I am just about to turn 22 and this genre of music has been my absolute favorite for years. I can't even explain how it makes me feel and how closely I relate to these eras- 20s, 30s, 40s. These songs transcend time.
this is exceptional, and indeed i am the proud holder of a copy of original sheet music for this song, and it took me many years to find it.....long before the days of the internet!!!
Al Bowlly is a wonderful singer with three octave vocal range! I love this song too. I remember watching the BBC drama, The Cazalets with this music as a theme song in the film!
Thank you. Hopefully viewers know better than to think this was from the same time period as the song lol By 1934 we had Barbara Stanwyk, Bette Davis, Cary Grant...
A near-perfect song: it has Al Bowlly's matchless voice, the superlative English dance band orchestra of Ray Noble, and beautiful love song lyrics - the yardstick by which all other love songs are measured.
I agree ioo percent with you on Bill Harty's wonderful drumming on this and many other Noble's. Listen to the way he ends "Midnight The Stars And You" Just a light touch and it hits as hard as a thunder clap.
What a title, what lyrics, what music. The lead into the second stanza "The Mere Idea of You" The great piano playing by the composer , more musical perfection. Forever gone.
Surely this is one of the best songs ever recorded! It has everything that's worthwhile - you know, beautiful music, wonderful lyrics and the amazing voice of Al Bowlly. It can get much better!
I'm just 41 myself, and a self taught musician, and always just loved music like this. This is so musical, so sophisticated and subtle. Sometimes I wish I just could be in that days and hear that music for myself. Thank you for sharing this one.
Oh wow. Gotta love Al Bowlly. (: To everyone saying "I don't care how old you are, bla bla bla", I'm really glad to see posts like that. It shows that other people around my age are into the same things I am.
The beautiful title, the 2 finger piano playing by Ray , the soft brushing beat of the drum, the rythmic sound of the baritone sax and the soothing romantic voice of Al Bowlly 126 years ago , it just doesn't get any better than this.
Completely different genre: Neil Young's "Harvest Moon". Simply magical. (Canadian BTW) This Ray Noble & Al Bowlly classic is, in any case. non-pareil.
As I listen to one great oldie after another and discover they were all composed by one Ray Noble, I realize how much he has contributed to my musical enjoyment. Not only was he a songwriter of unforgettable melodies, he was also a skilled bandleader. A truly amazing talent.
I so love this song. I close my eyes, and I can imagine myself in a London pub during WWII, listening to this with a beautiful young lady. I was born into the wrong generation.
This is such a smooth version of this song and so 1930's with the voice and horns. I am an avid collector of original 78 rpm's. I have never come across this version in 20 years so thanks for posting this!!!
Those wishing to hear more of this sort of thing should search out the soundtrack to the 1978 BBC serial "Pennies from Heaven" - a few second hand CD copies are still available. They are much sought-after, for good reason. Ray Noble is featured quite a bit along with many others.
OMG, knew what I was in for with the opening scene. LOVED your video addition! I was raised by older parents and listened to early 1900's music growing up, when all my friends were Elvis fans. So glad to have lots of memories from that era brought back to life here. Thanks for a great post.
@pethayoo1 Wait until they get older. I listened to crap radio "rock" music when I was in High School, and now I listen to all kinds of music at age 30. It's the love of music that keeps one searching for new experiences. People that never discover music off the beaten path must not like music very much anyways.
One of my favorite songs and it's a toss up for me between Al Bowly and Nat Cole.both beautifully done.. The lyrics.. you'll never know...how slow..the moments go 'till I'm near to you.. Gets me every time..sigh...
@pethayoo1 Its not the music,. its society. It is loud aggressive music that has kept me from lashing out. The aggressive music is a reflection of how the modern generations feel about society
@brothodontist Very insightful thought! Random acts of violence have always existed... Look at the movie "The Changeling" for example... That event happened in the 20's... My dad was born in 1906 and he told me so many stories of violence that occured (just in the L.A. area) it would give you the chills! There has always been disfunction in families and society, however the entertainment industry did not focus on it. It actually tried to transport people into a more innocent world!
Thanks for this, yes, it's one of the best songs ever recorded. I always seem to be able to listen to 30s songs over and over again without tiring of them. I wonder if they were deliberately written like that, as people had fewer records in those days, and would just listen to them again and again?
Thanks, I'll be looking up Abradsma. I've thought the piano and the violin were the sexiest parts of this Ray Noble recording, so it behooves us to check them out. But my garage is such a mess!
@pethayoo1 I'm only 15, and I agree with you. I love this type of music, and though the agressive rock is fun, classical music and music such as this never fails to intrigue me.
Response to FutureMrsJoe Jonas: It's great that you like this kind of music. This song is particularly beautiful. You should hear Doris Day sing it in the movie "Young Man with a Horn." It's a movie from 1950.
criticism about technicals are inappropriate this is a magnificent recording musicians playing and singing notes yoked together by some other artist be glad
This is my #1 favorite song of all time, although the lyrics are a little weak (I see your face in every flower??). I want it played at my funeral. I can look up the sax player, if you want. I have the 1960s Ray Noble LP re-issue which lists the personnel, but it's in my garage somewhere. The 1980s Robert Parker CD does not list the band members. Ain't it great that RUclips has brought together a whole bunch of people who know this material? Sheesh. This song gives me goose bumps.
I am just about to turn 22 and this genre of music has been my absolute favorite for years. I can't even explain how it makes me feel and how closely I relate to these eras- 20s, 30s, 40s. These songs transcend time.
i turned 15, months ago and i listen to this if im down, its just that its calming and relaxing. also happy 36th birthhay man.
i wish they made songs like this now a days
this is exceptional, and indeed i am the proud holder of a copy of original sheet music for this song, and it took me many years to find it.....long before the days of the internet!!!
I love this song it is so romantic and sweet thats why i love the golden age of the British Dance Bands when popular music had style and class.
These love songs from the 30's were very romantic. The music and lyrics were top notch.
Best movie decade, too.
anyone else here because of Tuesdays with Morrie?
+miguel robledo It's me. I didn't know the song until I read that wonderful book.
yeah that book changed my life
miguel robledo I'm reading it right now for a class I'm taking and I can feel myself getting wiser because of this book.
miguel robledo high five!
Real soothing book.
Grew up with this stuff...I'm 25 now...beautiful music for a simpler time.
one of the most beautiful songs ever written , thank you ray noble .
Really it should be Al Bowlly you thank, what a truly great voice.
Beautiful song, beautiful arrangement, beautiful performance!
Al Bowlly is a wonderful singer with three octave vocal range! I love this song too. I remember watching the BBC drama, The Cazalets with this music as a theme song in the film!
Written by the great Ray Noble to fit Al Bowlly's peaches and cream voice.
Fabulous tune!
This was Ray Noble's opening theme for many years when his band appeared in dance halls in the era of the Big Band..
How romantic, I like it!
For the people that are interested; the video clip in the background is from ”The Phantom of the Opera” from 1925 (a silent film).
Novadin is it lon Chaney sr?
@@aarongranda7825 Yes it is
Thank you. Hopefully viewers know better than to think this was from the same time period as the song lol By 1934 we had Barbara Stanwyk, Bette Davis, Cary Grant...
A near-perfect song: it has Al Bowlly's matchless voice, the superlative English dance band orchestra of Ray Noble, and beautiful love song lyrics - the yardstick by which all other love songs are measured.
I think songs like this are timeless. Even if it isn't your era.
You're absolutely right. This is quite possibly one of the most romantic songs ever writen. Lyrics so simple and perfect, they say it all.
What wonderful, mordant wit--this elegant song paired with the obsession of the Phanton of the Opera! Too cool!
I agree ioo percent with you on Bill Harty's wonderful drumming on this and many other Noble's. Listen to the way he ends "Midnight The Stars And You" Just a light touch and it hits as hard as a thunder clap.
What a fabulous version, the original
The dignified romance of this, pure sophistication. Many thanks for posting.
Grew up with this stuff...and I'm 25 now...beautiful music from a simpler time.
I love the long instrumental before Al joins in. One of the best recordings of all time.
Who could fail to be moved by this truly wonderful song. Al Bowlly singing it is a delectable bonus.
Thank you for sharing.
Very interesting facts and so true. People seem to have forgotten history.
Beautiful,just beautiful!
One of the greatest love songs of all time.
the song grows older every day, but it never gets old.
What a title, what lyrics, what music. The lead into the second stanza "The Mere Idea of You" The great piano playing by the composer , more musical perfection. Forever gone.
Surely this is one of the best songs ever recorded! It has everything that's worthwhile - you know, beautiful music, wonderful lyrics and the amazing voice of Al Bowlly. It can get much better!
I'm just 41 myself, and a self taught musician, and always just loved music like this. This is so musical, so sophisticated and subtle. Sometimes I wish I just could be in that days and hear that music for myself.
Thank you for sharing this one.
If you loved Bob Steele on the radio, then this will bring him back, if only for a little while. I can hear him singing the opening.
Oh wow. Gotta love Al Bowlly. (:
To everyone saying "I don't care how old you are, bla bla bla", I'm really glad to see posts like that. It shows that other people around my age are into the same things I am.
this song is the best song i have ever listen to:)
very relaxing calm anouther one of the greatest songs i've ever heard.
I heard this song 30 years ago and was instantly hooked on Al Bowlly, I now have about 900 tracks on CD, and I'm still hooked.
@rickisteiner. How heartening it is to know someone of your age can fully appreciate this beautiful music. No doubt you are a very fine person.
The beautiful title, the 2 finger piano playing by Ray , the soft brushing beat of the drum, the rythmic sound of the baritone sax and the soothing romantic voice of Al Bowlly 126 years ago , it just doesn't get any better than this.
What a voice! Boy he could sing.
The opening piano has a gorgeous tenor tone.
Completely different genre: Neil Young's "Harvest Moon". Simply magical. (Canadian BTW)
This Ray Noble & Al Bowlly classic is, in any case. non-pareil.
Just close your eyes and listen Fantastic
I'm 126 years old, and I absolutely love this song!
126? That's impossible...
Seanjose: My favorite song of all time, also.
I'm a huge Al Bowlly fan.
I'm Telling the World She's Mine is fantastic.
What a great song ,I could hear this kind of music for hours.I love this band along with Guy Lombardo and others.
As I listen to one great oldie after another and discover they were all composed by one Ray Noble, I realize how much he has contributed to my musical enjoyment.
Not only was he a songwriter of unforgettable melodies, he was also a skilled bandleader.
A truly amazing talent.
I so love this song. I close my eyes, and I can imagine myself in a London pub during WWII, listening to this with a beautiful young lady. I was born into the wrong generation.
ggrimme32068
It's a guy.
gcrav you read it wrong. he said he like to listen to this song WITH a beautiful young lade.
lady*
I stand corrected.
Tuesdays with Morrie!
This is such a smooth version of this song and so 1930's with the voice and horns. I am an avid collector of original 78 rpm's. I have never come across this version in 20 years so thanks for posting this!!!
Those wishing to hear more of this sort of thing should search out the soundtrack to the 1978 BBC serial "Pennies from Heaven" - a few second hand CD copies are still available. They are much sought-after, for good reason. Ray Noble is featured quite a bit along with many others.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR TODAY RAY! your beautiful music lives on through the generations!!!
Something in this that has touched me
Beautiful! It brings back the beauty and grace of simpler times. P.S. You can hear an instrumental version of this song in the film Casablanca.
OMG, knew what I was in for with the opening scene. LOVED your video addition! I was raised by older parents and listened to early 1900's music growing up, when all my friends were Elvis fans. So glad to have lots of memories from that era brought back to life here. Thanks for a great post.
al bowlly is such a legend
ho happy memories of an age of long ago when as a child i would listen to this on an old wind up gremaphone happy happy days
Magnifique song ideal for listening a day of summer with a glass of good wine
Oh how I love this
@pethayoo1
Wait until they get older. I listened to crap radio "rock" music when I was in High School, and now I listen to all kinds of music at age 30. It's the love of music that keeps one searching for new experiences. People that never discover music off the beaten path must not like music very much anyways.
I melt when I hear this, what a love song.
Listen to that piano.
One of my favorite songs and it's a toss up for me between Al Bowly and Nat Cole.both beautifully done.. The lyrics.. you'll never know...how slow..the moments go 'till I'm near to you.. Gets me every time..sigh...
@pethayoo1 Its not the music,. its society. It is loud aggressive music that has kept me from lashing out. The aggressive music is a reflection of how the modern generations feel about society
never thought i would find the past you on a corner of the internet like this.
what
Einfach nur Schöhn Danke.
Al Bowlly at his very best. Delightful love song.
Fantastic! As a pianist, I love that piano!
this is almost too beautiful. can't stop listening to it.
Amen to that my good man/woman! Just brilliant.
Regards.
Lovely .
giggles.. brilliant :) :D
A wonderful Treat. Thanks again.
absolute smashing. Good form and great style. You've got a lot of class.
@brothodontist Very insightful thought! Random acts of violence have always existed... Look at the movie "The Changeling" for example... That event happened in the 20's... My dad was born in 1906 and he told me so many stories of violence that occured (just in the L.A. area) it would give you the chills! There has always been disfunction in families and society, however the entertainment industry did not focus on it. It actually tried to transport people into a more innocent world!
Thanks for this, yes, it's one of the best songs ever recorded. I always seem to be able to listen to 30s songs over and over again without tiring of them. I wonder if they were deliberately written like that, as people had fewer records in those days, and would just listen to them again and again?
Thanks, I'll be looking up Abradsma. I've thought the piano and the violin were the sexiest parts of this Ray Noble recording, so it behooves us to check them out. But my garage is such a mess!
Nice song. Version I'm used to is the one by Little Willie John.
Lon Chaney sr.I love this song. It went well with the movie😋
Amazing talent
@pethayoo1 I'm only 15, and I agree with you. I love this type of music, and though the agressive rock is fun, classical music and music such as this never fails to intrigue me.
Simply beautiful!!!! Tear :(
I love the twist the _Phantom of the Opera_ scenes put on the lyrics. Creative and wry juxtaposition of images and sound....
If U like this song U need to check out the modern day Al Bowlly. His name is Gregory Page. He lives in San Diego, CA
very beautiful.
@bdbomb11 i love that book, that's how i found this song. :)
crg4: I remember "The Singing Detective", but I've loved this song since I was very young. My favourite song of all time, as well!
the video makes everything so much better!
Love the music
the very thought of mary philbin makes me want to go back to the 20's
Response to FutureMrsJoe Jonas: It's great that you like this kind of music. This song is particularly beautiful. You should hear Doris Day sing it in the movie "Young Man with a Horn." It's a movie from 1950.
Al's vocal makes this record. Shame that he's not named in the title.
Just wonderful
omg... this is beautiful
...al bowlly...no one can match him...!
I love this film! Love silent films
Thanks again. 5/14/14
So smooth.
2:44 is just magic!
criticism about technicals are inappropriate this is a magnificent recording musicians playing and singing notes yoked together by some other artist be glad
This is my #1 favorite song of all time, although the lyrics are a little weak (I see your face in every flower??). I want it played at my funeral. I can look up the sax player, if you want. I have the 1960s Ray Noble LP re-issue which lists the personnel, but it's in my garage somewhere. The 1980s Robert Parker CD does not list the band members. Ain't it great that RUclips has brought together a whole bunch of people who know this material? Sheesh. This song gives me goose bumps.
Oh yeah, thanks. Should've known - actually I watched The Singing Detective as a child, with my parents... now I'll have to revisit it. =)
oh for some more music like this