Mario Lanza- Long Ago and Far Away (Kern-Gershwin)

Mario Lanza (1921-1959) ’Long Ago and Far Away’ (Kern-Gershwin). Recorded for the July 29, 1951, of “The Mario Lanza Show“, with studio orchestra conducted by Ray Sinatra. Lanza seemed to have a particular affinity for the music of Jerome Kern. His recordings of ’All the Things You Are’ and ’They Didn’t Believe Me’ are considered classics, and rightfully so. Another that can be placed alongside them is this radio performance of ’Long Ago and Far Away’, originally written by Jerome Kern and Ira Gershwin for the 1944 film “Cover Girl“, starring Rita Hayworth and Gene Kelly. This was definitely the one outstanding song in an otherwise mediocre, forgettable score (at least I think so; sorry if you like it!), and Lanza’s rendition stands among its best recordings. Few classically-trained singers have been able to move successfully between opera and the Great American Songbook, but Lanza does so effortlessly. His phrasing is