"My Ideal"

Written by Newell Chase and Richard A. Whiting in 1930 for a movie called Playboy of Paris, first performed by Maurice Chevalier. Probably most famously sung by Chet Baker. Tunes from this era tend to have long, lyrical intros that have a more conversational style, and often the best lyrics.

Here’s an example of the importance of good lyrics. I give off the impression that it doesn’t always matter so much, but of course it does. Instrumental soloists will pick the standards with the best chord changes and have little use for lyrics, which makes sense. But when you have to stand in front of an audience and sing a sketchy lyric, I tell you it’s rough. I was all set to do “Body and Soul,” but I got nothing from the lyrics, so I dropped it.

Tunes like “My Ideal” pose a challenge as a singer, whether to sing from the chest or the head. Every time I tried pushing from the gut, it sounded gaudy and garish. Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald own it, but in lesser hands, the scoops and slides are what turn some folks off and frankly can sound kinda smarmy.

So this one resonates in the sinus cavities, making it oh so delicate. If you haven’t already, check out the Chet Baker Sings album I highly recommend for folks who don’t always love jazz.

There’s only a handful of singers, Louis Armstrong and Chet Baker, that play a linear instrument and also sing. Hearing the voice flow into the instrument is a cool thing and something I leaned into on Sunday Morning Put-On.

In celebration of Sunday Morning Put-On’s first birthday, this Friday (5/23) we’re airing the Live from the Green Mill concert film in full on Substack. Subscribe to Ahem! to watch the one-night-only performance from the legendary jazz club where it all started.

P.S. The first installment of Office Hours will take place next Friday 5/30, where I’ll be sitting down at my desk to answer some of your thoughtful comments + questions on my Ahem! transmissions. I’ve been seeing your comments roll in and I’ll be logging some office hours once a month to clear out my inbox and reply to your questions + comments. Thanks for reading + listening.