Forgotten Gems from Stage & Screen
David Jenness
Tracks
- Dancing on a Dime
- Introduction to the Songs
- Nothing but You
- Have You Got Any Castles, Baby?
- Lonely Feet
- Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary
- She Didn’t Say ‘Yes’
- The Faraway Part of Town
- This Can’t Be True
- Gus the Gopher
- Love Turned the Light Out
- Rap Tap on Wood
- Goodbye, Little Dream, Goodbye
- I’ve Been Alone Too Long
- It’s Got to Be Love
- Low and Lazy
- Falling Out of Love Can Be Fun
- Here’s What I’m Here For
- Happy As the Day Is Long
- Use Your Imagination
- Take Love Easy
- Tiny Room
- Have Feet, Will Dance
- Paris Is a Lonely Town
- Monday Morning Blues
- So Far, So Good
- Something Known

RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2020
David Jenness (1937-2017) is best known as the co-author of the widely read and influential book Classic American Song: The Second Half-Century, 1950-2000. In it he explores the final work of the Masters and introduces us to songs written by the next generations of composers and lyricists who upheld the demanding criteria established by their forebears
But Jenness was also a cabaret singer held in the highest regard in Santa Fe clubs. Between 1993 and 1998 he made frequent visits to recording studios, preserving his performances of songs he held dear. He said, Ive always loved good songs from the theater and film. In my life Ive been lucky enough to get to know some of the forgotten songs of songwriters and performersthe kind of songs that singers like to sing late at night during the last set or at a party, or the songs that songwriters have a sneaky love for.
“There’s kind of a revival going on of cabaret and theater tunes from earlier eras. I wanted to get the ones I know and love down on tape, hoping you’ll like them, too.”
Jenness, who passed away three years ago, only shared his recordings on cassettes with friends. This release marks the first chance all of us have to appreciate a warm, understated vocal style that always honored the songwriters intent.
He’s accompanied by piano or a tasty jazz trio. And the hall-of-fame songwriters include Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Arlen & Koehler, Kern & Hammerstein, Rodgers & Hart, Lane & Loesser, Ellington & Latouche, Hugh Martin and Stephen Sondheim.
This album is nirvana for all lovers of vintage American popular song especially those who want to be introduced to rarely heard (or completely unknown) material courtesy of Jennesss marvelous interpretations.