Rodgers -the composer and Hart – the lyricist, were an American song writing partnership who worked together on 28 stage musicals, composing more than 500 songs from 1919 until Hart's death in 1943.
Time Magazine observed that the success of Rodgers & Hart "rests on a commercial instinct that most of their rivals have apparently ignored", and noted their "spirit of adventure."
Hart's dazzling lyrics raised the standard for Broadway songwriting. His ability to write cleverly and to come up with unexpected, polysyllabic rhymes was something of a trademark, but he also had the even rarer ability to write with utmost simplicity and deep emotion.Rodgers, as a creator of melodies, ranks with Jerome Kern and Irving Berlin.
Their shows, including these gems, “Babes In Arms”, “Boys From Syracuse”,”On Your Toes”,”Pal Joey”and “Spring Is Here” , nwere a quantum leap from the era when musicals were revue-like and librettos were not much more than excuses for comic turns and music cues.
They considered the integration of story and music a crucial factor.
The archetypal Rodgers and Hart song, "Manhattan," rhymes "The great big city's a wondrous toy/Just made for a girl and boy" in the first stanza, then reprises with "The city's clamor can never spoil/The dreams of a boy and goil" in the last.
Elaine Delmar continues to be the most outstanding jazz singer- with the voice, looks and personality that continue to captivate world-wide audiences. She is equally at home, whether entertaining a concert audience, or performing in the more intimate cabaret/small theatre settings.
For this evening with the songs of Rodgers & Hart, Elaine will feature many masterpieces including “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered”,”Blue Moon”,”Lady Is A Tramp”, “Manhattan”,”My Funny Valentine”, “This Can’t Be Love” and so many more
Her American Song Book presentations sold out not only here at The Pheasantry, but also at Ronnie Scott’s, The Crazy Coqs and Piano Smithfield, plus a spectacular Big Band show in the 2022 EFG London Jazz Festival at Pizza Express Live, Holborn.
Elaine was awarded best vocalist in the 2013 Parliamentary Jazz Awards. She is accompanied at the piano by the lyrical swing of Barry Green and on double bass by British Jazz Awards Winner Simon Thorpe.
