by Jay Mouton
posted June 14, 2004
It seems that I cannot recall the world of music without Randy Newman’s name involved with it. I can’t claim to be a “fan,” but I’ve enjoyed his few forays into the Top 40 over the years, and from time to time a friend has played another song or two. Yes, I’ve seen some of the movies that have featured his scores and songs, but I didn’t really make the connection. I didn’t make the connection until last night.
Chattanoogans could not have been blessed with a nicer evening to enjoy the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Orchestra or the nuances of Randy Newman’s work. Okay, it was little warm, a little muggy—but, hey, it’s Tennessee, right? By the time Mr. Newman took the stage the night offered forth some of the most delicious breezes I’ve encountered this year, and just in the nick of time. There’s nothing quite like an evening under the sky, with a gentle breeze, and a symphony orchestra playing for you.
Randy Newman is more than likely best known for a couple of hits from the 70s and 80s. Just about everybody who listens to radio, and is probably over 20, has heard his songs “Short People” and “I Love L.A.” Randy opened the show last night with his seemingly light ditty about bigotry, with “Short People.” Even today, after years have passed having not heard the devilishly sneaky lyrics, it made me smile to think such a friendly sounding melody could contain such a message for all of us. Then again, Randy Newman has been a master of such message songs for years.
One aspect of Mr. Newman’s show that I rather enjoyed was his asides concerning the “stories behind some of his songs.” Many people enjoy it when an artist tells a little bit about the creative forces behind their creations. One telling moment came when Mr. Newman introduced one of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard, “I Miss You.” He introduced it as a song that he “wrote for his ex-wife, while married to his current wife. It seemed for a moment that he would launch into a comedy of error kind of story. Nope, suddenly we here a hauntingly sad song about a love long past. Many of Newman’s songs are presented in such a manner.
About mid-concert Mr. Newman took a place at the captain’s helm and conducted the orchestra through suites from two of his movie scores: The Natural and Toy Story. I’d forgotten the beauty and the power within some of these pieces. I’ll confess that I enjoy the sound of an orchestra and the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Orchestra is an excellent outfit. Thank you all.
The powers that be allowed for a 15-minute intermission which, I’m sure in some cases, came in quite handy. I’ll confess that I had no urges to be elsewhere and I thought the time would drag out. Thanks to Frank Chambers and Sherry Darling, two souls enjoying the evening’s pleasures as well, the 15-minute intermission seemed rather like 5.
Mr. Newman and the orchestra returned to the stage to put the finishing touches on the show. Mr. Newman gave a warm hearted thanks to the orchestra and pointed out to his audience how much he admires the fact that so many of the talented musicians in the orchestra had spent thousands of hours in practice, over the years, to perfect their artistic gifts. One has to admire that kind of dedication in any field, but I know that I’m grateful that their abilities give all of us so much pleasure. Mr. Newman and the orchestra performed a few other numbers, said goodnight, received a standing O, and returned for a two song encore—well done, friends.
If you missed the show, but think you might enjoy the slightly cerebral wanderings of one of America’s more gifted songwriters, catch Randy Newman the next time around. Better yet, pick up some of his music—today.
Jay Mouton
m_mouton@bellsouth.net
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