Jerome Moross' theme from the western classic THE BIG COUNTY is beloved. Less well-known is the vocal version with lyrics by Morty Neff and Jack Lewis.
Singers Rena Strober and Stephen Van Dorn bravely tackle sight-reading this touching/rousing ditty with pianist Mike Farrell.
THE BIG COUNTRY (Another Day, Another Sunset) lyrics by Morty Neff and Jack Lewis Note: British Edition
Here is a link to a checklist of Sheet Music from which this was chosen.
Okay now after this one Richard, you've got to know that this series is just crying out for a Live Performance Tour! Or at least a weekend run somewhere! These are quite simply wonderful and Rena and Stephen and everyone are just a joy to behold! Is Tom Rolla's Gardena place still open? Perfect for a cabaret show! That would be so cool.
Interesting to note (circa 1:32 to 1:36mins into the video clip) a copy of the sheet music for 'The Cardinal', another Moross composition, on the piano (or a table) directly in front of the two vocalists. One can but wonder whether they also attempted a vocal performance of 'Stay With Me' from 'The Cardinal') during the same session?
For us, the joy was not rehearsing. This was a day of improv, first run-through madness. We wanted to share the goofy, unpolished charm that comes from spontaneous moments of discovery.
If this inspires someone to do a professional night of live performance of these songs, great.
Regarding the song from THE CARDINAL: Good eye. Yes, that is one of the gems we did and will be posting from our big ol' pile of obscure movie sheet music.
This one struck me as too rough first hearing, but it has grown on me. It captures the right spirit of the piece and, hell, again I have NEVER heard a vocal version of this.
