Shirley Bassey - You and I (Will Go On Together) / Day By Day (Live at Carnegie Hall 1973)

1973 (These are two songs from Shirley's 1973 concert at Carnegie Hall, recorded for her 'Shirley Bassey Live at Carnegie Hall' LP. The first song, 'You And I' is from the movie, 'Goodbye Mr. Chips' starring Petula Clark. Clark sings this song in the movie as a very soft lullaby. Bassey's arrangement for this same song at this concert was an upbeat POP arrangement. For me, both arrangements are great, and I enjoy both Ms. Clark and Ms. Bassey no matter what they sing or what arrangement they use. Shirley's arrangement for the next song, 'Day By Day' is also upbeat and distinctly different than as sung in the musical, 'Godspell' for which it was written.

ABOUT This LP:
This double LP recorded May 11 and 12, 1973, and released that same year features a dozen violinists, four violas, four cellos, piano, bass, drums, guitar, percussion, and the amazing voice of the incomparable Shirley Bassey. Officially titled "Shirley Bassey Live at Carnegie Hall featuring Woody Herman and the Young Thundering Heard," Live at Carnegie Hall begins with her biggest American hit, "Goldfinger," and doesn't let up. Starting with a song that euphoric is impressive; few could lead off a concert with their signature tune and get away with it, but her voice is in amazing shape, and she sets the tone as this precious set of material is flawlessly reinvented. That's the Bassey treatment. She hits the audience with the hits. "Where Am I Going" and "Big Spender" from the musical production Sweet Charity, "For All We Know" from the motion picture Lovers and Other Strangers, and "Day by Day" from Godspell were melodies which reached the public consciousness thanks to other artists -- the Carpenters on "For All We Know," and the original cast for the Godspell hit. Bassey just overpowers each memory when she's got your ear and uses the spirit of each song to take flight. The accompaniment is superb, but never gets in the way of the diva. Dusty Springfield titled her orchestrated 1967 album Where Am I Going and Bassey takes the same tune and shifts it to her arena. "And I Love You So" had become an adult contemporary staple at the time, thanks to Perry Como's hit version this very same year, but she dispenses with the pop and injects pure soul into what was originally Don McLean's light folk tune. Add George Harrison's "Something" to the mix, and it makes for a very appealing set. Bassey's interpretations are clearly her own, with the originals or most famous versions finding themselves as great reference points. I Capricorn was one of her albums released before this live set and Never, Never, Never the studio album which would follow; both title tracks get riveting performances here, the album flowing seamlessly. Her on-stage chatter along with another 007 theme, "Diamonds Are Forever," help make Live at Carnegie Hall a sweeping tour de force. It's just a breathtaking live album from a timeless artist. ~ Joe Viglione

LYRICS - You and I:
You and I will travel far together
We'll pursue our little star together
We'll be happy as we are together
We may never get to heaven

But it's heaven, at least to try
You and I are going on together
'Til the time we have is gone together
Watch the evening drawing on together

Growing older, growing closer
Making memories that light the sky

That only time can make
That only love can make
That only we can make

You and I
You and I are going on together
'Til the time we have is gone together

Watch the evening drawing on together
Growing older, growing closer
Making memories that light the sky

That only time can make
That only love can make
That only we can make

You and I
You and I, You and I,...

LYRICS - Day By Day:
Day by day
Day by day
Oh Dear Lord
Three things I pray
To see thee more clearly
Love thee more dearly
Follow thee more nearly
Day by day

Day by day
Day by day
Oh Dear Lord
Three things I pray
To see thee more clearly
Love thee more dearly
Follow thee more nearly
Day by day

Special Thanks to Pieter and Astrid from the Shirley Bassey blog and all those who have provided wonderful pictures of Shirley!