Excellent Matt Monro recording rarely mentioned in the forum

Gray · Post by **Gray** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 8:12 pm

I know this song has been mentioned a few times in the forum but doesn't Matt sing wonderfully well on 'The Shadow of Your Smile'.

I know the song is from the movie 'The Sandpiper', can I ask if there is a definitive recording of the song by a particular artist?
i.e. is it closely assosciated to one singer more than anyone else!

Thank you!

paul jh · Post by **paul jh** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 10:56 pm

Tony Bennett's version was the main version of The Shadow Of Your Smile I heard growing up. I always liked the melody, but never knew there was an opening verse as it's often played up tempo by a jazz combo. But now that I know Matt Monro's version, it is the only version I want to hear. I love how he sings the opening verse, and the little changes to the melody, and the emotion that only he can bring to the song.

ROBERT M. · Post by **ROBERT M.** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 12:49 am

Matt mention's on one of the DVDs, or is it the Nelson Swing's CD, that Tony Bennett sent Matt a note thanking him for passing over on "The Shadow of Your Smile" - so TB had the big hit with the song instead of Matt...................but Matt's version is faaaaaaaaaaaaaar superior

.......................to anybody else's version.

Gray · Post by **Gray** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 6:45 am

Thanks for replying, Robert & Paul, I shall try to check out Tony Bennett's version.
Paul - You're right, I adore the opening verse also.
It is a beautful song.

jon · Post by **jon** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 10:58 am

I also really like Johnny Mathis's version of "Shadow of Your Smile" - one of his more "operatic" renditions - though he doesn't sing the enchanting intro part, unfortunately. Matt's is also a great version though.

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 11:42 am

We also like JMs version of "The Shadow Of Your Smile" ..and of course Matt's

. From One of our J.M. albums ..... The Fat Balding Agent, his diamond pinky ring glistening in the light as he reaches across his enormous desk for a cigar shouts..... Get Me A Class Act.. Somebody like Mathis ya know.
This might serve to explain why Johnny is in as much demand today as when he began his phenomenally successful association with CBS Records.
....He has and is what they call in the business ...quality stuff .... exceptional range and sophisticated style... extraordinary talent and versatility.
Who can argue with that

One that we specially like on this same album, "Long Ago And Far Away."... superb.

Gray · Post by **Gray** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 6:49 am

Thanks Jon & L & H, I'll go hunting for your recommendations.

jon · Post by **jon** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 9:57 am

I'm not sure you'll find JM's "Shadow of Your Smile" on any commercially available recordings, Gray. It did come out on a compilation CD a few years ago but this has now been deleted. A nice lady called Mariana may be able to help?

L&H - are you taking the quote about the fat guy with the cigar from the sleevenotes of the original (vinyl) album? I assume so, otherwise I'm a bit mystified by your remarks!

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 11:02 am

Yes, this quote was from a 1974 album Jon, "Johnny Mathis Sings The Great Songs", not sure who the agent was. Also in the beginning of his career Ebony Magazine called Mathis The boy with the Golden Voice, this title seemed to catch on with quite a few in the crooning world.

Marian · Post by **Marian** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 1:25 pm

Just a passing mention of Jack Jones's recording of "The Shadow of Your Smile." It is included on several of his albums, and is available on his CD "Jack Jones Paints a Tribute to Tony Bennett."

Marian

Gray · Post by **Gray** » Wed May 14, 2008 9:39 pm

I listened a lot to 'Love Song' today from 'The Rare Monro' cd and it absolutely blew me away.
Not just Matt's marvelous vocals, but what a wonderful stereo mix.
The reverb on Matt's vocal line sounds sounds very fine, plus the placement of the instruments, sometimes in the extreme left and right channels, really makes for an exhilerating listen.

Next time you play the 'Rare Monro' cd, please listen out for 'Love Song', it is an exciting experience.

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Thu May 15, 2008 9:53 am

It is a great song sung beautifully by Matt Gray, the "Rare Monro" seems to been proved a real favourite among us all .

john · Post by **john** » Thu May 15, 2008 11:28 pm

Yes, here here, Lena and Harry!

Gray · Post by **Gray** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 8:23 am

Nobody Cares For me - what sublime and delicate stereo imaging on this track, it is simply gorgeous.
Does anyone know the history of this song?
Is it from a musical?

Thank you!