He was born in Inglewood, California. Sims' family was involved in vaudeville, and, for his part, John learned to play both drums and clarinet at an early age. Zoot's father was a vaudeville hoofer, and Zoot prided himself on remembering many of the steps his father taught him.
Following in the footsteps of Lester Young, Sims developed into an innovative tenor saxophonist. Throughout his career, he played with renowned bands, including Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, and Buddy Rich. He was known among his peers as one of the strongest swingers in the field. Sims frequently led his own combos and sometimes toured with his friend Gerry Mulligan with Gerry's sextet, and later with his Concert Jazz Band. Zoot had a long, successful partnership as co-leader of a quintet with Al Cohn, which recorded under "Al and Zoot". That group was a favorite at the New York club "The Half Note." Late in his career, Sims added the soprano saxophone to his performances. Sims' nickname — Zoot — was acquired early in his career while he was on the Kenny Baker band in California. The name was later appropriated for a sax-playing Muppet.
Zoot Sims died in New York on March 23, 1985.
(2) Throughout his career, Zoot Sims was famous for epitomizing the swinging musician, never playing an inappropriate phrase. He always sounded inspired, and although his style did not change much after the early 1950s, Zoot's enthusiasm and creativity never wavered.
Zoot's family was involved in vaudeville, and he played drums and clarinet as a youth. His older brother, Ray Sims, developed into a fine trombonist who sounded like Bill Harris. At age 13, Sims switched permanently to the tenor, and his initial inspiration was Lester Young, although he soon developed his own cool-toned sound. Sims was a professional by the age of 15, landing his first important job with Bobby Sherwood's Orchestra, and he joined Benny Goodman's big band for the first time in 1943; he would be one of BG's favorite tenormen for the next 30 years. He recorded with Joe Bushkin in 1944, and even at that early stage, his style was largely set.
After a period in the Army, Sims was with Goodman from 1946-1947. He gained his initial fame as one of Woody Herman's "Four Brothers" during his time with the Second Herd (1947-1949). Zoot had brief stints with Buddy Rich's short-lived big band, Artie Shaw, Goodman (1950), Chubby Jackson, and Elliot Lawrence. He toured and recorded with Stan Kenton (1953) and Gerry Mulligan (1954-1956). Sims was also a star soloist with Mulligan's Concert Jazz Band of the early '60s and visited the Soviet Union with Benny Goodman in 1962. A freelancer throughout most of his career, Sims often led his own combos or co-led bands with his friend Al Cohn; the two tenors had very similar sounds and styles. Zoot started doubling on soprano quite effectively in the '70s. Through the years, he appeared in countless situations, and always seemed to come out ahead. Fortunately, Zoot Sims recorded frequently, leading sessions for Prestige, Metronome, Vogue, Dawn, Storyville, Argo, ABC-Paramount, Riverside, United Artists, Pacific Jazz, Bethlehem, Colpix, Impulse, Groove Merchant, Famous Door, Choice, Sonet, and a wonderful series for Pablo. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi
I Can't Get Started With You
Zoot Sims Lyrics
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And when you smiled at me,
In my heart I felt a thrill you see,
That it was love at sight and
I was right to love you as I do.
Still I never dreamed that you could love me too.
Your eyes of blue, your kisses too,
I can't believe that you're in love with me.
You're telling ev'ry one I know
I'm on your mind each place we go
They can't believe that you're in love with me.
I have always placed you far above me.
I just can't imagine that you love me.
And after all is said and done,
To think that I'm the lucky one.
I can't believe that you're in love with me.
Skies are gray. I'm blue each day
When you are not around.
Ev'ry thing goes wrong, my dear I've found
But when you're by my side I fill with pride
For I'm so proud of you
It all seems too good to me to all be true
Your eyes of blue, your kisses too,
I never knew what they could do.
I can't believe that you're in love with me.
You're telling ev'ry one I know
I'm on your mind each place we go
They can't believe that you're in love with me.
I have always placed you far above me.
I just can't imagine that you love me.
And after all is said and done,
To think that I'm the lucky one.
I can't believe that you're in love with me.
The song "I Can't Get Started With You" by Zoot Sims is a romantic ballad expressing the singer's disbelief and astonishment at finding love. The lyrics describe the moment when the singer first laid eyes on the person they are now in love with. The encounter was significant and filled the singer's heart with excitement and a sense of certainty about their love. However, the singer never believed that the object of their affection could feel the same way – to be loved in return was beyond their imagination.
The lyrics further emphasize the singer's astonishment by highlighting the qualities of the person they love. The color blue is used to describe the person's eyes and to symbolize their captivating beauty. The singer admits that they were unaware of the power that a simple kiss from this person possessed. The combination of their stunning eyes and tender kisses has left the singer amazed and unable to accept the reality that this person actually loves them.
The chorus expresses the singer's disbelief and surprise. The person they love proclaims their affection to everyone they know, and this news shocks those around them. The singer is amazed that someone so wonderful could be in love with them. The lyrics reveal a sense of unworthiness and inferiority; the singer has always placed the object of their affection on a pedestal, believing that they could never be within their reach. The fact that this person now loves them is beyond their comprehension.
In the final verse, the singer reflects on the positive impact the person has on their life. When they are not around, everything feels dull and gloomy, but the moment they are by the singer's side, they feel a swell of pride. The singer acknowledges that it seems too good to be true, as if they are living in a dream. The lyrics repeat the same themes of disbelief and gratitude, reiterating the singer's amazement at being the lucky recipient of this person's love.
Overall, "I Can't Get Started With You" portrays a love that takes the singer by surprise and leaves them feeling both unworthy and grateful. The lyrics capture the astonishment and joy of unexpectedly finding love and the profound impact it has on one's perception of oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Yesterday you came my way,
I am reflecting on the day when you crossed my path.
And when you smiled at me,
When you smiled, it deeply impacted me emotionally.
In my heart I felt a thrill you see,
A surge of excitement resonated within me.
That it was love at sight and
It became clear that I instantly fell in love with you.
I was right to love you as I do.
My feelings of love for you are justified and true.
Still I never dreamed that you could love me too.
However, I never imagined that you could reciprocate my love.
Your eyes of blue, your kisses too,
The enchanting color of your eyes and the tenderness of your kisses.
I never knew what they could do.
I never comprehended the immense impact they would have on me.
I can't believe that you're in love with me.
It is difficult for me to accept that you have deep affection for me.
You're telling ev'ry one I know
You are sharing this love with everyone in our circle.
I'm on your mind each place we go
I am constantly on your thoughts no matter where we are.
They can't believe that you're in love with me.
Those around us find it hard to believe that you are genuinely in love with me.
I have always placed you far above me.
I have always considered you to be of higher value than myself.
I just can't imagine that you love me.
It is difficult for me to comprehend that you possess love for me.
And after all is said and done,
Despite any circumstances or discussions,
To think that I'm the lucky one.
I am overwhelmed with gratitude and disbelief that I am the fortunate one.
Skies are gray. I'm blue each day
The world appears dull and I feel melancholic every day
When you are not around.
When you are absent from my presence.
Every thing goes wrong, my dear I've found
In your absence, everything seems to go awry, my dear.
But when you're by my side I fill with pride
However, when I have the privilege of your company, I am filled with a sense of pride.
For I'm so proud of you
My admiration for you is immense.
It all seems too good to me to all be true
It feels almost too perfect and unbelievable to be true.
I can't believe that you're in love with me.
I struggle to accept that you have genuine love for me.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Word Collections Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Capitol CMG Publishing, Spirit Music Group, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CLARENCE GASKILL, JIMMY MC HUGH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@geraldnichols2722
At age 84 I have heard almost every jazz or swing trombonist ever born and I have to say this playing by Bob Brookmeyer is absolutely gorgeous and tops!
@nelsonazevedo2675
Zoot is the best
@auroradarienzo
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