Hodges was apparently aware of this effect, leaving the Ellington orchestra in the 1950's, to be replaced by the stellar alto man, Willie Smith, formerly the lead alto star of the Jimmy Lunceford Orchestra. This situation somehow benefitted neither Ellington or Hodges, with the Ellington orchestra losing a certain luster despite Mr. Smith's excellence, and with major stardom just beyond Mr. Hodges' reach.
Luckily for the listener the recordings Mr. Hodges left behind as a leader, while arguably eluding stardom for the artist at the time, are nonpareil examples of relaxed swing, subtle inflection and perfect phrasing, peerless tone and seemingly effortless technique. More luck for the listener, Mr. Hodges later rejoined the Ellington fold, returning a signature sound to the orchestra's unique palette for many years after.
It has been reported that the Ellington orchestra worked nearly 365 days a year. When asked about this grueling schedule Mr. Ellington said something to the effect that he would settle for nothing less than the finest artists for his orchestra. What with the necessarily high salaries accorded an orchestra of virtuosos, the band had to work often in order to survive. Certainly no one in the Ellington orchestra more exemplified Mr. Ellington's highest standards than Johhny Hodges.
A Sailboat In the Moonlight
Johnny Hodges Lyrics
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Wouldn't that be heaven, a heaven just for two?
A soft breeze on a June night and you
What a perfect setting for letting dreams come true
A chance to sail away
To Sweetheart Bay beneath the stars that shine
Your tender lips to mine
Some things, dear, that I long are few
Just give me a sailboat in the moonlight and you
A chance to sail away
To Sweetheart Bay beneath the stars that shine
A chance to drift, for you to lift
Your tender lips to mine
Some things, dear, that I long for are few
Just give me a sailboat in the moonlight and you
The song A Sailboat In the Moonlight by Johnny Hodges and Buddy Clark is a romantic ballad that describes a perfect setting for a couple who want to be alone and create memories together. The lyrics evoke an idyllic scene of a sailboat on a moonlit night with a soft breeze blowing, where the couple can dream and be in each other's arms.
The song expresses the desire of the singer to be with his loved one in a place where they can forget the world and be surrounded only by the beauty of nature. The phrase "A chance to sail away" suggests the need to escape reality and spend time with someone special. The lyrics also imply a sense of longing and a yearning for simplicity - the singer wants nothing more than to be with his partner in a peaceful and quiet place. The chorus conveys the sentiment that it doesn't take much to make him happy, just a sailboat in the moonlight and his significant other.
Overall, the song A Sailboat In the Moonlight is a beautiful ode to love and the desire to create meaningful moments with one's partner. The romantic setting and the gentle melody create an ideal atmosphere for couples to slow dance and express their love for each other.
Line by Line Meaning
A sailboat in the moonlight and you
Picture a serene image of a sailboat gliding through the tranquil night, accompanied by no one but you.
Wouldn't that be heaven, a heaven just for two?
Imagine a utopian world whose vastness is only filled with the sailboat, the moonlight, and you sharing your love with your partner.
A soft breeze on a June night and you
In the balmy month of June, let the light air ruffle gently on you, allowing yourself to feel the love that only you know.
What a perfect setting for letting dreams come true
Let these surroundings be like a dream, where you and your partner can create the perfect memories with no interruptions.
A chance to sail away
The opportunity to escape the reality of this world by leaving the busy city behind and experiencing the beauty of nature in its purest form.
To Sweetheart Bay beneath the stars that shine
Take the sailboat to Sweetheart Bay, its beauty magnified by the effulgence of the stars.
A chance to drift, for you to lift
Drift away with your beloved, allowing your heart to be lifted like the ripples in the water.
Your tender lips to mine
As the spell takes over, you will find an undeniable longing for the fulfillment of the heart's deepest desires.
Some things, dear, that I long for are few
With just the simple things such as nature's serenity to indulge in, all one needs is the love of their life to be happy.
Just give me a sailboat in the moonlight and you
All I desire in this world is the sailboat, the moonlight, and the person beside me whose love will never fade.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CARMEN LOMBARDO, JOHN JACOB LOEB
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jourwalis
Unfortunately I can´t hear a piano play here....