Bailey and Berlin take on Satan . . .
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Track:When That Man is Dead and Gone
Every veterans day, I listen to big band music. It never fails. So, I'll contribute to MOG by sharing "When that Man is Dead and Gone," done so beautifully by Mildred Bailey. How I love her. The first female vocalist to have a regular job with a dance band, her career was fostered by the likes of Bing Crosby, Paul Whiteman, Eddie Lang, Frankie Trumbauer, and Benny Goodman.What a sweet voice she had, and what a great juxtaposition it is against Irving Berlin's wry lyrics. Her smooth voice quips, "Satan, Satan, thought up a plan, dressed as a man, walkin' the Earth and since he began, the world is Hell for you and me, but what a Heaven it will be . . . when that man is dead and gone. . ."For you music theory heads, I'll just point out something so subtle and clever. This song is in a minor key, which, coupled with the swing-style upbeat tempo, makes it sound just a tad sneaky and menacing when the melody outlines a simple arpeggiation of the first chord. At 1:09, the chorus kicks in with the lyrics "we've got a date, to celebrate" and accompanying those lyrics is the relative major key. It sounds bright and optimistic, and even if you don't know music theory, on a subconscious level it's hard to miss that happy, but fleeting moment. Then, the very next line "the day we catch up with that one man spreadin' hate," we start to head back to a minor key, just to remind us that we are not really celebrating yet and that all is NOT well, (or perhaps that our mission is indeed NOT accomplished!) That harmonic twist, along with her great voice, the chorus and this agile clarinetist whose style just never ceases to make me grin is what makes this one of my favorite WWII era songs. The instrumentalists are unknown, but the vocalists are The Delta Rhythm Boys.Now, here's the best part. If you aren't aware of this, Irving Berlin is the very same man who wrote "God Bless America" and even better, this song was recorded in March 1941. America was not yet at war with Germany, but I sure do like that Berlin and Bailey and company weren't keeping their feelings a secret. I won't spoil the rest of the lyrics for you, but by now, I'm sure you've guessed our subject.I listened to this song every hour on the hour for 3 weeks after our current president was elected. I just needed some comfort. Oh, and 'I am', I chose this one for both your veteran status and your clarinet sensibilities. Enjoy and glad you are home safe.with affection and gratitude . . .
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