Mancini writes a wonderful instant classic song, Mercer provides sweet lyrics, and someone like Audrey Hepburn turns it into an iconic film moment. You couldn't ask for anything more, but then Guaraldi touches it and carries it like an ever-changing riverbank filled with delight and discovery around each bend. I love the way provides an introduction here and then we here it again as another distant layer within the structure. My God this is so beautiful of a cover and unique in it's own way and like Guaraldi does always, he honors the art. You feel all the sweet tenderness of the original and like wine, becomes deeper with age. It always brings tears to my eyes.
This is the cat's meow. As a percussionist/drummer, I would have to lay down the groove for Vince and allow for him to be slightly rubato. I got to play 'Moon River' with Henry Mancini, but it wasn't this hip.
So melancholy. Nobody can pull up a mood like Vince. I'll be up there in Heaven with you soon, my dude. Stage IV cancer is progressing rapidly now, despite treatment. You were lucky: heart attack and adios in a matter of minutes. But it takes a while to die from cancer. Your music is helping me take my mind off of it. Thanks :o).
Oh the joy that Mr. Guaraldi brings to me is quite over whelming. For me personally I will never be able to listen to Mr. Guaraldi without thinking of a little boy just trying to avoid a kite eating