
June 08, 2017 15:19 - 38 minutesJoe Hunter and his guest, Ernie Krivda, listen with you to renditions of "Begin the Beguine" by Frank Sinatra, Sheryl Crow, Artie Shaw, & Sammy Davis Jr. They explore the merits of each - which are many - while Ernie explains what he'd like to hear in just one. Then enjoy a tropical Bonus Tune by Bing Crosby. (S1 Ep1)