Introduction
There is a specific kind of magic that occurs when an artist deeply rooted in the gold standard of modern showmanship reaches backward to embrace the foundational roots of American popular music. For decades, Barry Manilow has been celebrated as the master of the sweeping, grand romantic pop anthem. Yet, beneath the soaring crescendos of his massive seventies hits lies the beating heart of a true student of the Great American Songbook. This profound reverence for the past found its ultimate expression in his 1994 masterwork album, Singin’ with the Big Bands. Among the glittering gems of that collection, Manilow’s stunning interpretation of the classic standard “I Can’t Get Started” stands out as a cinematic masterclass in narrative singing, instantly transporting the listener to a smoky, velvet-draped nightclub from a bygone era.
Written by Vernon Duke with brilliant lyrics by Ira Gershwin in 1936, “I Can’t Get Started” has been interpreted by everyone from Bunny Berigan to Frank Sinatra. The song is brilliant because of its ironic emotional core: a narrator who has achieved the pinnacle of worldly success—flying around the world, settling revolutions in Spain, charting the North Pole—yet remains utterly powerless and defeated when it comes to winning the heart of the one they love. When Manilow steps up to the microphone to inhabit this character, he brings a unique blend of vulnerability and theatrical charisma that breathes fresh, lived-in humanity into every single line. He does not just sing the lyric; he acts it out with a subtle, self-deprecating warmth that makes the protagonist completely endearing.
The atmosphere of the track is incredibly rich, heavily influenced by the impeccable production team that brought it to life. Produced alongside the legendary Phil Ramone, the track deliberately pays homage to the legendary 1937 swing arrangement by trumpet pioneer Bunny Berigan. To capture that exact vintage authenticity, Manilow collaborated with jazz veteran Dick Hyman, whose brilliant, swing-era-authentic arrangement guides the session. The gorgeous, crying trumpet lines that weave seamlessly throughout Manilow’s vocals are provided by the exceptional Warren Luening, directly mirroring the iconic, note-for-note phrases of Berigan’s classic recording. This meticulous attention to historic detail creates an evocative sonic landscape where the past and present blur beautifully together.
As the music swells, Manilow’s voice carries the smooth, comforting weight of a seasoned storyteller who understands that true heartbreak is often wrapped in a gentle smile. The big band brass section provides a rich, brassy texture that feels warm and alive, a stark contrast to the sterile digital sounds of the modern era. Listening to this recording is like watching a classic black-and-white film noir where the rain-slicked streets reflect the neon lights of New York City. It reminds us of a time when popular music required absolute craftsmanship, where every instrument was played by hand and every vocal take held a piece of the artist’s soul. “I Can’t Get Started” is not merely a cover song; it is a heartfelt love letter to the timeless art of big band storytelling, preserved perfectly by a living legend who knows exactly how to make the past feel completely present.