Most inappropriate performance of a jazz number.

[Deke]

I was listening to Radio Caroline online, and I've just heard a Bluebeat rendition of 'Moanin'. Truth to tell it wasn't that bad once you get around that rule that says in bluebeat one member of the brass section has to be out of tune, but it just plain sounded wrong. It was like an itch that I couldn't scratch.

On the other hand, I've heard worse. But enough of me...

What's the cruelest thing you've ever heard done to a much loved jazz standard?

[Enforcer]

Not a jazz standard exactly, but Ken Gorelick's gut wrenching treatment of What A Wonderful World is as bad as it gets. The way he played his soulless soprano cheese over the actual recording, plus the nauseating "drum track" he layered over the original part, is worthy of a prolonged caning.

[Capt.W./TX.]

The instrumental version of Clifford Brown's "The Blues Walk" on the Lyle
Lovett & His Large Band album of the 80's. A dumb idea; the album really didn't need it.

(Sounds like Nashville cats sayin' 'look here, we can play jazz, too-we can play anything!')

Probably also might include the Linda Ronstadt/Nelson Riddle version of "Round Midnight"-although, I will give her points for trying (better her than Rod Stewart!); she is one of the more capable & versatile pop vocalists of the 70's. She even was in the entourage Carla Bley put together to record "Escalator Over The Hill" back then-before LR's string of Top 40 hits came raining down.

And then, there's the Herb Alpert & Tiajuana Brass version of "Work Song"
(although it probably made a lot more money for Nat Adderley than Brother Cannonball's versions!)

[Nate Dorward]

Originally Posted by Capt.W./TX.

The instrumental version of Clifford Brown's "The Blues Walk" on the Lyle
Lovett & His Large Band album of the 80's.

Souns like Nashville cats sayin' 'look here, we can play jazz, too-we can play anything!'

Nonsense, it's a perfectly decent rendition.

[Capt.W./TX.]

Actually, I kinda liked that one...

(wonder what Ornette thought about it; he probably liked the royalty checks!).

Maybe the Prime Time Band oughta do it...

[Capt.W./TX.]

Re: post #2

I thought the Armstrong version was one of the lamest things he ever got stuck with in his career (reportedly, he didn't really want to record "Hello, Dolly!" either). I was a bit embarrassed for Pops, like a lot of people. So the Kenny G. version didn't bother me nearly as much.

Thanks to the Kenny G. resurrecton (and the original Satchmo record popping up on TV commercials), we're still stuck with requests for the damn thing on gigs!

The irony here is: one of the co-writers of "It's A Wonderful World" was Bob Thiele, the very same record producer who brought us classic Coltrane (on Impulse) and a lotta other good stuff (Johnny Hodges, Oliver Nelson, et al).

Lester Young was right-we the whores, baby!

[Nathaniel Catchpole]

Sad to say that Sanborn version introduced me to Ornette when I was about 10 or 11.

[mke]

Originally Posted by Nathaniel Catchpole

Sad to say that Sanborn version introduced me to Ornette when I was about 10 or 11.

OTOH, happy to say you were introduced to Ornette at about 10 or 11.

[Enforcer]

Originally Posted by Capt.W./TX.

Re: post #2

I thought the Armstrong version was one of the lamest things he ever got stuck with in his career (reportedly, he didn't really want to record "Hello, Dolly!" either). I was a bit embarrassed for Pops, like a lot of people. So the Kenny G. version didn't bother me nearly as much.

Capt.,

Did you read Pat Metheny's comments about the Gorelick version? He wrote one of the most scathing attacks I've ever read by one artist about another. I think he posted it online, possibly to his own website. It's been a few years, I can't remember where I read it. Someone here undoubtedly will.

[Tanager]

I'm there for you, Larry.

Here

The statement which preceded the previous one, actually

I read both when they first came out, and yeah, Pat actually said all that. I think it's pretty fucking funny, personally.

[Enforcer]

Thanks, Tan! Yeah, that's hilarious. I love it when artists step out of their self conscious box and just let 'er rip. Too many are too worried about exposing themselves to criticism (musicians are very insecure) to really say what they think. Pat had no trouble unloading about this dork.

[mke]

Yeah, but it's a bit like Eminem "dissing" Britney Spears and N'Sync: it's not very risky, now is it?

[clinthopson]

Am I alone in thinking that Joni Mitchell's Mingus disc missed by a mile?

[Enforcer]

Originally Posted by mke

Yeah, but it's a bit like Eminem "dissing" Britney Spears and N'Sync: it's not very risky, now is it?

Good point.

[Richardo Caerleoni]

Years ago- with a previous partner- we stayed at a hotel for the New Year in Poole (Dorset UK)...So far,so good...

But there was also a funeral party there...with the coffin!

So,the guy playing the organ looked around and cut into "Fly Me to the Moon"....bossa nova...

I exploded with laughter (God, I can see it now!!!!)-My then partner said I was bloody tasteless-hey who is tasteless! And that was the end of our wonderful relationship..Bop,dowa dowa dobop dowa do bop etc...She was lovely,we are only now [just]talking...

[Jonathan Sutton]

Vernon Reid's rendition of Brilliant Corners is about as inappropriate a version of a Monk tune as I can imagine; I speculate that he only plays it because it is so notoriously hard to play. It is on his CD Known Unknown, a record I bought and retain solely for the title for reasons that are not worth going into.

[Richardo Caerleoni]

Originally Posted by Tanager

I'm there for you, Larry.

Here

The statement which preceded the previous one, actually

I read both when they first came out, and yeah, Pat actually said all that. I think it's pretty fucking funny, personally.

I've never read this before! Brilliant! Many thanks. RC.

[kedoane]

Originally Posted by Tanager

I'm there for you, Larry.

Here

The statement which preceded the previous one, actually

I read both when they first came out, and yeah, Pat actually said all that. I think it's pretty fucking funny, personally.

Someone who agrees with me about recording with dead people.

Thanks for posting the links.

[sonic1]

No no no nonononono nooooo

Kenny G. soloing over the voice of Armstrong has got to be one of the most audacious (or is it ignorant?) statements made in years. I thought the use of old jazz songs in "acid jazz" remixes was audacious. But Mr. G took the cake. It goes way on top of my list of innappropriate uses of a jazz standard. I don't know how much worse you can get. I would rather hear Ozzy sing "God Bless the Child".

[john williams]

Originally Posted by sonic1

I would rather hear Ozzy sing "God Bless the Child".

Mmmm...that might not be too bad.

[mke]

Actually, French guitarist Nicolas Repac took a Billie Holiday a capella and constructed an accompaniment for it, it's pretty good.

[sonic1]

Originally Posted by JBW

Mmmm...that might not be too bad.

You have a point there. Right when I read your post I heard it...

[cookie]

"Bemsha Swing" as a bossa nova. Nobody you'd know, but I heard it once and it was just plain wrong.

[Deke]

Julie Andrews - My favourite things.

[graypencil]

I once heard Jethro Burns ( of the late Homer and Jethro ) burn the shit outta "Giant Steps".. on mandolin..

Too bad he never recorded it ..

Also, I once heard Roger ( Autumn Leaves tinkletinkletinkletinkletinkletinkletinkletinkle etc )Williams ..give the orange rolling treatment to:

"Round Midnight"

luckily, he never recorded it ..

[Capt.W./TX.]

GP:

Maybe it's time for a 'Jonathan Edwards' version of "Giant Steps"?

I once suggested to the late Mark Franklin that he do a version of "Lush Life"-as a march (he almost gagged; I guess he thought I was serious!)

I guess if I ever want to hear it that way I'll have to write the chart myself.

[cookie]

Oh, great, Cap'n. You mention it and I start hearing it in my mind.

Must...cleanse....inner....ear....

[MRS]

Originally Posted by Capt.W./TX.

GP:

Maybe it's time for a 'Jonathan Edwards' version of "Giant Steps"?

I once suggested to the late Mark Franklin that he do a version of "Lush Life"-as a march (he almost gagged; I guess he thought I was serious!)

I guess if I ever want to hear it that way I'll have to write the chart myself.

I can't get to bed trying to hammer this one out in my head. It comes out like some eerie drone GDR shit replete w/martial cadences.

those COME what MAY places

[GoodSpeak]

Most inappropriate performance of a jazz number.


My Funny Valentine.


It don't matter were it's played/sung...it just ain't right.




What a dirge.












ack

[pollo loco]

You're wrong about "My Funny Valentine," Goodspeak. This Rodgers/Hart tune has a two page review in Alec Wilder's AMERICAN POPULER SONG: THE GREAT INNOVATORS 1900-1950. As well, Carmen McRae, an artist who chose her songs nicely, included it in her CD, CARMEN McRAE SINGS GREAT AMERICAN SONGWRITERS (Decca). The tune may not appeal to you; however, it's a standard with reference to vocalists, as well as to most of us.
PL