Bobby McFerrin – Thinkin’ About Your Body
Always makes me smile. What strikes me is how he use of so much of what he’s got “on him”/in him to make sounds that support the performance – even the breaths he takes. It’s all a solo.
Billie Holliday – Somebody’s On My Mind
One of the truly special vocalists. Conversational in her delivery, she makes it seem effortless. Wow.
“Thinkin’ About Your Body”/ B. McFerrin. He’s really something. The song is just a pleasant ditty with, generously, two lines of lyrics, but it’s eminently listenable/watchable for its 3.5 minutes. I’m sure there are other performers who could do this about as well technically, but it’s his playfulness with the individual elements that really makes it fun. Also one of those rare times the video is crucial to appreciating the track. Wonder what brand of imaginary bass he’s fretting?
I must admit that I typically travel past McFerrin’s music too quickly when I chance across it (explained below). However, giving this a close in listen I must then stand back and give him much respect for the performance skills. Being able to see him “play” adds a lot. He does sound like a whole band.
I think my resistance to McFerrin is less about the music itself and more about the art-house vibe that surrounds it. For whatever reason, I can’t help picturing an SNL sketch where someone is miming those sounds in a funny way, which makes it hard for me to take it as seriously as I probably should.
“Somebody’s on My Mind” by Billie Holliday: Excellent atmosphere. Has a staying power quality to it. One could return often and never tire.
BM – Amazing! He needs to get together with the spoon man
BH- The Original, I can see where The Squirrel Nut Zippers got their influence from
Bobby McFerrin – Thinkin’ About Your Body
Always makes me smile. What strikes me is how he use of so much of what he’s got “on him”/in him to make sounds that support the performance – even the breaths he takes. It’s all a solo.
Billie Holliday – Somebody’s On My Mind
One of the truly special vocalists. Conversational in her delivery, she makes it seem effortless. Wow.
“Thinkin’ About Your Body”/ B. McFerrin. He’s really something. The song is just a pleasant ditty with, generously, two lines of lyrics, but it’s eminently listenable/watchable for its 3.5 minutes. I’m sure there are other performers who could do this about as well technically, but it’s his playfulness with the individual elements that really makes it fun. Also one of those rare times the video is crucial to appreciating the track. Wonder what brand of imaginary bass he’s fretting?
“Thinkin’ About Your Body” by Bobby McFerrin
I must admit that I typically travel past McFerrin’s music too quickly when I chance across it (explained below). However, giving this a close in listen I must then stand back and give him much respect for the performance skills. Being able to see him “play” adds a lot. He does sound like a whole band.
I think my resistance to McFerrin is less about the music itself and more about the art-house vibe that surrounds it. For whatever reason, I can’t help picturing an SNL sketch where someone is miming those sounds in a funny way, which makes it hard for me to take it as seriously as I probably should.
“Somebody’s on My Mind” by Billie Holliday: Excellent atmosphere. Has a staying power quality to it. One could return often and never tire.