" When The Sun Comes Out"- Arlen & Koehler strike musical gold again. In 1941, in between movie assignments, Arlen magically came up with what biographer Edward Jablonski described as a bluesy ballad, " a vintage Arlen invention-it bristles with his musical sleight-of-hand, unexpected key changes and ingenious melodies." Alec Wilder, a noted Arlen supporter, said that " No one but Arlen could have written " When The Sun Comes Out." Wilder went on to praise the release which was such a logical an extension of the initial theme although most releases introduce a different thematic approach from the main theme. There is also an arresting introduction of a major motif with the lyric " Love is funny" and an optimistic note near the end with the possibility of a knock on the door " Then you'll know that my love walked in, After the sun comes out."
Wilder concluded that the song " Has a warmth and tenderness seldom to be found in a song."
Arlen's ability to artfully shift from minor to major motifs was also evidenced in the beginning of the release of " Like A Straw In The Wind."
There are a number of versions of the song with the first by Barbra Streisand whose live performance is a full blown , emotionally charged diva showcase and quite different from her much earlier recording as a teenager.
As contrast, Mel Torme provides a restrained and beautifully articulated version that also honours the melody and the lyrics but with the precision and artistry of a highly skilled musician not just a superior singer. I believe that the moody, chamber jazz arrangement is by Marty Paich who did many of Torme's recordings in the 1950's.
STREISAND LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqW7aglo7Es
TORME LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF1FEQ7d98Y
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