Oscar Peterson was a Canadian jazz pianist who recorded many albums throughout his career. Sometimes as a solo artist, sometimes as a trio, and even a few albums with full orchestra behind him. This album is a tribute to the great singer, Frank Sinatra. Oscar Peterson chose songs that are often associated with Frank. This track is a wonderful tune called “You Make Me Fell So Young.” It was composed in 1946 by Josef Myrow, with lyrics written by Mack Gordon.

This version features Oscar Peterson on piano, Ed Thigpen on drums, and Ray Brown on bass. I consider this Oscar’s “classic” trio. He worked with many different musicians throughout his years, but some of his biggest albums included these two players.

The form of “You Make Me Feel So Young,” like many other jazz songs, is AABA. Or if you need to, maybe think of it like 2 short verses, a chorus, and then another verse. Oscar takes the melody for the entire song (AABA) and then takes a solo on the first 2 A’s (1:16). He then brings back the melody at the B section and finishes with the final A. He tags the last line a few times, and after a little bass line, the song ends. The form is a lot like Sinatra or any vocalist would have done it. Sing the whole tune, give a short solo to an instrumentalist, and end with the final A and tag.

Fun fact: You can hear Oscar in the background of the recording, grunting and singing his solos a bit. Oscar Peterson actually could sing quite well and could impersonate Nat King Cole extremely well. He recorded an album called With Respect To Nat, where he sings a number of famous Nat King Cole tunes.

Listen for: Patterns. Jazz can be difficult to listen to for some folks, but I think it’s all about knowing what to listen for. If you know the tune “You Make Me Feel So Young,” it’s extremely helpful. I personally like to listen for patterns in music. I love when he plays a quick 4 or 5 note pattern, then does it again a little lower, and then continues down. It’s almost like little jokes he’s throwing out. I always enjoy what he does on the piano at 1:01. He plays a great line up the piano with some quick dissonant note groupings. It makes me smile every time. If anything, just enjoy the obvious mastery that Oscar Peterson has on his instrument. He is my favorite jazz pianist of all time.

Hope you enjoy!

You make me feel so young
You make me feel so Spring has sprung
And every time I see you grin
I’m such a happy individual

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The moment that you speak
I want to go play hide and seek
I wanna go and bounce the moon
Just like a toy balloon

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You and I
Are just like a couple of tots
Running across a meadow
Pickin’ up lots of forget me nots

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You make me feel so young
You make me feel there are songs to be sung
Bells to be rung
And a wonderful fling to be flung

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And even when I’m old and gray
I’m gonna feel the way I do today
‘Cause you make me feel so young

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My name is Michael Sanchez and I’m an avid record collector and obscure song searcher. My goal is to post one song a day that’s been on my stereo/turntable frequently. If you don’t like the song… too bad 🙂 I do.

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