He counts Johnny Smith, Hank Garland, Joe Pass, Tal Farlow, Wes Montgomery, Howard Roberts, Jim Hall, and Pat Martino amongst his influences
(2) One of the finest jazz guitarists in Philadelphia, Jimmy Bruno is a passionate hard bopper who loves to swing aggressively but can be a very sensitive ballad player when he puts his mind to it. The Italian-American was raised in South Philly, where he fell in love with jazz as a kid and took up the guitar at the age of seven. Growing up, he was influenced by such bop guitar greats as Joe Pass, Kenny Burrell, Barney Kessel and Jimmy Raney but also admired the pre-bop work of Eddie Lang, Charlie Christian and Django Reinhart. At 19, Bruno hit the road as a sideman for The Buddy Rich Big Band before ended up spending much of his youth living in the West--where he did a lot of non-jazz gigs in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Although those live and studio pursuits paid the bills for Bruno, he never gave up hard bop and hoped to eventually be a full-time jazz musician. Returning to Philly in 1988, a 35-year-old Bruno was determined to do exactly that even it meant being poor for awhile. An article in the Philadelphia Weekly quoted Bruno as saying that he went from earning several thousand dollars a week in the West to working for minimum wage at "a real dive" in Philly's Fairmount section--but that he was happy and fulfilled because he was playing live jazz five nights a week. Eventually, Bruno was able to give up part-time bartending and concentrate on nothing but playing and teaching jazz. In the early 1990s, he came to the attention of the late Concord Jazz founder/president Carl Jefferson, who was impressed with his playing and signed him to the label. Bruno's first album as a leader, Sleight of Hand, was recorded in 1991, followed by other bop-oriented Concord dates like Burnin' in 1994 and Like That (which featured organist Joey DeFrancesco) in 1995. The late 1990s found Bruno continuing to record for Concord while playing and teaching extensively around Philly. His first Live at Birdland recording appeared in 1997; its sequel, a collaboration with tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton, followed two years later. Bruno next resurfaced in the spring of 2000 with Polarity. ~ Alex Henderson
Emily
Jimmy Bruno Lyrics
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Has the murmuring sound of may
All silver bells, coral shells, carousels
And the laughter of children at play
Say Emily, Emily, Emily
And we fade to a marvelous view
Two lovers alone and out of sight
As my eyes visualize a family
They see Emily, Emily
(and we fade to a marvelous view)
Two lovers alone and out of sight
Seeing images in the firelight
As my eyes visualize a family
They see Emily, Emily
Too
The song "Emily" by Jimmy Bruno & Joe Beck is a beautiful and romantic song with nostalgic undertones. The song revolves around the character of Emily, who is portrayed as having a beautiful and captivating presence. The song starts with the repetition of her name - Emily, Emily, Emily- and the description of her voice being a murmuring sound of May, which is a reference to spring, and the season of new beginnings.
The lyrics go on to describe Emily's charm as being akin to silver bells, coral shells, and carousels, which evoke the image of joy, playfulness, and a carefree spirit. The song also mentions the laughter of children at play, which further emphasizes Emily's connection to youth and happiness.
As the song progresses, it shifts into a more personal narrative, as the singer reflects on the memories he shares with Emily. He speaks of two lovers who are alone and out of sight, seeing images in the firelight, and visualizing a family. The song concludes with a repetition of Emily's name and the acknowledgment that she is too perfect for words.
Overall, the song "Emily" is a romantic and wistful tribute to a captivating woman who embodies the essence of youth and joy.
Line by Line Meaning
Emily, Emily, Emily
The name Emily is repeated three times to emphasize and evoke a sense of nostalgia for a particular person or memory.
Has the murmuring sound of may
Emily brings a sense of spring and new beginnings, similar to the fresh start of the month of May.
All silver bells, coral shells, carousels
The imagery of silver bells, coral shells, and carousels alludes to the whimsical and romantic nature of Emily, evoking a sense of fantasy and beauty.
And the laughter of children at play
The sound of children laughing emphasizes the joy and carefree nature associated with Emily, reminding the artist of childhood innocence.
Say Emily, Emily, Emily
Repeating the name Emily reminds the artist of their memories and connection to this person, bringing them back to a specific moment in time.
And we fade to a marvelous view
By simply uttering her name, the singer is transported to a beautiful and enchanting memory or fantasy.
Two lovers alone and out of sight
Imagery of two lovers alone suggests a romantic setting and a moment of intimacy, indicating that Emily has a strong association with love and passion.
Seeing images in the firelight
The firelight creates imagery and a dream-like atmosphere, emphasizing the ethereal and mystical nature of Emily's presence.
As my eyes visualize a family
The artist envisions a family as they think of Emily, suggesting that she represents familial love and unity.
They see Emily, Emily
The idea of multiple people visualizing Emily emphasizes the personal and meaningful connection that others share with her as well, suggesting she is a universally loved and admired person.
Too
This last line is left open to interpretation, but may suggest the continuation of a thought or emotion evoked by Emily, emphasizing her lasting impact on the singer and those around him.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RICKY ROSS, SCOTT FRASER, PETE WEBB
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind