Abbey Road

TroyK · #1 07-09-2009, 01:16 PM

Recently in another thread, I proclaimed my severe distaste for trying to play Beatles songs as jazz standards, dispite liking some of repeat offenders of this phenom.

So, just to balance out my negativity, let me say that I heard the Abbey Road album for the first time in years today and damn, that was a good album. Specifically Side 2 is just magic. Always thought so, but it was good to get the reminder.

Doesn't mean I think it should be redone as jazz, but credit to a good album where it's due.

Marcus Johnson · #2 07-09-2009, 02:44 PM

That is a fantastic album, and yeah, side 2 is brilliant. It may be that very reason that it's silly to try and jazz it. It's pretty much perfect as is.

George Benson made a stab at it, with his album "The Other Side Of Abbey Road".

Ed Fuqua · #3 07-09-2009, 02:58 PM

Rob Garcia had a band up here called MR.KITE, that was all Beatles (all the time) http://www.robgarcia.com/projects.html

I don't know that they recorded any of that, given the rights issues...

TroyK · #4 07-09-2009, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

I don't know that they recorded any of that, given the rights issues...

Well, Michael Jackson owned the rights, so...

...not that I'm advocating recording jazz-beatles.

I will confess to playing "In My Life" at a gig recently and I didn't hate it, but I didn't call it and in my defense, I was being paid to.

Paul Warburton · #5 07-09-2009, 03:40 PM

I advocate anything that is truly musical........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaoMOJq4-Uk

I like Ron's sound on this clip too.
I like them wacky Aussies (soma them) too.

ctxbass · #6 07-09-2009, 03:51 PM

If you have not heard it, check out the recording "McLemore Avenue" by Booker T. & The MGs. Great instrumental versions of the Abbey Road songs (side two in particular).

bassist1962 · #7 07-09-2009, 07:21 PM

I always felt that Abbey Road had a heavy Blues/Jazz feel to it on several songs just as it sits.

bejoyous · #8 07-10-2009, 07:12 AM

While having nothing to do with bass playing this video of Bobby Mcferrin singing Blackbird is pretty awesome. He is singing three different lines at the same time.

It helped me do the same on bass when I do arrangements and playing solo bass stuff.

Ed Fuqua · #9 07-10-2009, 08:50 AM

And everybody's hip to Mehldau's arrangement of BLACKBIRD, right?

Paul Warburton · #10 07-10-2009, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

And everybody's hip to Mehldau's arrangement of BLACKBIRD, right?

OK...no. Do it. If you must. I am skeered tho.

Ed Fuqua · #11 07-10-2009, 09:59 AM

http://www.amazon.com/Art-Trio-Vol-1/dp/B000002N82

Just a snippet, it doesn't really make it into the blowing. And the hippest part (to me) is the piano cadenza, just some really lovely playing there.

She's Leaving Home

Moon River/Dear Prudence

**Damon Rondeau** · #12 07-10-2009, 10:31 AM

There was a time back in the late 60's, early 70's, when "Yesterday" surpassed "White Christmas" as the most covered tune out there. In an effort to be seen as hip and not out of it, a lot of squares did a lot of fey and barfy Beatles covers. Lawrence Welk Live from Muzak City...

But those days are gone, the whole thing of hip, not hip: it's all history. I've been listening to the lads me whole life long and still find all kinds of valuable nooks and crannies in those 200 or so tunes. Besides, once you start playing 'em you realize so many of those tunes have sophisticated harmonies more in common with "American Songbook" tunes than with other "rock and roll" music.

I love playing Beatles music, usually in an acoustic instrument, alt-country sort of vibe with my long-time musical pals. It's the singing that counts in that music, but there's a lot to dig about Paul's bass parts, too.

Paul Warburton · #13 07-10-2009, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

http://www.amazon.com/Art-Trio-Vol-1/dp/B000002N82

Just a snippet, it doesn't really make it into the blowing. And the hippest part (to me) is the piano cadenza, just some really lovely playing there.

She's Leaving Home

Moon River/Dear Prudence

Thanks, man. Don't wanna get all critiquey and ****, but something about Brad's playing doesn't pull me in. Sorry about the OT.
Anyway, I heart the Beatles.

Ed Fuqua · #14 07-10-2009, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damon Rondeau

In an effort to be seen as hip and not out of it, a lot of squares did a lot of fey and barfy Beatles covers.

Did they play them in fey bars?

**Damon Rondeau** · #15 07-10-2009, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

Did they play them in fey bars?

In fey bars for fey bar-fies.

fred pratt · #16 07-10-2009, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damon Rondeau

In fey bars for fey bar-fies.

They recently celebrated Fey Pride.

boombloom · #17 07-10-2009, 05:49 PM

Jaco did some great slab solo renditions of Blackbird. I know. No upright content here. Sue me.

bassist1962 · #18 07-11-2009, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damon Rondeau

Besides, once you start playing 'em you realize so many of those tunes have sophisticated harmonies more in common with "American Songbook" tunes than with other "rock and roll" music.

That is how I view The Beatles music overall. My wife doesn't like them for that very reason.

I read quite awhile back that they were the most overrated rock band because a lot of their music (particularly the mid period) sounds like Broadway show tunes.

Well - look at who they were influenced by and competing with as writers. 'The lyric of 'Please Please Me' came as a result of John Lennon liking the double use of the word please in a Bing Crosby song. McCartney was into Fred Astaire etc.

As part of my practice routine (when I have time to get some heavy practice in) I run through Abbey Road twice. Once on BG and once on DB. It's a great workout for me.

Jake deVilliers · #19 07-11-2009, 09:10 AM

A great record. Since I gave away all my records many years ago to go travelling I had to Google 'Abbey Road' to remember all the songs on there. Wow, its width is pretty impressive.

I also came across this little gem, a webcam pointed at the crosswalk! http://www.abbeyroad.com/visit/

Treyzer · #20 07-11-2009, 11:40 AM

I remember waiting for this record to come out, buying and sitting around with friends listening to side 2 on a record player. No one said a word. We were so intent on listening. It was and is an incredible musical accomplishment.

Just another note. There was a big music hall tradition in England. People got together in pubs and sang all the popular songs together. Songs like, "A Nightengale Sang In Barkley Square". (sorry for the sp)..

British radio, at least back in that era was WAY different than American radio. British radio would play jazz, rock, classical and R&B all in the same show. Guess they just thought good music was good music regardless of genre. The Beatles grew up listening to all kinds of music and it certainly shows in their writing.