Gershwin–Funny Face, My One, 1927, Fred and George

Now we are going to compare Tommy Tune’s graceful and melodic version with Fred Astaire’s 1927 recording, with George Gershwin at the piano. You will first hear the vocal with a piano accompaniment. But it is very different from the Tommy Tune arrangement. Astaire and Gershwin are more “jagged” in their rendition, emphasizing the breaks in the music where the syncopation demands it.

In the middle of the recording, the singing stops and the dancing begins. At first, George plays for Fred. Then, Fred takes over (meaning the tap dancing is primary) and George fills in some music occasionally. This is where the magic of Fred’s rhythmic taps actually become the percussive sound that makes the song special.

You may find that you want to or need to listen to this clip more than once. However, if you get the rhythmic timing of the two geniuses and feel them blend into one experience, it will be worth the time and trouble to listen carefully to this recording.