This cool, relaxed chart has been transcribed from Julie London's 1960 album "Around Midnight" (Liberty LST 7164) with the Dick Reynolds Orchestra. Many singers (such as Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Linda Ronstadt to name but a few) have recorded this lovely Gershwin melody, and nearly all of these versions are taken at a very slow tempo, with orchestrations that rely heavily on sweet, somewhat syrupy string backings. This Julie London chart breaks with that tradition, as it is written as a laid back swing chart scored for a regular 5444 big band line-up. The band backings behind the vocalist are sparse, allowing the singer some freedom of expression. The middle 16 measure band shout gives the arrangement punch and bite, making a great dynamic contrast to the sultry vocal passages. This chart works equally well in a concert or gig setting. There are no sax doubles and the vocal key is F.
