Lena Horne & Johnny Mathis ~ Day Follows Day ~

"I've tried to sum her up and I can't sum her up. To sum something up means it's over — and I think that she's not over and that she's quite infinite." (Jenny Lumet, granddaughter of Lena Horne) . Lena Horne made an indelible mark in so many areas as you've no doubt read over the past week: music, film, longest running one-woman show on Broadway, Civil Rights activist- and much more- and on Johnny Mathis. His admiration of her work is expressed by songs and styles chosen at times marking her influence on his development as an artist. This song appears to be (I will be happily corrected if wrong), their only performance together. It came in 1994, when Lena, at age 76, made, as described in the liner notes, "A defiantly ambitious work by a major artist at her mature peak.". The CD, "We'll Be Together Again" is "an intricate exploration of the themes of love, parting and memory in the form of intimate messages to musicians and others Horne has lost- including Ellington, her late husband Lennie Hayton and most of all, her closest friend and 'soulmate', Billy Strayhorn."

"Day Follows Day" is described as a "Latin-tinged appreciation of precious time ... a rare Lena Horne duet with longtime admirer Johnny Mathis." A very jazzy, fast moving number, you'll want to listen to it several times to fully appreciate the layers. The rhythm and energy of this song, as 'out there' as it is (or as Lena said of another track on the CD, "In your face"), also sneaks up on you and gets under your skin. Later, you'll be singing or moving to the infectious rhythm without realizing it. Such a dynamic fusion of these two - so unique in their styles and essence - both loved for the genuine passion they bring - making us feel each song from the 'inside' . Because this stands alone as their only collaboration this is a treasure whose value goes well beyond the song itself.

This is the only vocal duet on this captivating 16 track CD, her first release in a decade. You'll have to purchase the CD though as at this moment there is no MP3. (Amazon: Wake up and add the "Listen to Samples" feature!). I had no idea what I was in for when this arrived beyond the expectation of hearing such a wonderful pairing. I'm glad now that I had no choice other than to purchase it. You will want to own this. And of Ms.Horne's mutual admiration of Johnny - her very last line on the CD is: "A very special thank you to longtime friend Johnny Mathis". Enjoy, enjoy , enjoy.

NOTE: PBS to re-air Lena Horne special - " In honor of the legendary Lena Horne, PBS will re-air the 1996 American Masters special Lena Horne: In Her Own Voice from May 14 through May 23, 2010. (Check local listings.).**

5/17 : ** Just watched the above PBS show,. If you've not seen this- please watch for it. How I wish I had seen her one woman show. You'll experience her evolution through the years culminating with the 'stormiest', most evocative version of "Stormy Weather" you can imagine--"it took me 40 years to be able to sing this." Enjoy.

*** If anyone is still reading here.... You can watch the Lena Horne special on your computer! Just found this tonite- which is great for people who do not have access to public TV in the states. I would think the video will remain up for the rest of the week- maybe longer.

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/episodes/lena-horne/watch-an-in-memoriam-screening-of-lena-horne-in-my-own-voice/1595/

Enjoy.

Видео Lena Horne & Johnny Mathis ~ Day Follows Day ~ канала lenoremewton