"This work is dedicated to all the composers, lyricists, musicians, and singers who first brightened our lives with these songs and gave me firmament to sing from."
John-Luke
| Click on the gold song titles below to hear RealAudio excerpts. | ||
| Please be patient as some excerpts are large downloads. | ||
|
RealAudio plug-in is required. |
Mood New York...the Lure...the Spell is a superb selection of popular American standard songs from John-Luke's performances across the USA. These songs capture the heart and soul of New York City... the world's focal point for entertainment, commerce, fashion and so much more. For decades, so many songs have painted the picture of life in New York City. Just about every music lover on the planet, at one time or another, has wondered what it must have been like for those who "...shopped on 34th St. or down in Union Square," in the New York City of the 1920's. And what dreamer has not fantasized about New York City and making a dream come true when he hears "if you can make it there, you'll make it anywhere?" People will carry these impressions of New York City far into the new Millennium.
Rare is the presentation of songs that goes beyond all that is wonderful about New York City, and plunges deeply into the feelings and moods that make up the rich fabric of that special place.
1. Night and DayYou will feel the elegance and red velvet flocking on posh night club walls when John-Luke introduces you to New York City in the 1930's and then sings Cole Porter's Night and Day. words and music by Cole Porter;Warner Brothers,1933(renewed) |
2. Here's That Rainy DayAnd Here's that Rainy Day has never been sweeter than when John-Luke sings it after telling a story of an unforgettable moment of quiet and soft rain on Broadway. words by Johnny Burke, music by Jimmy Van Huesen; Music Sales Corp. and Bourne Co. |
3. Forty-Second StreetIt will surprise you to hear why the delightful song Forty-Second Street has, perhaps, even more relevance today than it did in the 1930's when it first appeared on Broadway. words by Al Dubin, music by Harry Warren; Warner Brothers,1932(renewed) |
4. I'm A Fool To Want YouNo one could surpass John-Luke at taking us by the hand through some of those grey, darker feelings that we have all had and that New York City gives us free reign to express. Listen closely to the passion as he sings I'm a Fool to Want You. words and music by Wolf and Sinatra; Warner Brothers |
5. New York State of MindAlmost everyone, at some time in their life will tell you that they want to come to - or return to - New York City. John-Luke sings a soulful version of New York State of Mind, moved by the rock-gospel keyboard work of Sue Maskaleris, that surely will make every out-of- towner itchy to get on the next flight. words and music by Billy Joel (copyright 1975) |
6. Golden EarringsThis beautiful hit song of 1947, Golden Earrings, has only occasionally surfaced since then and has yet to regain the status of a big hit song. John-Luke's intriguing rendering of this haunting ballad, and the beseeching gypsy violin of Sue Maskaleris, may just bring this song to the top again. words by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston,music by Victor Young; Paramount Music Corp. 1946(renewed 1973) |
7. I'll Be Seeing YouIf you've been around for a while, and you have loved, and you have lost... John-Luke's tender version of I'll Be Seeing You will caress those long-buried vulnerabilities of yours and you will probably cry. words by Irving Kahal, music by Sammy Fain; Fred Ahlert Music Corp. & Kahal Music Co.1938(renewed 1966) |
8. SwaneeAlways the trouper, the consummate performer, the uplifting entertainer, John-Luke concludes this collection of audience favorites from his live performances with a rousing rendition of Swanee that wipes away tears and sends everyone's spirits sailing. You will enjoy this one over and over again. words by Irving Caesar, music by George Gershwin 1919 |
Arrangements and all keyboard, violin, and bass by Sue Maskaleris www.SueMaskaleris.com
Recording, Mixing, and Mastering: PoltergeiStudios, NYC www.SueMaskaleris.com
Technical Advisor & Web design: Louis Lopardi, LARKIN Technology. see: Larkin Technology
| Appearances | Biographical | Top |