This week I’ve had Herbie Hancock feat. Corinne Bailey Rae’s “River” #OnRepeat. This song, originally written and performed by Joni Mitchell, has two of my favorite musicians working together, resulting in a simple, yet sweet collaboration. Herbie’s whole album, River: The Joni Letters, pays homage to the great singer-songwriter, Joni Mitchell.
I have to say that Herbie Hancock and Corinne Bailey Rae collaborating together is one of the sweetest musical mixtures that I’ve listened to in awhile. The way that Herbie thinks of harmony seems to fit right in step with Corinne’s range and choice of notes when she improvises. This shows that not only is Herbie a good leader (proven by his countless albums), but that he can be just as powerful as an accompanist for a soloist or singer.
In case you didn’t know who Joni Mitchell is, she is a singer-songwriter who is considered one of the most influential musicians of pop music because of her writing that displays themes of social commentary and environmental ideals. Some of her well-known songs are “Court and Spark,” “Both Sides, Now,” and “Help Me.”
The lyrics for “River” give the air of someone who has made bad choices and wants to be somewhere else. The lyrics are simplistic, yet the message of sadness and longing is conveyed. A portion of the lyrics are below:
“It’s coming on Christmas
They’re cutting down trees
They’re putting up reindeers
And singing songs of joy and peace
Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on
But it don’t snow here
It stays pretty green
I’m going to make a lot of money
And then I’m going to quit this crazy scene
I wish I had a river I could skate away on [. . .]
I hope there is nobody on here that dislikes Herbie Hancock or Corinne Bailey Rae because there will most likely be many more posts about these two, especially if they are working together.
If anyone has any new songs, or musicians to check out, leave a comment below!