The Chambers Brothers > What The World Needs Now
Composed by Hal David & Burt Bacharach
First they cover Memphis with a completely authentic and original voice, then turn around and do just as an amazing job on the Brill Building. What happened to these guys? Why did everyone ignore this album?
Chambers Brothers Week #4
Cover #55
Ballad #44
The Chambers Brothers > In the Midnight Hour
Composed by Wilson Pickett & Steve Cropper
It’s really rare when a cover happily surprises. And grooves hard.
Chambers Brothers Week #3
Cover #54
Lou Donaldson > Ode to Billie Joe
Composed by Bobbie Gentry
“It’s Your Thing” I understand. What else but “Who’s Making Love”? “Say it Loud - I’m Black and I’m Proud” Of course! All perfectly logical Lou covers.
But Ode to Billie Joe?! (And you bet your good gracious butt it’s funky).
What Was That? Week #7
Legends of Soul Jazz #5
Legends of the Saxophone #10
Cover #53
Jerry Douglas > Birdland
Composed by Josef Zawinul
It’s probably that I don’t really know this music (just Alison and Jerry, Alison’s dobro player) that I’m so surprised by the bluegrass cover songs.
What Was That? Week #5
Legends of the Dobro #1
Cover #52
Legends of Bluegrass #2
Ella Fitzgerald > Get Ready
Composed by Smokey Robinson
By the end of the 60s the jazzbos were in a complete panic and would cover anything that would seem to make them relevant again. Luckily, the fear would subside within a couple of years and they great could resume being great.
Here’s the original.
What Was That? Week #1
Legends of Swing #3
Cover #50
Legends of Songwriting #18
Ray Charles > Oh What A Beautiful Morning
Composed by Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II
Can’t help myself, two Ray Charles beauties in one week! I’ve got an irrational RC cover love, this one in particular, in spite of the corny late-Basie charts.
Beautiful Week #5
Legends of Soul #26
Legends of the Piano #9
Legends of Pop #7
Cover #49
Led Zeppelin > I Can’t Quit You Baby
Composed by Otis Rush
I’m not sure that a Led Zep Otis Rush cover would qualify to anyone else as a ballad or even a classic rock power ballad. But, it’s my blog, and I’ll cry if I want to.
Ballads Week #4
Legends of Rock #14
Legends of the Guitar #12
Ballad #33
Cover #48
Jimmy Smith >Li’l Darlin’
Composed by Neal Hefti
I’ve posted a Basie original (I think) version of this tune, and I’ve posted a Jimmy during his peak period. But so what, ya know?
Ballads Week #2
Legends of the Organ #2
Ballad #31
Cover #47
The Jazz Crusaders > Moon River
Composed by Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini
Not surprisingly, jazz musicians love Mancini’s tunes. I mean, Mancini loved jazz musicians.
Songwriters & their Songs Week #6 (Moon River Edition #3)
Legends of Songwriting #15 & 16
Cover #46
Johnny Mercer > Moon River
Composed by Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini
Moon River was one of those rare tunes that it seemed like everyone wanted to touch. So I guess when Hank had a hit with it, Johnny wanted in too.
Songwriters & their Songs Week #5 (Moon River Edition #2)
Legends of Songwriting #15 & 16
Ballad #28
Cover #45
