I have a real treat for you today. Singer, Pianist, Composer and Bandleader, John Ambrosini has recently released an inspiring new CD, "Songs For You". I usually feature songs from the Great AmericanSongbook on my blog but the popular songs that Ambrosini has included in the playlist for his new CD are going to enter the Great American Songbook as they meet the test of time. John has a warm and wonderful earthy voice and style. John plays piano as he sings and that produces a great melodic vibe that quickly puts the listener at easy. This album is a tribute to some of the greatest songwriters of today who have inspired him. The composers included on this CD are like the "Who's, Who" of greatest composers of the last 30 years. Here is a list of these world class modern day Composers: Rickie Lee Jones, Colin Greenwood, Johny Greenwood, Ed O'Brien, Philip Selway, Thom Yorke, Greg Allman, Kim Payne, Elton John, Bernie Taupin, Donald Fagen, Walter Becker, James Taylor, Jackson Brown, Billy Joel, Stephen Sills, John Lennon and Paul McCartney. John Ambrosini is not just doing covers of these classic newer songs. His style and Arrangements are uniquely his. Ambrosini has added two of his own original compositions that fit perfectly with this classic composer playlist. John has a busy career in NYC performing, Arranging, and Composing Music. He is a brilliant musician and composer who will be at the top of his game for years to come. Ambrosini wanted to pay homage to famous popular songs that inspired him, and you will be inspired after you listen to his CD, "Songs For You".
The support cast of musicians who are featured on this CD are also terrific and make "Songs For You" one of the best new releases this year!
PLAYERS:
John Ambrosini- Piano, Keyboard, Arrangements, Lead Vocals
Recently I googled the title of this post and I was somewhat surprised that I could not find any posting of a top 20 love ballads list that includes any of the spectacular songs from the "Great American Songbook". How can this be? In fact, on most of the list of ballads that I found, I was not familiar with many of the songs. How sad that today's generation is only into "Pop" ballads and might never have the pleasure of listening to great love ballads that have survived more than a 100 years. This is not to say that there have not been some great love ballads written more recently because there has been many. There have also been some interesting recordings of classic "Great American Songbook" songs sung by young artists.
So I dedicate this list to both young and old who love great ballads sung by great singers. It's a mix of new and old songs that should be on everyone's ballad playlist in no particular rank.
1. "Wild Horses" The Rolling Stones 2. "Just The Way You Are" Billy Joel 3. "Body & Soul" Frank Sinatra 4. "Your Song" Elton John 5. "Unforgettable" Nat King Cole 6. "When a Man Loves a Women" Percy Sledge 7. "A Song For You" Leon Russell 8. "You Are So Beautiful" Joe Cocker 9. "You've Changed" Eva Cassidy 10. "Something" Tanya Tucker 11. "The Shadow Of Your Smile" Tony Bennett 12. "Everything I Do, I Do It For You" Bryan Adams 13. "The Very Thought Of You" Tony Bennett & Paul McCartney 14. "I Will Always Love You" Whitney Houston 15. "What's New" Nancy Wilson 16. "At Last" Etta James 17. "Here's That Rainy Day" Peggy Lee 18. "Smile" Stephen Tyler & Chris Botti 19. "Evergreen" Barbra Streisand 20. "The Nearness of You" Norah Jones
One of my long time followers of the Music Man Blog, Zelda, recently suggested that the great Beatles' tune "Michelle" should be on the "Greatest Love Songs of All Times" list. As I was thinking about this suggestion, Zelda offered another suggestion that maybe we should have a new list developed for great songs written after 1960. Excellent suggestion especially since Valentine's Day is just a few days away. Here is a knockout playlist to share with that special person on Valentine's Day.
1. "Michelle" 1965 by John Lennon & Paul McCartney
2. "Your Song" 1970 by Elton John & Bernie Taupin
3. "The Summer Knows" 1971 by Michel Legrand
4. "The Shadow Of Your Smile" 1965 by Johnny Mandel & Paul Webster
5. "Something" 1969 by George Harrison
6. "Evergreen" 1976 by Barbara Streisand & Paul Williams
7. "How Do You Keep The Music Playing" 1982 by Michel Legrand
8. "Yesterday" 1965 by Paul; McCartney
9. "Just The Way You Are" 1977 by Billy Joel
10. "Send In The Clowns" 1973 by Stephen Sondheim
11. "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life" 1969 by Michel Legrand
12. "God Only Knows" 1966 by Brian Wilson
13. "My Girl" 1964 by Smokey Robinson & Ronald White
14."I'll Be There" 1970 by Berry Gordy, Bob West, Hal Davis & Willie Hutch
15."Wonderful Tonight" 1977 by Eric Clapton
16. "Save The Last Dance For Me" 1960 Doc Pomus & Mort Shuman
17. "You Are the Sunshine Of My Life" 1973 by Stevie Wonder
18. "Have I Told You Lately" 1969 by Van Morrison
19. "Three Times A Lady" 1978 by Lionel Richie
20. "You Are So Beautiful" 1974 by Billy Preston & Bruce Fisher
I am sure you have lots of your own personal favorite love songs that are not on the list. Let me know if you have any love songs that should be on this list! Happy Valentine's Day to all!
