"John Bunch… Read Full Bio ↴From wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bunch
"John Bunch (December 1, 1921 – March 30, 2010) was an American jazz pianist."
John Bunch had a long and distinguished career even if his abilities as an accompanist and supportive player sometimes led to him being taken for granted. He started on piano when he was 11 and within a year was playing in local clubs. Bunch, a flexible pianist who was most inspired by Teddy Wilson, generally played locally until working with the big bands of Woody Herman (1956-1957), Benny Goodman, and Maynard Ferguson (1958) when he was already in his mid-thirties. Bunch worked in the small groups of Buddy Rich, Al Cohn/Zoot Sims, and Gene Krupa (1961-1964), was a member of Rich's 1966 big band, and accompanied Tony Bennett during 1966-1972. Off and on with Goodman during the '60s and '70s, Bunch also recorded five albums as a leader during 1975-1977 for Famous Door, Chiaroscuro (an exquisite solo piano set of Kurt Weill compositions later reissued on CD), and Progressive.
From the 1980s into the 2000s, John Bunch was often employed by young mainstream stars such as Scott Hamilton and Warren Vache and recorded for Concord, Chiaroscuro, and Arbors. His well-received recordings during the 2000s included A Special Alliance (2002, Arbors); An English Songbook (2003, Chiaroscuro); Tony's Tunes (2003, Chiaroscuro); At the Nola Playhouse: Salutes Jimmy Van Heusen (2006, Arbors); and Plays the Music of Irving Berlin (Except One) (2008, Arbors). With Bucky Pizzarelli and Jay Leonhart, Bunch also co-led New York Swing (a group also sometimes known as the John Bunch Trio), the band with which he played his last gig on March 11, 2010. Bunch appeared in many solo concerts during his life, including Carnegie Hall and most of the world's capitals, and made many television appearances in the U.S. and abroad. He conducted the bands of Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Count Basie, and Buddy Rich, along with the London Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Cleveland Orchestra. His original compositions have been recorded by Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Joe Morello, and Warren Vache, Jr. John Bunch died of melanoma in Manhattan on March 30, 2010, at the age of 88.
Emily
John Bunch Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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” is a beautiful tribute to a girl named Emily. The lyrics describe her with language and imagery that suggests innocence, playfulness, and joy. “Emily, Emily, Emily” is not only a repetition of her name but it highlights the musicality of the name and creates an atmosphere of enchantment. “Has the murmuring sound of may” is a simile that compares Emily’s voice to the soft murmur of the month of May. The next line “All silver bells, coral shells, carousels” uses alliteration and assonance to create a sound that elicits a sense of magic and wonder. The reference to “laughter of children at play” establishes Emily as someone who brings joy to others.
The refrain in the song “Emily, Emily, Emily” repeated throughout the song creates a sense of longing, suggesting that the singer desired Emily. The imagery of “two lovers alone and out of sight, seeing images in the firelight” evokes a romantic and intimate mood, represented by the light of the fire. The line “As my eyes visualize a family, they see Emily, Emily” is the most profound moment in the song, because it hints at a deeper meaning behind the song. The idea that Emily represents not only love and romance but also a vision of a future family suggests that the song's protagonist sees the possibility of a life with Emily. This song is not just about Emily but also about the dreams, desires, and hopes of the person singing.
Line by Line Meaning
Emily, Emily, Emily
The beauty of Emily's name is repeated three times, perhaps emphasizing the significant impact she has had on the writer.
Has the murmuring sound of may
Emily's name and essence is likened to the soft, gentle sound of springtime.
All silver bells, coral shells, carousels
Emily's essence also includes elements of whimsy and fantasy associated with silver bells, coral shells, and carousels.
And the laughter of children at play
Additionally, Emily brings joy and laughter akin to the sound of children at play.
Say Emily, Emily, Emily
The writer implores for Emily's name to be spoken once more, perhaps yearning for her presence or reminiscing on fond memories.
And we fade to a marvelous view
At the sound of Emily's name, the writer's mind travels to a beautiful or wondrous place.
Two lovers alone and out of sight
The writer envisions two lovers basking in each other's company, undisturbed by the outside world.
Seeing images in the firelight
These lovers are spending time together by a warm fire, creating a cozy and intimate setting.
As my eyes visualize a family
The writer's mind sees the image of a family, possibly his own or one he hopes to have in the future.
They see Emily, Emily
Emily is a central figure in this idyllic scene, further cementing her importance to the writer or to the idea of a happy family life.
Too
A short and somewhat ambiguous ending, this could signify agreement with the importance of Emily, or a simple affirmation of the thoughts and emotions expressed throughout the song.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ricky Ross, Scott Fraser, Pete Webb
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind