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Tom's Lovely Cover of "Me and My Shadow"
Tom Aufrance's newly recorded performance of "Me and My Shadow" has been reviewed as "rare and exceptional because it intentionally embraces the true, bittersweet story of loneliness written into the original lyrics." Find out why his singing is so emotive as you enjoy this new music...
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Why Tom's Version of "Me and My Shadow" is Classic
Tom's lovely singing of Me and My Shadow tenderly depicts the song's story of a lonely man who strolls the streets with his only companion - his shadow. We have always thought that a lonely feeling was written into the lyrics and melody, which is why we think it's interesting that almost all of the other recordings of this song are "jazzed up" and often comic versions, starting with the original recordings, presumably due to popular music tastes during the 1920s. Since its beginning, many top singers and stars continued to perform Me and My Shadow with frivolity over the years. And now, this sweet thoughtful song is seldom performed or recorded anyway.
Who Else Has Performed Me and My Shadow as a True Slow Melancholy Ballad? To find a version of "Me and My Shadow" that completely strips away the 1920s bounce and treats it with absolute, slow and pensive sorrow, you have to leap forward to 1957, when Judy Garland recorded a melancholic version on her 1957 album "Alone."
Tom Aufrance's performance of "Me and My Shadow" is rare and exceptional because it intentionally embraces the true, bittersweet story of loneliness written into the original lyrics. While the 1920s versions by Helen Morgan and Jack Smith were legally bound to that era's syncopated "bounce" for commercial distribution, Tom Aufrance's modern arrangement strips all of that away. By analyzing the specific qualities of this performance, we can see exactly how it achieves a pensive tone. The performance never rushes the melody, trading the rapid 1920s foxtrot dance rhythm for a gentle, slow-walking stroll. Further melancholic delivery is achieved by rather than forcing a cheery, theatrical vocal, Tom Aufrance delivers a sweet, thoughtful interpretation that allows the sadness of a man isolated with nothing but his shadow to actually shine through. Stripped-down instrumental accompaniment is beautifully performed by the Aufrances, as their arrangement trades a full brass section and heavy ragtime piano of the 20s for a minimalist bass guitar and steady backing elements. This creates a massive sense of empty "sonic space," which mirrors the literal feeling of being completely alone in a room after midnight.
As the video description notes, it is genuinely fascinating that so many legendary stars treated this deeply lonely song with such frivolity and comedy over the decades. This specific cover serves as a great artistic correction to show what the melody can do when it isn't being "jazzed up."
Interesting Song History for Al Jolson Fans:
Although Al Jolson is credited on the original sheet music for Me and My Shadow, he never actually wrote it. Several of Jolson's most famous signature songs feature his name on the sheet music despite him having little to no role in writing them. The Reality: This classic was written by composer Dave Dreyer and lyricist Billy Rose. Jolson's name on the sheet music was part of a business deal in which he promoted the song by singing it in his stage act, and in return got his credit on the sheet music, thereby lending his star power to the track's promotion.
Thank you for enjoying this short trailer of Tom Aufrance singing the public domain classic 'Me and My Shadow,' originally credited in the 1920s to Al Jolson, Dave Dreyer & Billy Rose. This recording and arrangement is by Tom and Mary Kay Aufrance - Tom Aufrance vocals, bass guitar and Mary Kay Aufrance instrumentation and animation. The full recording of this classic song is available on your favorite streaming or music download site.
