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'Lover Man' (Oh, Where Can You Be), often called simply 'Lover Man', is a 1941 popular song that is particularly associated with Billie Holiday, for whom it was written.

Billie's version was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1989. Charlie Parker also did a rendition of 'Lover Man', considered by many to be one of his most passionate recordings, during which he was horribly intoxicated. Versions recorded include artists such as Etta James, Dinah Washington, Patti Labelle, Norah Jones, Whitney Houston, Ella Fitzgerald, Julie London, Linda Ronstadt and Sarah Vaughan.

JJen Hawley - Vox, Guitar
Winston Galea - Drums & Percussion
Anthony Norris - Trumpet
Silas Palmer - Piano
Elise Winterflood - Double Bass


REVIEW by PBS (106,7FM Melbourne)

*** Track 4. - "Lover Man" Written by Ram Ramirez, Jimmy Sherman and Jimmy Davis as 'Lover Man (Oh, Where Can You Be?)'.

"Slinky, gorgeous jazzy piece from 1944 written for one of the greatest singers of all time Billie Holiday, this offering instantly has you grabbing at your heart. Such is the sheer beauty of the interpretation. The essence of that original is all here but has been modernised.

"Such a mesmerizing vocal performance that just lifts you up on gossamer wings transporting you instantly into a New York supper club with Miss Billie and orchestra on the band stand.

How do you rightly praise this performance as the charts are absolutely stunning, as is the phrasing. The talent on display here is stratospheric to say the least. This is surely a sixty year old recording ! Come on, you slipped this one in didn't you, just to trick us???"

~ Peter Merrett, PBS 106.7FM, Malt Shop Hop

Lyrics

I don't know why but I'm feeling so sad
I long to try something I've never had
Never had no kissin'
Oh, what I've been missin'
Lover man, oh, where can you be?

The night is cold and I'm so all alone
I'd give my soul just to call you my own
Got a moon above me
But no one to love me
Lover man, oh, where can you be?

I've heard it said
That the thrill of romance
Can be like a heavenly dream
I go to bed with a prayer
That you'll make love to me
Strange as it seems
Someday we'll meet
And you'll dry all my tears
Then whisper sweet
Little things in my ears
Hugging and a-kissing
Oh, what we've been missing
Lover man, oh, where can you be?

I've heard it said
That the thrill of romance
Can be like a heavenly dream
I go to bed with a prayer
That you'll make love to me
Strange as it seems
Someday we'll meet
And you'll dry all my tears
Then whisper sweet
Little things in my ears
Hugging and a-kissing
Oh, what we've been missing
Lover man
Where can you be?

Written by Jimmy Davis, Roger ("Ram") Ramirez, and James Sherman.

Recorded by Decca Label October 4, 1944 and November 8, 1944