Norm Posted September 30, 2009 Report Posted September 30, 2009 I was just checking out the track listing for Freddie Hubbard's Red Clay for the first time and noticed that he covered John Lennon's "Cold Turkey" This gave me an idea for a thread. What particular songs that originate from the genre of pop / rock have fared best when covered by jazz musicians (maybe taken to a level beyond that of the original). Of course, feel free to mention the worst as well. Quote
save0904 Posted September 30, 2009 Report Posted September 30, 2009 (edited) I really like Prince Diamond and Pearls jazzified by the Marcin Wasilewski Trio on their album January Edited September 30, 2009 by save Quote
Hot Ptah Posted September 30, 2009 Report Posted September 30, 2009 I have always had a soft spot for the Cecil Taylor Unit's version of "We've Only Just Begun." Jimmy Lyons, in my opinion, took that song AWAY from Karen Carpenter. Quote
king ubu Posted September 30, 2009 Report Posted September 30, 2009 The worst has to be "Yesterday"... while "Yesterdays" is a pretty nice one... some guys like Cole Porter and Irving Berlin wrote some nice pop songs... Seriously: Joshua Redman did a disc experimenting with that, it's not all bad... (he already did a sweetish duo with Metheny on "Wish", that was a rock song as well but I'm too lazy to look up what it was). Brad Mehldau chose some good ones, I think (but I've lost interest in his music around 2001 or 2002 and stopped following what he does). How's Herbie Hancock's "New Standard"? It's been "original"-ised by now, but I'm still doubtful I'd like it (I don't like Michael Brecker). The other way 'round I like Björk's take on "Someone in Love" on Debut. It's been ages that I've played it though (I guess 2001/2002-ish as well). I though of her because Wasilewski's mentioned above - didn't he do a Björk cover as well? Quote
The Magnificent Goldberg Posted September 30, 2009 Report Posted September 30, 2009 The worst has to be "Yesterday"... while "Yesterdays" is a pretty nice one... some guys like Cole Porter and Irving Berlin wrote some nice pop songs... Yes, indeed. And Hoagy Carmichael, too. I'm pretty sure Norm doesn't mean Great American Songbook stuff, although that's deflintely pop. If we stick to the sixties and later, we'll probably get somewhere near what Norm wants. Except I don't know if he means to include black pop or not. A lot of black pop does very well in jazz as they're not too far apart in the first place. Let's say People get ready A change is gonna come Shake Ain't that peculiar Sookey sookey Let the music take your mind Slippin' into darkness Inner city blues What's goin' on Papa's got a brand new bag Ain't it funky now Sing a simple song Who's gonna take the weight Love the life you live (Your love is) so doggone good Papa was a rolling stone Endless love Living for the inner city Higher ground Don't you worry 'bout a thing All in love is fair (four from one LP!) In the heat of the night Secret agent man Concrete jungle I no get eye for back When a man loves a woman Goin' out of my head Barefootin' Cissy Strut Ain't no sunshine Doctor Feelgood Just my imagination Young, gifted and black Theme from Shaft See? There's plenty. MG Quote
danasgoodstuff Posted September 30, 2009 Report Posted September 30, 2009 I like GG's take on "Hurt So Bad", HM's "Goin' Out of My Head", JP's "Ain't That Peculiar", ST's "Ain't No Way", "Can't Buy Me Love" and lots of others, Pharogh Sanders/Ed Kelly's "You Send Me", BF's "Live to Tell", etc. Not so much HH's New Standard, seemed kinda forced...why make something comntemporary sound like "Gingerbread Boy". Heard a nice swinging "The Night Before", but can't remember who it was... Lots of good versions of Burt so Bad's tunes "House is Not a Home" by SR fer example... I'd like to do a DGS Plays the Drifters album, but don't know if I'll ever be up to it. Quote
papsrus Posted September 30, 2009 Report Posted September 30, 2009 Bad Plus -- Everybody Wants to Rule the World Quote
Bright Moments Posted October 1, 2009 Report Posted October 1, 2009 miles got a lot of mileage out of the lauper tune "time after time" Quote
Niko Posted October 1, 2009 Report Posted October 1, 2009 i really like Brad Mehldau's version of River Man and Grant Green's I want to hold your hand... Quote
king ubu Posted October 1, 2009 Report Posted October 1, 2009 Here's a fun one: Up Up and Away - Plays The Hits Of Jimmy Webb (Jazz Club) Kurt Edelhagen 1. Up, Up And Away 2. By The Time I Get To Phoenix 3. Didn't We 4. Galveston 5. Where's The Playground, Susie 6. Evie 7. Sunshower 8. MacArthur Park 9. Honey Come Back 10. If You Must Leave My Life 11. Wichita Lineman and one more: Motions & Emotions (Remastered Anniversary Edition) [Original Recording Remastered] Oscar Peterson (w/Claus Ogerman) 1. Sally's Tomato 2. Sunny 3. By The Time I Get To Phoenix 4. Wandering 5. This Guy's In Love With You 6. Wave 7. Dreamsville 8. Yesterday 9. Eleanor Rigby 10. Ode To Billy Joe "Ode to Billie Joe"... I just love that one! And "Eleanor Rigby" is quite cool, too... I once subbed in a big band and my only solo spot (second alto) was on that one... it was arranged in 6/8 and more or less over blues changes. Booker Ervin tackles some goods stuff on "Booker'n'Brass" (arranged by Teddy Edwards), including "I Lost My Heart in San Francisco"... (and he does one of Hoagy's fine tunes, "Baltimore Oriole" - I love Hoagy, MG! Thought of adding him to the list, but somehow has more of a singer/songwriter than a pop-tunesmith I think). Quote
sonnymax Posted October 1, 2009 Report Posted October 1, 2009 The worst has to be "Yesterday"... while "Yesterdays" is a pretty nice one... some guys like Cole Porter and Irving Berlin wrote some nice pop songs... Yes, indeed. And Hoagy Carmichael, too. I'm pretty sure Norm doesn't mean Great American Songbook stuff, although that's deflintely pop. If we stick to the sixties and later, we'll probably get somewhere near what Norm wants. Except I don't know if he means to include black pop or not. A lot of black pop does very well in jazz as they're not too far apart in the first place. Let's say People get ready A change is gonna come Shake Ain't that peculiar Sookey sookey Let the music take your mind Slippin' into darkness Inner city blues What's goin' on Papa's got a brand new bag Ain't it funky now Sing a simple song Who's gonna take the weight Love the life you live (Your love is) so doggone good Papa was a rolling stone Endless love Living for the inner city Higher ground Don't you worry 'bout a thing All in love is fair (four from one LP!) In the heat of the night Secret agent man Concrete jungle I no get eye for back When a man loves a woman Goin' out of my head Barefootin' Cissy Strut Ain't no sunshine Doctor Feelgood Just my imagination Young, gifted and black Theme from Shaft See? There's plenty. MG what are the jazz versions of these tunes? Quote
Noj Posted October 1, 2009 Report Posted October 1, 2009 Searched my iPod for covers of MG's list... Big John Patton "Ain't That Peculiar" George Benson "Ain't That Peculiar" Grant Green "Ain't It Funky Now" Jimmy McGriff "Ain't It Funky Now" Ramsey Lewis "Slippin' Into Darkness" The Dayton Sidewinders "Slippin' Into Darkness" Melvin Sparks "Who's Gonna Take The Weight" Reuben Wilson "Inner City Blues" Monty Alexander "Inner City Blues" Marc Moulin "Inner City Blues" Brother Jack McDuff "Ain't No Sunshine" Eddy Senay "Ain't No Sunshine" Harlem Underground Band "Ain't No Sunshine" Big John Patton "Cissy Strut" Sugarman Three "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" Little Beaver "Just My Imagination" Grant Green "Let The Music Take Your Mind" The Budos Band "Sing A Simple Song" The Noble Knights "Sing A Simple Song" Wayne Henderson "People Get Ready" Weldon Irvine "What's Goin' On" El Chicano "What's Goin' On" Jackie Mittoo "What's Goin' On" Quote
king ubu Posted October 1, 2009 Report Posted October 1, 2009 I have to add: when Shirley Horn did "Yesterdays > Yesterday" in concert, back in around 2001 (she was still playing piano as well, Charles Ables had just died... she was with Steve Novosel-b and Steve Williams-d), it was magical! But that concert was one of the most enjoyable ones I've heard yet! Quote
The Magnificent Goldberg Posted October 1, 2009 Report Posted October 1, 2009 The worst has to be "Yesterday"... while "Yesterdays" is a pretty nice one... some guys like Cole Porter and Irving Berlin wrote some nice pop songs... Yes, indeed. And Hoagy Carmichael, too. I'm pretty sure Norm doesn't mean Great American Songbook stuff, although that's deflintely pop. If we stick to the sixties and later, we'll probably get somewhere near what Norm wants. Except I don't know if he means to include black pop or not. A lot of black pop does very well in jazz as they're not too far apart in the first place. Let's say People get ready - Wayne Henderson & Freedom Sounds A change is gonna come - Jack McDuff, David Newman Shake - John Patton, Stanley Turrentine Ain't that peculiar - John Patton, Reuben Wilson, Groove Holmes, Grasella Oliphant, George Benson Sookey sookey - Grant Green Let the music take your mind - Grant Green Slippin' into darkness - Rhoda Scott (plus Noj's list) Inner city blues - Grover Washington Jr, Reuben Wilson What's goin' on - Johnny Hammond Smith, Gene Ammons, Jimmy McGriff, Bernard Purdie, Willis Jackson, Houston Person Papa's got a brand new bag - Jimmy Smith Ain't it funky now - Grant Green Sing a simple song - Charles Earland (+ Noj list) Who's gonna take the weight - Sparks Love the life you live - Sparks (Your love is) so doggone good - Sonny Stitt Papa was a rolling stone - Jug, Les McCann Endless love - Jimmy Smiff, Hank Crawford Living for the inner city - Caesar Frazier Higher ground - Johnny Hammond Smith, Jimmy Ponder Don't you worry 'bout a thing - Hank Crawford, Sonny Criss All in love is fair (four from one LP!) - Hank Crawford, Harlem Arts Ensemble In the heat of the night - Hank Crawford Secret agent man - Secret Agent Men (feat Lonnie Smith & Bob Kenmotsu) Concrete jungle - David Newman I no get eye for back - Houston Person When a man loves a woman - Shirley Scott (x2), Hank Crawford, Houston Person, Dan Papaila, Eddie Harris, Bernard Purdie, Billy Larkin & Delegates Goin' out of my head - Wes Montgomery, Les McCann (x2), Jack McDuff Barefootin' - John Patton Cissy Strut - Houston Person, John Patton Ain't no sunshine - Grover Washington Jr, Boogaloo Joe Jones, Bernard Purdie, Willis Jackson Doctor Feelgood - Jimmy McGriff, Stanley Turrentine Just my imagination - Godfathers of Groove (R Wilson, G Green Jr, B Purdie), Houston Person etc Young, gifted and black - Houston Person Theme from Shaft - Bernard Purdie (x2), Jimmy McGriff See? There's plenty. MG what are the jazz versions of these tunes? Off the top of my head, without trying an exhaustive search, I've edited the list above to put in some jazz versions. Quote
Chas Posted October 2, 2009 Report Posted October 2, 2009 Lionel Hampton - Saturday Night Jazz Fever : an album-length cover of the Bee Gees' soundtrack ; can't believe Mike Nock and John Scofield didn't use pseudonyms . Doesn't reach the so-bad-it's-good level for me . Maybe some day , but not today . Lionel Hampton - Grease : see comment above . Maynard Ferguson - Carnival & Conquistador , containing covers of the following : Theme From Star Wars : jazz content is nil , crummy guitar solo ; prefer Groove Holmes' version Theme From Rocky : again , instrumental pop not jazz ; again , Holmes' version is better Theme From Battlestar Galactica : backing vocals , disco beat and sound effects sink this one Baker Street : more cheeseball backing vocals and an unimaginative rendition Theme From Star Trek : Bobby Militello's flute solo makes this one the best of a bad bunch Richard Groove Holmes - Star Wars/Close Encounters : this album not only contains strangely listenable covers of the themes from Star Wars , Rocky , and The Spy Who Loved Me , but also harder-to-sit-through covers of You Light Up My Life and Carry On Wayward Son ( yes , that one ) !! Thankfully no backing vocals on this one , and Holmes' solos are good enough to make this album a guilty pleasure . Quote
The Magnificent Goldberg Posted October 2, 2009 Report Posted October 2, 2009 Richard Groove Holmes - Star Wars/Close Encounters : this album not only contains strangely listenable covers of the themes from Star Wars , Rocky , and The Spy Who Loved Me , but also harder-to-sit-through covers of You Light Up My Life and Carry On Wayward Son ( yes , that one ) !! Thankfully no backing vocals on this one , and Holmes' solos are good enough to make this album a guilty pleasure . Yes, it's a pretty decent LP on Versatile. Versatile also made an album of Cornell Dupree, called "Saturday night fever" and that was extremely boring. MG Quote
crisp Posted October 2, 2009 Report Posted October 2, 2009 The worst has to be "Yesterday" Although Lee Morgan did a lovely version on Delightful-Lee, with Johnny Smith's on his eponymous Verve album not far behind. Quote
king ubu Posted October 5, 2009 Report Posted October 5, 2009 The worst has to be "Yesterday" Although Lee Morgan did a lovely version on Delightful-Lee, with Johnny Smith's on his eponymous Verve album not far behind. I actually just heard the original version again (from the mono box) and it is a lovely tune... it's just been played to death by too many mediocre musicians all over the place... Quote
randyhersom Posted October 6, 2009 Report Posted October 6, 2009 Alex Skolnick's stuff is fun even though I didn't know half the tunes. Always had a soft spot for Ira Sullivan's Norwegian Wood and Michael Howell's solo acoustic guitar Creepin' (Steve Wonder). And the Bad Plus do nicely by Rush's Tom Sawyer. Quote
clifford_thornton Posted October 7, 2009 Report Posted October 7, 2009 Mal Waldron does a nice "Eleanor Rigby." Quote
Royal Oak Posted October 7, 2009 Report Posted October 7, 2009 (edited) Been listening to a lot of late-60s Prestige albums, many of which contain jazz versions of rock/pop songs. Off the top of my head I could think of 3 good ones: Charles McPherson - "My Cherie Amour" Illinois Jacquet - "For Once In My Life" - a sad-sounding rendition to my ears. Sonny Criss did a few, but "Sunny" is terrific. As I remember, Bobby Hebb's original was quite a laid-back groove, but Sonny and Cedar Walton turn it into something altogether more intense. Edited October 7, 2009 by rdavenport Quote
AndrewHill Posted October 8, 2009 Report Posted October 8, 2009 The Bad Plus' "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and "Iron Man" suit me fine. Lonnie Smith's Eleanor Rigby's cool too. Quote
BeBop Posted October 8, 2009 Report Posted October 8, 2009 (edited) For me, I'll join the chorus singing the praises of The Bad Plus. Add to those already mentioned: We Are the Champions Heart of Glass Not to fond of the offerings on the vocal album (For All I Care), though there are some nice pop/rock tunes there: Lithium, Comfortably Numb, How Deep Is Your Love, Barracuda Edited October 8, 2009 by BeBop Quote
_forumlogo.png.a607ef20a6e0c299ab2aa6443aa1f32e.png)
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.