Angel Eyes (1953 song)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Angel Eyes" is a popular song.
The music was written by Matt Dennis, the lyrics by Earl Brent. The song was published in 1953.
The song was introduced in the 1953 movie, Jennifer.
[edit] The composition
Angel Eyes has three parts. The first and the second part are almost identical. The composition has a complex harmonic structure throughout. The parts mostly consist of II - V - I minor and major progressions which are very popular in lots of jazz classics especially in Latin jazz. The first and second part is in the C minor key. It starts with a C minor, D major 7 and G major 7 progression. Over the D major 7 there's a F# in the melody (the major third to the D major chord). It is a tritone in the context of the c minor tonic and a very characteristic interval in the whole song. Another tritone is the diminished fifth in the D minor 7 -5 chord but it is fitted so well into the harmonic context of the c minor key that it is hardly recognized as a dissonant intervall. The c minor then shift chromatically to the third part which begins with a B flat minor and then leads over an E flat major to the new tonic, A flat major.
Because of its colourful harmonic changes "Angel Eyes" is a very attractive jazz standard which has inspired many original interpretations. Several performers have recorded different versions of the song, including Don Ellis, Kenny Burrell, Pat Metheny, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Duke Ellington.
[edit] Recorded versions
- Nat King Cole
- Dave Brubeck
- Modern Jazz Quartet
- Frank Sinatra (Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely 1958)
- Frank Sinatra (Sinatra at the Sands with Count Basie 1966)
- The Singers Unlimited (1974)
- Sting (1995) *Leaving Las Vegas
The Four Freshmen recorded "Angel Eyes" on their biggest hit album "Four Freshmen and Five Trombones" from the mid-1950s.
 |
This pop standards-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
