Inspired by Bix Beiderbecke's signature phrasing, Hoagy
Carmichael penned the song that would eventually become
known as "Skylark" for a Broadway play that never
saw its curtain call. Instead Hoagy reworked the melody and handed
it off to songwriting pal Johnny Mercer, who later supplied lyrics
and christened the song with its name. Known for his unique writing
style - particularly with ballads - Hoagy took a
relaxed approach to melodies that often brought about feelings of
nostalgia. The wistful and yearning "Skylark" is
certainly no exception. The song first appeared on the pop charts
in 1942 by the Glenn Miller Orchestra (featuring
vocalist Ray Eberle) and would chart three more times that year by
Helen Forrest (with Harry James), Dinah Shore (with Rosario
Bourdon) and Bing Crosby (with John Scott
Trotter). Regarded as one of the greatest melodies ever written,
"Skylark" continues to thrive as a staple in
popular-song and jazz
repertoires. This fall Puerto Rican jazz great
Charlie Sepulveda releases his magical rendition
of the Carmichael classic on his latest offering
After Hours.
As the title suggests, After Hours is a collection of soothing and
mood-enhancing instrumentals that provide perfect
background music for wine
savoring, carefree conversation, or quiet starry nights. Multiple
Grammy-nominated trumpeter
Charlie Sepulveda covers classic material performed by the likes of
Ray Charles ("Georgia On My
Mind"), Beny Moré
("Obsesion") and Nat King Cole
("Stardust"). Delivering breezy and laid-back
arrangements, Sepulveda's trumpet soars sweetly
over subtle acoustics and complementing jazz
guitar. While the rest of the album is equally brilliant,
the highlight for this listener is definitely the ever-present
"Skylark." Wandering yet moving purposefully, "Skylark" finds 21st
Century sophistication sprinkled with elegant improvisation. This
album contains 11 music lullabies that will chill you out, calm you
down and whisk you off into a meditative reverie. Listen to Charlie
Sepulveda's After Hours as you enjoy a bit of your
own after hours.