Can't Take My Eyes Off You
Classic oldie. Still popular today.
Very catchy. Cycle of Fifths.
Many modern remakes, most with same backing as original.
Some have revised orchestration and harmonisation
but did not fully exploit cycle of fifths and
opportunity for chord tension just before the start of the chorus...
...and at end of the chorus.
...and at end of the chorus.
(score extract for illustration only; harmony shown as block chords for easy visualisation)
A selection of nicer arrangements featured below.
Frankie Valli (1967)
Original Version
Lays out essential harmonic structure and tension points.
This structure still used by some cover versions today.
Prominent trumpets and percussion.
Moderated by smooth violin obbligato post-modulation.
This structure still used by some cover versions today.
Prominent trumpets and percussion.
Moderated by smooth violin obbligato post-modulation.
First part lots of tonic ostinato.
Engelbert Humperdinck (undated)
Live on stage. Powerful voice. Popular crooner.
Professional modern pop orchestra arrangement.
Smoother sounds. Suspension chord just right.
Interesting walking bass by electric guitar during the first chorus...
...and the second chorus.
(score transcription for illustration of walking bass only;
"virtual" piano part to show melody and harmony)
Clay Aiken (2010)
American Idol winner.
Tasteful orchestration. Reharmonised slightly.
Minimalist first part, with tasteful guitar and piano parts.
Interesting chord treatment. Suspension chord just right.
Rich brassy chords during changeover.
Nice swing feel in chorus.
Kelly Jones (2011)
Only guitar and voice.
Beautiful minimalist version.
Clear, clean, contemplative.
Harmonically well-balanced.
Did not quite fully exploit tension points.
Still, nice voicing of guitar chords.
Highlight
Michelle Pfeiffer, Jeff Bridges and Beau Bridges (1989)
From the movie The Fabulous Baker Boys.
Piano by Dave Grusin and John Hammond.
(info from IMDB)
The Amazing Michelle Pfeiffer! Look at her go!
A prelude to the classic scene with her on top of the grand piano singing Making Whooppee.
(hopefully a future post on that)
Very crisp and jazzy two-piano backing. Never overshadowing the singer.
Well-proportioned voicing. Unusual but creative chord combination.
Just one bar and you know this is no third-rate cabaret sideshow
but two world-class jazz pianists at work.
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