The story of jazz’s most TRAGIC standard.

[@fretlessblunder]

Beato has “what makes this song great”, but your presentation here I would label “what makes the story of this great song great”. I find your presentation far more compelling. The key is your attention not only the lyrical narrative of the story but to the harmonic narrative as well. Absolutely fascinating. You’re on to something with this approach and your detailed appreciation of a great jazz standard.

[@JoshWalshMusic]

Rob you nailed exactly what I was going for. Huge compliment, thank you!

[@meteor901]

Exactly

[@elainemarks167]

Beautiful ballad. Frank murdered it. Johnny Hartman's version is the ultimate. I appreciate your musical knowledge I had it down as written in the minor key. Wonderful to hear Mr Strayhorn. You play very well.

[@JoshWalshMusic]

Thanks Elaine!

[@derekegenti]

Hartman's version is golden

[@MarkTarmannPianoCheck_it_out]

@@derekegenti diamond platinum silvery golden, priceless, beyond compare, untouchable. NEVER get tired of it, after 1000s of listenings. The playing abilities of the little back up lounge quartet he used on the recording also helps to make his version interesting. :)

[@areirving]

Queen Latifah kills it too, as does Blossom Dearie.

[@anne4562]

I completely agree that Queen Latifah's version of Lush Life is amazing. It's the best I've found, and I've listened to many. The fact that Billy Strayhorn wrote this as a teenager blows me away. It is so sophisticated and world-weary sounding. Truly lush!

[@davidsilver4339]

I first came to know Lush Life from seeing "Living Out Loud" and falling head over heals in love with Queen Latifah's performance, until this day, perhaps the best I have ever heard. Thank you for acknowledging her, as well as the terrific insights into this masterpiece.

[@sobieskilinda]

My mom owned a neat little jazz club in Wilmington, Delaware. I lived over that club as a kid looking down the kitchen floor grate over the piano bar Lush Life was my lullaby.

[@mintah500]

Your compelling presentation here, sir, is a poignant and illuminating chord-tracked storytelling of a singular life. Much appreciated!

[@JoshWalshMusic]

Thank you!

[@MarkTarmannPianoCheck_it_out]

You didn't say much here i haven't already thought, having lived with this song for 30plus years, having heard it done by Coltrane and Hartman 1000s of times, and having played it 1000s of times more myself, at home and on gigs. All your analysis and commentary lines up perfectly with mine. You're obviously a clever lad, like me self.. It's such a sophisticated and unpredictable work; it took me, a slow learner. years, literally, to memorize the form and changes with still occasionally getting lost at the squirelly, surprising parts, the end of the B section and the D section. Great vid and bit of deep musical and compositional education for anyone trying to understand the song, how it was composed , how staggeringly ingenious Strayhorn was, esp. on this tune, and how brilliantly the lyrics and the music work together. Bravo.

[@JoshWalshMusic]

Thanks Mark! One of my favorite standards.

[@tonjareneehall]

Love your channel & so many great singers have sung this incredible song with beautiful emotion. Queen Latifa, Sarah Vaughan, Lady Gaga, Samara Joy....to name a few of my personal faves. Thanks for your work!

[@JoshWalshMusic]

Thank you!

[@DuncanCustomAirbrush]

killer thumbnail dude! I also see people loving and appreciating your story

[@darkopesevski9829]

Beautiful, subscribed.

[@Momoko395]

I’ve fell in love with this song immediately when I heard Fujii Kaze’s sang as his opening song at his first US your last month. Kaze is not power house singer but he is an incredible song writer and pianist with strong jazz background. His voice always touches my heart as well. I went to his concert at Apollo theater in New York. He performed as he told the story of Billy Strayhorn with his own seasonings and the brilliant arrangement ❤❤❤❤ hope you will have a chance to listen while many fans posted the performance in KZbin 😊

[@SeanPerrizo]

Outstanding presentation sir! Loved it

[@JoshWalshMusic]

Thanks!

[@alltabb]

Queen Latifa is actually a very good Jazz and Blues singer. She's an extremely talented individual who exceeded in multiple genres of entertainment.

[@JoshWalshMusic]

100%!

[@warrenwilson7836]

I really enjoyed how you tied the harmonic elements to the emotional elements of the song: a simple plaintive melody above the subtle, shifting enormity of the underlying harmony. Thanks for taking the time to analyse this and share your thoughts.

[@JoshWalshMusic]

Thanks Warren.

[@The70s80scollection]

Have to agree, I have a few recordings of this beautifully crafted song, always loved Ella and the Duke's version and Linda Ronstadt's but Queen Latifah's is absolute perfection, the arrangement, her phrasing, that wonderfully rich voice, the stings, even that little touch of the accordion at the week in Paris, I don't play any instruments etc, but was brought up with jazz due to my parents so have a very gifted ear for music, all kinds of music, loved your analysis of Lush Life.

[@hezigler]

Much more interesting than the Real Book's version of Lush Life is the one in The New Real Book. It has John Coltrane's chords. I've been working on it on and off for decades. My favorite is Johnny Hartman, with Trane, of course.

[@rroberto1026]

I have always loved this song since I heard it played by Rickie Lee Jones in the early '80s. This is brilliant: I've learned the history with an explanation of how its composition presents the color of a life. Thank you.

[@JoshWalshMusic]

I don’t know this recording, but I’m going to check it out. Thanks for the great comment.

[@benwinstanleymusic]

Really excellent video, thoughtful presentation. Thank you, have a nice day

[@martynramsden]

Hi Josh, totally engaging post on Billy's life and music. Fascinated to listen to your story and the artists who strove to sing this beautiful harmonic song. Liked your approach to this and you've now inspired me to go and listen to more Strayhorn and recordings too. Certainly a master and a struggle for him in life - more of the same please 😁🎹👍👌

[@JoshWalshMusic]

Thanks again, Martyn.

[@stevesteve350]

Just watched your amazingly interesting and insightful video of Lush Life, one of my favorite standards of all time. Being a huge Ronstadt fan, I've always loved her version, but found you through clicking on the version by Queen Latifa. Not sure why it popped up on my KZbin list, but OMG! I'm simply blown away. I totally agree with you that it just may be one of, if not, the definitive version of the song. Has she been hiding her voice, or am I just out of the loop? LOL. WOW- Just stunning. Thanks for your fascinating explanation, as well. I'm not a musician, but was really struck at how intentional the musical notes, lyrics, and meaning of the song are. I guess I always understood that, but so much clearer after your presentation.

[@JoshWalshMusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@ThePianoMan1953]

I agree with your "take" on Queen Latifah's knocking this piece out of the park completely. She sings it almost down in that Sarah Vaughn range and it is just perfect. For me, the amazing full, symphonic orchestra arrangement by Mervyn Warren is also a big part of why it was instantly "my favorite" version. If you like this, you would probably like my favorite jazz vocal group, Singers Unlimited. I listen to their ongoing mix on KZbin. As with the Queen Latifah recording, when they sing, you hear every word so clearly! Enjoy.

[@miltonsalmeron900]

Clifford Jordan’s recording of this tune is my favorite of all time from his album SpellBound

[@maxalthoff4526]

Excellent video Josh. The music… the story telling… the editing. It’s all very well done. You’re on your way to 100k subs.

[@JoshWalshMusic]

Max! Thanks man. 100k just around the corner haha

[@yannicklambrecht1634]

Wow. I think this is my favorite video you’ve made. The lyrics do reveal all the harmonic choices. Beautifully presented 👏

[@JoshWalshMusic]

Aww you made my week Yannick!

[@TheDreamingDays]

I was looking for more info on this song. Thank you for making this video!

[@chasun]

Amazing video! Maybe i m old school, but ella s version is my favourite, in fact one of my fav among the diva s entire career

[@raf889]

Great video thanks for helping me understand this song. The harmony is very mysterious to me, but very beautiful.

[@lisamcmahon1462]

I appreciated the Queen's version.

[@frankvaleron]

This would be a great idea for a series. I haven't heard a standard analysed this way before

[@JoshWalshMusic]

Thanks Frank. It’s the 5th one I’ve done like this, though the first one was so terrible nobody should ever watch it (I was new lol)

[@thebedroomshow9010]

Queen Latifah’s version is also my favorite, but that’s likely because I enjoy broadway style performances of songs I like, which this is and which she is good at

[@mach37]

I'd like to see your analysis of "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most" - I have a thing for moody songs with dense harmonizations.

[@JoshWalshMusic]

Oh man that’s a good one that I had not thought of. Added to my idea list! Thank you!

[@JoaoPaulo-vv5vr]

Would be great of course!

[@realraven2000]

My favorite interpretation of this song is by Rickie Lee Jones - on the EP "Girl at her Volcano", performed live at Perkins Palace, LA. We are lucky to have it on Spotify these days.

[@JoshWalshMusic]

I don’t know that one. I’ll check it out!

[@Jardi_PWF]

I know this song because of the cover that gaga did to it, she sang it beautifuly 😍

[@jimthompson606]

It took Blossom Dearie years to master it. Sammie Davis did a good job with it.

[@JoaoPaulo-vv5vr]

Strayhorn was hors concours ❤

[@Shellison1]

Excellent presentation, but I am a little surprised Ella's renditions were not mentioned. Very different from Queen Latifa's and perhaps actually closer to Strayhorn's quieter delivery, no belting. I am no jazz expert, so would be interested to read what others think.

[@JoshWalshMusic]

Ella’s version is incredible.

[@snakefinger]

Very nice ! I’ll never get enough of this song. Thank you !

[@johnlane9743]

Nobody captures the sentiment of this song better than Dave Burrell. So, if you need to stretch out your “Saudade” - I recommend it - with a prefill of Maiden Voyage as performed by Art Farmer. Repeat as needed - no prescription required.

[@nickadducimusic]

Rare Silk has the best version of this song.. beautiful harmonies. For the longest time, I actually thought that Lush Life was a Rare Silk original

[@JoshWalshMusic]

I dont know this! Must look it up.

[@nickadducimusic]

@@JoshWalshMusic Let me know what you think

[@ThePianoMan1953]

@@nickadducimusic Just listened to your recommendation (for the first time.) Really great musicians!! Of course, "the best version" is very subjective. I know you are a fine musician in your own right so I can tell you, personally, their harmonies are a bit too "outside" for my senses. Of the dozen or so recordings I've heard, I also prefer Queen Latifah, but a lot of that is that I "melt" by the amazingly, ahum.... "lush" symphonic orchestra arrangement by Mervyn Warren, complete with symphonic harps, English horns and a squeeze-box thrown into the mix. I think, if I could arrange like that, I could die happy! 🙂 That being said, I would have loved hearing it sung a Capella by Singers Unlimited from Gene Peurling's amazing arranging skill.

[@leadcatpress]

Great video! If you have not read his biography, "Lush Life," it's worth your time. Cheers!

[@Dante-dp6qx]

That was my uncle...and I'm a shareholder of the music catalog

[@JoshWalshMusic]

Billy Strayhorn is your uncle?!

[@Dante-dp6qx]

@@JoshWalshMusic yup...my great uncle. My grandfather was the youngest. His name was John... Johnny Come Lately

[@JoshWalshMusic]

@@Dante-dp6qx that’s incredible. Write some songs! You got good DNA!

[@Dante-dp6qx]

@@JoshWalshMusic I'm sure I can because I wrote a personal canon of poetry.

[@benascg-ll7sq]

Loe reading those comments..go check Stan Getz's version

[@rockstarjazzcat]

Strayhorn’s a giant among giants! Cheers, Daniel

[@rockstarjazzcat]

Thanks for the analysis!

[@donnaloeffler5279]

Ricky Lee Jones. Her version is my all time favorite. Have a listen.

[@JoshWalshMusic]

I haven’t heard this. Looking it up…

[@ThePianoMan1953]

LOL I literally had to stop listening to it!

[@humbertoarias8112]

Natalie cole has the best version❤❤❤❤❤

[@JoshWalshMusic]

So good!

[@deforesttthompson9299]

The queen latifa take was a W take.

[@MegaFount]

This is my favorite rendition of this song: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZjFfad9bbV1rJYsi=t9dTEry4oYWmVAPQ

[@ABisopht]

Lady Gaga did an excellent rendition of Lush Life!

[@JoshWalshMusic]

Totally! I love that album with Tony Bennett.

[@ABisopht]

@@JoshWalshMusic I love this song. I've, now three times, tried to explain its profundity to my wife. But your single 8-minute video was perfect and now she finally gets it. Thank you!

[@ThePianoMan1953]

@@ABisopht The lyrics are hauntingly profound and clever: "She had too many twelve-o'clock tales." And, "Romance is mush.... I'll live a lush life in some small dive." It just dawned on me that, during my travels to Asia, I have met many retired old men, who seem to share that philosophy. 🤔

[@bluecrueful]

A beautiful piece. The version with Trane and Johnny Hartman have the definitive version, in my opinion....this was a great analysis

[@JoshWalshMusic]

Oh man, that version is so good.

[@thylordjay]

Lady Gaga's version is good too 👌🏻🩶

[@JoshWalshMusic]

100% agree.

[@gabrieleschulze7627]

I like Kurt Elling's version of the tune ❤

[@Sn00ze]

First…

[@jhonjairovalencia7945]

Hello Josh, I have in my possession a recording of Billy Strayhorn live with his orchestra, tape dated October 10, 1981, do you know if anyone might be interested? I want to sell it

[@JoshWalshMusic]

Wow, that’s amazing. I don’t off hand, but I imagine some museums would love to have it if you can find a good home.

[@jhonjairovalencia7945]

@@JoshWalshMusic Thank you very much Josh for answering me, please excuse me for being bold and taking advantage of your knowledge, can you please recommend a place in New York?

[@JoshWalshMusic]

@@jhonjairovalencia7945 sorry, I’m not aware of a specific place. You could call one of the music schools and ask. Many of them are affiliated or own museums.