| Several of Bing’s early hits were Barris songs.... |
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- Chris Tyle
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Bing Crosby introduced this tune in 1931 on a Victor recording accompanied by members of the Los Angeles-based Gus Arnheim Orchestra. It was the first recording of Crosby as a soloist to hit the charts:
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1931 was the year Crosby embarked on his solo career. Although a member of the vocal trio the Rhythm Boys, first with Paul Whiteman and then with Gus Arnheim, Crosby frequently stepped up to the microphone without the other two “Boys,” Al Rinker and Harry Barris. Whiteman’s record of “Ol’ Man River,” with Crosby’s vocal, hit number one for 11 weeks in 1928, and the almost operatic-sounding Crosby on “Great Day” was number one for nine weeks in 1929. A substantial number of solo Crosby vocal recordings with both Whiteman and Arnheim were in the top 10 during 1929-1931.
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The music for “Wrap...” was written by Rhythm Boy and pianist Harry Barris. Barris’ songwriting efforts figured prominently in the first phase of Crosby’s career. Bing’s first solo appearance (off screen) is singing Barris’ “Music Hath Charms” over the title credits at the beginning of the 1930 King of Jazz. Several of Bing’s early hits were Barris songs, including “At Your Command,” which was number one for nine weeks in 1931, and “I Surrender, Dear,” recorded with Gus Arnheim’s band that same year, which led to Bing’s employment on a CBS radio network, coast-to-coast, weekly broadcast.
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Ted Koehler, taking a busman’s holiday from his partnership with Harold Arlen, co-wrote the lyrics to “Wrap...” along with Billy Moll, who penned the lyrics to Harry Barris’ tune “So the Bluebirds and the Blackbirds Got Together,” also in the King of Jazz.
Crosby utilized the tune as a radio theme song for a short time, replacing it with “Where the Blue of the Night Meets the Gold of the Day.” In 1939 he did a remake of “Wrap...” along with several of his early hits, and although this version didn’t hit the charts, it prompted a bit of a resurgence in popularity. Trumpeter Erskine Hawkins, whose swing band was popular in the late 1930’s and ‘40s, recorded a pleasant ballad version featuring a vocal by alto saxophonist Jimmy Mitchell.
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Chris Tyle - Jazz Musician and Historian
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The opening line of “Wrap...,” “when skies are cloudy are gray,” clearly describes the dark days of the Depression, the time in which it was written. Like many songs from that period, its message was one of hope: “just remember that sunshine always follows the rain.” Chris Tyle
Musical analysis of “Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams (And Dream Your Troubles Away)” | | Original Key | C major, going to the relative minor during “B” | | Form | A1 - A2 - B - A2 | | Tonality | “A” is major; “B” is minor | | Movement | Seconds and thirds ascending, then descending in section “A,” while section “B” is a primarily a series of descending thirds, moving downward chromatically. | Comments (assumed background) | | With a range of only an octave and a melody that is mostly diatonic, this is very singable by the novice as well as experienced vocalists. Harmonically most of the cadences are V7-I, resolving in the normal manner-no real surprises. The chromaticism in mm. 1-2 and 5-6 of “B” disguises the fact that the progression is really a fairly common i - V7/V - V7 - i sequence. | K. J. McElrath - Musicologist for JazzStandards.com
Check out K. J. McElrath’s book of Jazz Standards Guide Tone Lines at his web site (www.bardicle.com). |
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Tony Bennett
Who Can I Turn To
1995 Columbia 66503
Original recording 1964
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Bennett is in fine form on this slow, swingin’ version of the song. His warm, smooth tones and powerful delivery invite listeners in, wrapping them in a soothing atmosphere.
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Slam Stewart/Major Holley
Shut Yo’ Mouth
1991 Delos 1024
Original recoding 1981
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This has to be heard to be believed! The highly original, extremely entertaining reading features the two bassists bowing, singing, and scatting simultaneously. Holley’s froglike voice in collusion with Stewart’s, which is pitched an octave above, are enhanced by Dick Hyman on piano/organ and Oliver Jackson on drums.
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Keith Jarrett
Whisper Not
2000 ECM Records 314543816
Original recording 1999
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On his live interpretation of the song Jarrett is uncharacteristically upbeat and airy while bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Jack De Johnette keep the rhythm moving forward at a steady clip.
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Maxine Sullivan with the Scott Hamilton Quintet
Swingin’ Sweet
1990 Concord Records 4351
Original recording 1986
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The remarkable vocalist Maxine Sullivan recorded this live concert in Japan in 1986 just seven months before she died at age 75. Her voice is ageless and she swings like a teenager. Saxophonist Hamilton’s group is obviously having fun, too.
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A four-consecutive day recording marathon in November, 1931, by trumpeter/vocalist Louis Armstrong resulted in eight great sides including “Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams.” (The same day yielded his wonderful version of “Stardust,” used as the theme for Ken Burns’ Jazz television series.) Armstrong’s muted solo chorus is followed by a distinctive vocal and a majestic out-chorus. Don Byas, a tenor saxophonist whose playing was a sophisticated mix of swing and more modern elements, recorded a standout rendition of Harry Barris’ tune, abetted by pianist Erroll Garner and bassist Slam Stewart. Trumpeter Roy Eldridge, like Byas, was hip to advances in jazz and was a mentor to young Dizzy Gillespie, yet his playing was firmly swing-oriented. Roy’s 1952 rendition of “Wrap...” is a nice, laid-back stroll seasoned by the tasty playing of Oscar Peterson on organ.
Chris Tyle - Jazz Musician and Historian
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Additional information on “Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams (And Dream Your Troubles Away)” may be found in:
1 paragraph including the following types of information: film productions, history and performers.
Includes the following types of information: song lyrics.
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