musicology #510

CoversWeek2 #7

(Bill Withers – Let It Be)

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Final day of the second instalment of the covers theme..yet again there’s too many to choose from so rather than waste precious time deliberating I’m just going to lay this cut on you. Yet another one from themusicologist’s memory banks..Bill Withers 1971 version of the Beatles song Let It Be. Highlighted from his first LP ‘Just As I am’. Produced, arranged and featuring ‘Booker T’ Jones as well as the combined talents of Stephen Stills, Jim Keltner, Bobbye Hall Porter and Al Jackson Jnr. Recorded and released on the Sussex label.

“When I find myself in times of trouble Brother Billy comes to me,
Speaking words of wisdom, Let It Be ohhh Let It Be..”

New theme starts tomorrow…

musicology #509

CoversWeek #6

(Donny Hathaway – Jealous Guy)

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Somewhat of a dilemma over today’s slice..1 artist 2 majestic covers..what one to lay down? Donny’s version of Ray Charles’s ‘I Believe To My Soul’ or John Lennon’s ‘Jealous Guy’ ?? hmmm I think it’s going to be ‘Jealous Guy’. Nothing to choose between them as I said…both top of the ‘covers tree’ but something about this one that resonates stronger with me than ‘I Believe’. Am I a ‘Jealous Guy’…not neccesarily but I know I have been. Is it jealous or insecure? it’s a thin line indeed. Insecure…for sure so in true dialogue style hold this one from Donny’s Live set. Before I finish I just want to add how much I feel the man’s authenticity come through in his music…genuine dialogue between a man and his inner being I believe.

Others of note are Marvin Gaye, of course master John Coltrane, Gil Scott Heron, Terry Callier, Curtis Mayfield, Paul Weller, Dinah washington, Sam Cooke, Billie Holiday…there are others I could add but those are the ones who come immediately to mind without thinking long and hard. Recorded live, (1972), at the Bitter End and featuring Cornell Dupree, Mike Howard, Willie Weeks, Fred White and Earl DeRouen