.... my negative comments about Whiteman's "Great Day" too harsh. I am surprised myself how little I care for this recording because, ordinarily, I enjoy almost any 1920s Whiteman recording.
As I listened to the recording again, I realize that what bothers me the most is the construction of the melody, rather repetitive. and as you said, Challis tried to keep very close to Youmans' conception, at least in the verse and the first two choruses.