Many songs from the swing era were inspired by melodies from other genres. Bizet Has His Day has its origin in classical music and how the title tells us, a piece by the composer Georges Bizet. Basis is “Farandole” from L’Arlésienne-Suite.
Here is a clip I’ve found on YouTube:
Farandole performed by Deutsch-Niederländische KammerPhilharmonie
The swing version was adapted and arranged by Ben Homer. In 1940 he became a staff composer for band leader Les Brown (14.03.1912-04.01.2001). The latter led a first-class jazz-oriented dance band for over 60 years.
Scott Yanow & Bruce Eder are writing on allmusic: “Les Brown’s music was never innovative but was generally quite pleasing.”
Of course it’s not innovative to take an existing melody, but Bizet Has His Day is for sure a successful transformation into a great danceable swing tune! In addition, the tempo is very comfortable for Lindy Hop dancers.
Title: Bizet Has His Day
Artist: Les Brown & His Band Of Renown
Recorded: 1945 (?)
Album: The Les Brown Story
Tempo: 155 bpm
Dance: Lindy Hop
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Every Monday, I post a new “Song of the Week“.
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Song of the Week #80: “Shout, Sister, Shout!” by Sister Rosetta Tharpe & Lucky Millinder
Song of the Week #79: “Buns Blues” by Count Basie & Oscar Peterson
Song of the Week #78: “Savage Serenade” by Adrian Rollini & His Orchestra
Song of the Week #77: “A Viper’s Moan” by Willie Bryant
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