ITT: Versions of "These Foolish Things"

Let's start with Artie Shaw's spectacular performance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qUkft4tFks

and end with Bryan Ferry's.

I like contrasting these two:

http://youtu.be/qO0Bn_H4C3M

http://youtu.be/LSg7MV8ZVvg

Shaw's playing on that always knocks me out - his phrasing and subtle shading of notes, the sense of total control and effortless swing at the same time, the precision and elegance.

(See, AG, I get jazz!)

I usually like Ella but in this case, her version doesn't really do as much for me as some others. She does really bring out the words in a nice way though:
http://youtu.be/FV4jHYbma9E

I don't know this guy (Michael Bublé's sideman, apparently!), but this is kind of nice:

http://youtu.be/Mhh6qxAu4gs

I usually like Ella but in this case, her version doesn't really do as much for me as some others. She does really bring out the words in a nice way though:
http://youtu.be/FV4jHYbma9E

― EveningStar (Sund4r), Wednesday, August 21, 2013

I believe you linked to the performance also on Live in Rome--love this version. You nailed it re: words, she is singing as if she is speaking which is wonderful

I really liked this one (w/ Oscar Peterson), actually:
http://youtu.be/4yDy0thgk78

I didn't know Mina before but her version is actually pretty nice.

http://youtu.be/KZYfkBltAoo

I'm listening to Ferry's. I'm not really sure what to do with this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6w5PekfV4dY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Uv1iIQEiqk

You would think Ferry would excel at standards but I don't think he's so good at them. His Dylan and Motown covers are the best...he should never do the Stones--whew they're bad.

or "Stax" and Motown

great song. I just listened to some Etta James, so I'll pick her version.

Ferry's version is exceedingly arch, but I do love it; probably THE gateway song for me to appreciating "Great American Songbook"-esque stuff (even though the writers were English.)

Ferry's version is unimpeachable.