Round Midnight

by Juliet Wood

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about

Over the decades, this song has evolved more than many jazz standards.

Written by Monk, most likely in 1940, the tune was first copyrighted in 1943 with the title “I Need You So”. In that year the Cootie Williams Band made the first recording. The introduction included here was then added by Dizzy Gillespie, adapted from his ending for another tune.

Songwriter Bernie Hanighen added the familiar words in 1944, but the more hopeful lyrics heard here are by Jon Hendricks. Carmen McRae recorded the song with Hendricks’s words on her album ”Live at the Flamingo Club” in 1961. By the time McRae appeared on the “Jazz Casual” TV programme in 1962, she also included the lyrics to Gillespie’s introduction.

lyrics

A pale and lonely moon lights the sky
In the dark before the dawn
I sit here in my room how I sigh
For the day that’s come and gone
Another lonely day passes by
And a new day’s coming on - at midnight

Tears I’ve shed today will pause - waiting until tomorrow
Dreams of what could be come close to me, timidly
There’s a brand new day in sight
At that time, round about midnight

Life’s a game of chance - and you’re one of the minor players
Look for what you love, in the day to come, harbour some
Let your eyes put out their light
At that time, round midnight

Everyday’s gonna bring some gladness
Everyday’s gonna have some sadness
So take what you can of the glad times
Don’t measure your pleasure in nickels and dimes

Look back on today and you know when you’ve been unhappy 
Fears dawn chased away Just might, at night, have their day
Let your spirit start the fight
At that time round midnight

Let your dreams take flight 
Round ‘bout midnight

credits

released November 25, 2021
Juliet Wood - Vocals
Pete Billington - Piano & Bass
Thelonious Monk - Music
Jon Hendricks - Lyrics

Recorded by Greg Dowling at Noatune Studios
Photo by Gareth Young

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about

Juliet Wood London, UK

"Exquisite singing ... the best vocal album I have heard this year" - Nick Lea - Jazz Views

For her debut album Sconsolato, Juliet has brought together a collection of tunes chosen for, and connected by, their shimmering harmonies and beautiful melody lines. Juliet has imbued these songs with her own palette of vocal colours that range from dark and smoky to crystalline and transparent. ... more