This week, I’ve had João Gilberto’s version of “Manhã de Carnaval” #OnRepeat. This is one of my favorite Bossa Nova standards and is my favorite version of this song.

João Gilberto is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Bahia, Brazil and many of his recordings in the 1950’s are associated with the creation of the genre of Bossa Nova, along with Antonio Carlos Jobim, and Vinicius de Moraes. Some of his most well-known recordings are “Chega de Saudade,” “The Girl From Ipanema,” and “Desafinado.”

“Manhã de Carnaval” was composed by Luiz Bonfá and the lyrics were written by Antônio Maria. The English version of the song is also well-known (“The Day in the Life of a Fool”), though the lyrics aren’t as poetic or profound. It was used as the theme song for the 1959 film, Orfeu Negro (Black Orpheus), which was directed by French director, Marcel Camus and was entirely in Portuguese. The film is based off the Greek tragedy of Orpheus and Eurydice, but was set in Brazil. “Manhã de Carnaval” became internationally popular because of the film and even won an Academy Award in 1960.

Gilberto’s version of “Manhã de Carnaval” is my favorite particularly because of the arrangement–a long introduction with violins before João comes in–and because of Gilberto’s performance of the song. Gilberto’s voice has the common characteristics associated with the Bossa Nova style, such as straight-tone singing, yet he brings so much taste to the version. His choice of inflection on certain words and phrases in the lyrics and his use of vocal color (changing the timbre of his voice slightly for dramatic effect) makes his performance of this song both beautiful and interesting.

Listen below:

Do you guys like this version of this song? Is there a singer that you think performs a standard very well? Leave a comment below!

This week, I’ve had Aaron Neville’s “Tell It Like It Is” #OnRepeat. I’ve been finding lately with a lot of the singers (who are performing more R&B, Jazz, Funk, Pop music) out there, recently, that they have elements of some of the original R&B and Soul singers in their music and performance; they may not be aware because these singers have become such a part of our musical culture that it’s almost second nature to see these elements now. While I was making these connections, I rediscovered this song.

Aaron Neville is a singer, songwriter from New Orleans whose music blends Soul, R&B, Funk, Gospel, Blues, Country, and Jazz music. Some of his most well-known hits (other than “Tell It Like It Is”) are “Don’t Know Much,” “Everybody Plays The Fool,” and “All My Life.”

“Tell It Like It Is” is a song told from the perspective of a guy who wants a woman to stop playing around with his emotions. Neville’s classic high, soulful voice gives the song an edge of playfulness, although the lyrics have more of a serious undertone. My mom is a huge fan of Neville’s voice and music because of that playful and tender element that you hear in his performance style and vocal timbre. Take a listen below:

So what do you think? Can you hear elements of Aaron Neville in other popular singers today? Leave a comment below!

This week, I’ve had Gregory Porter and guests version of “Purple Rain” #OnRepeat. This version was aired on the television show Later. . . with Jools Holland on BBC Two. As many of you have heard, Prince passed away last week and there have been many tributes to Prince’s life and music. However, this version stands out to me because of Greg’s performance style.

Prince was a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, producer, and actor. He was known for his stage presence and performance style, his songwriting style, his hair, extravagant costumes, and makeup. If you’re like me, you grew up listening to classics such as “When Doves Cry,” “Raspberry Beret,” and “Little Red Corvette.” His music blended Rock’n’Roll, Electronic, Funk, Blues, Pop, and R&B elements, creating his own unique sound.

Gregory Porter brings a whole new level of subtlety and soul to this version of “Purple Rain;” something that Prince didn’t really have. Prince was always flamboyant and sexy–songs became statements. When Porter performs the song, however, it appears to be more intimate–he performs as if he’s merely speaking to a friend; something that is very reminiscent of Jazz and the Blues. Listen to his version below:

I have also included Prince’s version of “Purple Rain” so you can hear the differences in performance style and approach. Listen below:

What do you guys think? Are there any cover versions of songs that you just can’t stop listening to? Leave a comment below!

This week, I’ve had Stacey Kent’s  version of “The Very Thought of You” #OnRepeat. I heard her album, Tenderly, at work the other day and ever since, I can’t stop singing this song.

Stacey Kent is a Grammy-nominated Jazz singer and guitarist. She has recorded nine albums and has received several awards in France for her creative contributions. Kent also sings in Portuguese and French. Some of her well-known songs are “Postcard Lovers,” “The Ice Hotel,” and “Tenderly.”

“The Very Thought of You” is a Jazz standard written in the 1930s by Ray Noble and is a song about how the very thought of someone makes you not act normal because of how in love you are with that other person. The song has been performed by many different vocalists, but Kent brings a new level of intimacy to the song. What Kent’s voice lacks in vibrato and power, she makes up for in performance style. It’s always refreshing to listen to different types of voices and I’m glad that I happened to come across Stacey Kent.

Take a listen below:

Have you heard of Stacey Kent? Do you like her music? Leave a comment below and let us know!

This week, I’ve had Ella Fitzgerald’s version of “Cry Me a River” #OnRepeat. This song is what a lot of people consider a jazz standard and there are many singers who have covered this song, but this version happens to be my favorite.

“Cry Me a River” was written by Arthur Hamilton in 1953 and was made famous by Julie London’s recording in 1955. The song’s lyrics center around the phrase, “cry me a river,”  and talk about someone who has been hurt by another, only to have that same person turn around and want them back (confusing?). Some other singers who have performed this standard are Diana Krall, Michael Bublé, and Etta James.

Ella’s version of “Cry Me a River” really showcases her ability to improvise within a given key. Ella is known for her use of “scatting” (improvising on random syllables), but her range is also something that makes her such a vocal powerhouse. This version of “Cry Me a River” is a great example of Ella’s wide range as well. I am always reminded of horn players whenever I listen to Ella sing; so much swing, great melodic ideas and phrasing. Take a listen below:

What do you guys think of Ella’s version? Leave a comment below!

This week, I’ve had Michael Jackson’s “I Can’t Help It” #OnRepeat. I actually heard a great version of this song at a jam session this week, which made me go seek out the original.

I remember as a little girl, I would always watch videos of the Jackson Five on MTV and VH1 (do the channels even exist anymore?) and be constantly freaked out by Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video. As I got older, however, and more involved in music, songs like “I Can’t Help It” became more and more interesting to listen to. The way that Michael sings, his inflections, his song writing and singing style, and of course, his dancing have made him an international icon still to this day.

“I Can’t Help It” is written by Stevie Wonder (which would explain the catchy melody and harmony) and is one of the tracks off Michael Jackson’s hit album, Off the Wall, released in 1979. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Michael Jackson, he is pop singer, song writer, and dancer who was originally a part of the family group, the Jackson Five, as a child. Some well-known songs you might know are “Rock With You,” “Man in the Mirror,” and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.” The catchy melody combined with Michael’s lyrical phrasing and characteristically smooth vocals makes this one of my favorite Michael Jackson songs.

Take a listen below:

Do you have a favorite Michael Jackson song that you always listen to? Leave a comment below!

This week, I’ve had Aretha Franklin’s “I Never Loved A Man (The Way That I Love You)” #OnRepeat. This is an example of another singer who has a timeless sound; a type of musical taste that transcends different musical genres, making her music relevant almost 50 years later.

Aretha Franklin is a singer, songwriter, and musician who began singing gospel music in her father’s church when she was young. Her music is a blend of Gospel, Pop, R&B, Soul and Jazz music. During the 1960s, Aretha became famous with her recordings of “Respect,” “Think,” and “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman.”

“I Never Loved A Man (The Way That I Love You)” is a song about a woman who loves a man who treats her really bad, but she still stays with him and loves him, despite all of his shortcomings. Aretha has a powerful voice, incredible range and is able to interpret almost any type of music that she comes across in her own unique style that is characteristic of Aretha Franklin. There is so much taste in her inflections, her choice of lyrical and melodic phrasing, and the way she improvises. Take a listen below:

Is there a musician or group that you think has an iconic, timeless sound? Leave a comment below!

This week, I’ve had Etta James’ song, “Something’s Got a Hold on Me,” #OnRepeat. I’ve been listening to Etta James since before I can remember, but I always end up coming back to her music because of her sound and musical taste; she is one of the few singers out there who are timeless to me.

I’ve written about Etta James before, but just for some of you who still haven’t familiarized yourselves with her, Etta James is an American Blues, Jazz, Gospel, and R&B singer. She is associated with the 1960’s record company, Chess Records and implemented Soul and Gospel music into her songs; and was also inducted into the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame in the early 1990s. Some of her well-known songs are “All I Could Do Was Cry,” “At Last” (one I wrote about in a previous post), and “I’d Rather Go Blind.”

The song, “Something’s Got a Hold on Me,” is considered to be one of Etta James’ greatest hits, aside from her countless other hit songs. The song talks about a person who has fallen in love with someone and how it has completely changed how they act, think and feel. The song has a doo-wop and blue-sy feel, and is, in my opinion, one of Etta’s best songs because it really showcases her full range and power of her voice. She has a great way of manipulating her voice, going from a nasal-like,  bright sound to a deep, powerful quality, all the while having a very distinct soulful sound that you don’t find with many singers now.

Take a listen below:

Is there a singer or group that you can’t stop listening to? Leave a comment below!