The Jazz Real Book Could It Be You and Victor Silvester
“Could It Be You” and Victor Silvester
“Could It Be You” is a sophisticated Cole Porter composition from the 1943 Broadway musical Something for the Boys. Structured in a 32-bar AABA form in B♭ major, the tune features clever melodic phrasing and inventive harmonic progressions, including ii–V sequences and a seamless modulation to F major. Its logical structure and memorable melody make it accessible for vocalists and instrumentalists alike, while subtle harmonic twists keep it engaging.
Victor Silvester’s version, recorded with his Ballroom Orchestra, brings a unique charm through his signature “strict tempo” style and the innovative “lemonade” dual-piano concept. Featuring pianist Felix King, this technique balances a stride-based lead piano with a continuously improvising second piano, creating a lively, effervescent texture ideal for ballroom dancing. Silvester’s arrangement emphasizes clarity and rhythmic consistency, enhancing the tune’s danceability while retaining its musical sophistication. His version exemplifies how dance orchestras adapted Broadway songs into accessible, rhythmically precise formats for popular audiences.