RIGHT AS THE RAIN -FINE " BLOOMER GIRL" BALLAD

"Right As The Rain" --Fine " Bloomer Girl" Ballad: Despite their pre-marital squabbling, Evalina and her Southern suitor and their significant different attitudes and beliefs, Evalina and Jeffrey realize that they were made for each other and despite the uncertainty brought about by the tragic Civil War,,there is a concluding tender duet between the two lovers. "Right As The Rain" is a song that demonstrates Arlen's ability to write a pure melody, one that flows seamlessly to not just one conclusion but a second new ending theme. Initially the song concludes with " It's right as the rain that falls from above and fills the world with the bloom of our love." That would normally constitute a fitting ending to the song. But Arlen, ever the master of a unique approach to composition, allows for a brief instrumental pause before the lovers conclude with " If rain must fall and day must dawn, this love, this love must go on."  Once again the composer and the poet/lyricist Harburg, create an artful and compelling ballad.

I believe it is appropriate to hear both a male and a female version although if you return to the previous post, with the Barbara Cook and Keith Andes version of " Evalina", the video continues and they sing the love duet " Right As the Rain" with acting that supports the dramatic aspects of the musical itself.

Leontyne Price, the noted opera and concert singer combined with arranger/conductor Andre Previn to create an intense but controlled version of the Evalina role.

The second version is by Jack Jones, a pop singer and son of Allan Jones who appeared in a number of big budget Hollywood musicals. Jack Jones sings with the convincing ardour that Jeffrey Calhoun would have demonstrated in the stage version.

Note: These two different styles and approaches demonstrate that there are a number of different ways that a song can be effectively presented-the formal restraint of the classical style and the more relaxed and informal pop singer style are equally valid. All that is required is that any singer must understand and believe in the composition and the story told in the lyrics while adding their own unique understanding and interpretation.

LEONTYNE PRICE LINK:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5PFLogttFE

jACK JONES LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFgOEwxrrvo