January's song of the month is super fun to play. I call it fairly regularly, as do most of the players I play with. But the changes are so hip, I never mind that it seems to get called on lots of gigs. It was composed in 1924 by Isham Jones with the lyrics written by Gus Kahn.
Notably, a film by the same name was released in 1951 (a biography of Gus Kahn) with Doris Day singing the title song. That seems to have sealed it into popular culture, along with the many great versions that prominent artists have recorded through the years. Look for those by Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald & Chet Atkins if you're interested. My favorite Django version is from Paris, 6/30/39. I'll post a link to it separately, as well as a real treat for the forum--our own Buco's stunning version of it, played in Django's two-finger style. If you haven't seen it, be prepared to be blown away!
My band does it in F, starting on the IV chord. Below is the chart we use:
Comments
https://youtu.be/ahiyR442aLs
Our friend Buco--
https://youtu.be/HR_N6cPoF7Q
Ha! Thanks for the shout-out Mike.
Here's my transcription of the Django solo, synced with Django's recording plus four others: https://www.soundslice.com/slices/c38Nc/
I've a couple of small recommendations on that chart ..
Very hip, thanks Wim.
This was an early song I learned in my journey. Perhaps it was hearing Emmet Ray play it so well? 🤣 If definitely speaks "Django" to me. Thanks @adrian for your transcription and to @Wim Glenn for your suggestions. I think I've got a new January goal...
I love the Sweet and Lowdown version of I'll See you in my Dreams. Howard Alden played a phenomenal solo here. I may not have the driving attack associated with GJ but does it ever sing.
If Howard Alden's tone leaves a bad taste in your mouth, follow it up with this.. 🤣
A little late with this post, but I just happened upon it. It made my brain hurt.
Is it harder to play Django's solo with two fingers or with the strings strung the opposite way?