Paul Whiteman and Orchestra feat. Irene Taylor: In the Dim Dim Dawning

A tad of a double dip here, as we’ve previously covered the exploits of Paul Whiteman. Still, this song leapt out of my iPod and grabbed hold of me. I’ve taken to listening to my playlist of jazz on the way home from work, and it is very much the capstone to a great day, or the relaxant on a day that could have gone better. This song was in rotation the other day, knowing instantly it was worthy of a shout-out. Since we know so much about Whiteman, let’s focus on the vocalist on this track, Irene Taylor.

Taylor was the first female vocalist to ever record with Whiteman, on a 1928 track called “Mississippi Mud”. Her career flourished mainly on the radio. Taylor put in appearances on Bing Crosby’s show, and even appeared on Broadway and in a short film. These successes would draw to a halt at the end of World War II. She would retire into private life, passing away in 1988. It is comforting to note she got to live a full life, not tainted by any of the vices that all too often accompanied the music industry of the 1920s and 1930s.

The song is an ode to lovebirds staying up late with one another. Lyrically, this song is not too far off from the territory of a song like “Baby its Cold Outside” where the singer grapples with the need to leave their lover due to fatigue or another commitment. This singer doesn’t have the weather to blame, she simply feels that her lover’s company is “heavenly”.  So it comes to pass that the dawn is breaking as the lovers are saying goodnight. Taylor notes that her lover’s eyes are “twice as bright” as stars and moon. She then goes on to list the hours that have flown by since she “should have” said goodbye. Whiteman’s instrumentals cut in for a brief interlude, but quickly switch back to Taylor. Once she completes her portion, the orchestra gets a lengthy outro, playing back the melody. The melody itself is catchy, so Whiteman’s orchestra takes few opportunities to stray from its course. Why should they, with such strong material? They are able to match Taylor’s energy, and both emerge the better for it.