Why this tune?
It was a treat to welcome my good friend and long time musical collaborator Aaron Myers to St. Croix earlier this month. We had the opportunity to introduce him to our new home and to share his talent with a St Croix audience. The show we presented at the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts recalled some of our best performances at the old Black Fox Lounge in DC, and included Aaron’s interpretation of “My Funny Valentine,” which he recorded on his first album “Leo Rising.” Percy White created the arrangement and its signature bass riff, which Aaron taught to our St Croix bassist Mario Thomas.
Aaron shared his journey with the song, explaining how he came to appreciate its complex and sincere romantic message. I understand that it can be hard to get past lines like “Is your figure less than Greek,” but I think it helps to understand that this is not a love song for young people. It’s a song for older people in longer relationships, expressing a love that lasts even when youthful beauty and mental acuity fade. The key line is “Don’t change a hair for me / Not if you care for me.” Check out Aaron’s version to get the message.
Tunes on Tuesday reel
Check it out!
Aaron Myers