“Somewhere Somehow” (2015)

A few months ago, I walked into a fine little bar in Chiang Mai, Thailand, called North Gate Jazz Coop. The band was playing a wonderful, silky smooth jazz piece. I sat down, ordered a beer, and enjoyed the music.

When the band came to the end of the piece, they announced that it was a composition by the late, revered king of Thailand, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej – a piece called “Somewhere Somehow.”

By a King, Fit for a King

The recording at the above link is from the album “A TRIBUTE TO KING OF JAZZ by John di Martino Vol. I.” The album, created as a tribute to the King’s musical talent, featured acoustic rearrangements by di Martino of the king’s compositions.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej

Thailand’s late king was an accomplished musician and a huge fan of jazz. He played the saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, guitar, and piano.

He also composed music, including numerous fine jazz pieces.

Shortly before his coronation in 1950, he started a jazz band, which over the years played throughout Thailand.

In 1964, he received a “Certificate of Bestowal of Honorary Membership” from The University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. _{(Image source)}

John di Martino

Di Martino is a New York-based jazz pianist, producer, and arranger. Owing to his wide range of musical ventures, he has been called a “shape shifter.”

He works prodigiously and travels extensively, and has been nominated for and received numerous awards. _{(Image source)}

Somewhere … Within the lonely wide world

There must be a place

That's cozy, my little world

Somewhere ... Beneath the empty sad sea

There must be a pearl

A treasure that's meant for me

There's a rainbow, Somewhere in the sky

And a skylark whistling up on high

Somewhere ... Along the way that I roam

There must be a girl, and a home

My happy world

Somehow ... Within the lonely wide world

I'll find just the place that’s cozy, my little world

Somehow … Beneath the empty sad sea

I'll find just the pearl

The treasure that's meant for me

I'll find rainbow, Somewhere in the sky.

And a skylark whistling up on high

Somehow ... Along the way that I roam

I'll find just the girl, and the home

My happy world

I will find happiness in this wide world.

Lyrics by H.M.K. Bhumibol Adulyadej, courtesy of Patarasaya Rerkrut – YouTube

Reference – Store.ais.co

Reference – Wikipedia

Reference – Wikipedia

Reference – JohndiMartino.com

note – I could not find a verified source which identified the king as the author of the lyrics. Nor could I discover who had translated them. Any errors in the above categorizations are unintended, and I welcome any information regarding proper credits.

Into your ears … through 5 channels

The various posts are categorized into 5 channels _{(Right-Click to see details)}

         1 – “Music to Your Ears” (MTYE)

         2 – “Cover Versions”

         3 – “Honor Roll”

         4 – “Documentaries”

         5 – “Mock’n’Roll”