Today's look at George Gershwin's Summertime has us digging up one of the most unique takes on the classic song. It hails from 1966 and appeared on the blues label, Chess Records. It's by scat-soul singer and all around unique showman, Billy Stewart. Two versions of this song were released. A single, which became a minor hit, and this version, the longer album version. This longer version includes more scat, more sax and more crispy good Summertime love. Click here to listen to Billy Stewart's remarkable take on Summertime. We'll see you tomorrow with another very different version of the song. Until then, cheers.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Song of the Week: "Summertime", Billy Stewart
Today's look at George Gershwin's Summertime has us digging up one of the most unique takes on the classic song. It hails from 1966 and appeared on the blues label, Chess Records. It's by scat-soul singer and all around unique showman, Billy Stewart. Two versions of this song were released. A single, which became a minor hit, and this version, the longer album version. This longer version includes more scat, more sax and more crispy good Summertime love. Click here to listen to Billy Stewart's remarkable take on Summertime. We'll see you tomorrow with another very different version of the song. Until then, cheers.
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Love this version. Unlike the other ones, not moody at all. Upbeat. Totally gets me going. First introduced to this song by a friend in college and frankly seemed to hear it every other day and every dance party of his in the late 80s. For me its synonymous with him and those days.
ReplyDeleteAre they different takes, the single and album version?
You were actually first introduced to this version in 1984 in London. I bought a double album called Purple Hearts From Pastures Gone. It was a Various Artist album highlighting "mod classics". Yes, the shorter version seems to me to be a different take all together. You can hear it here in this amazing video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRGeHRDBPYw
ReplyDeleteI remember the album but don't recall hearing this song at the time. I actually recall you being unimpressed with the Stewart version in the 80s. Either your tastes have improved or I'm misremembering once again.
ReplyDeleteProbably a little bit of both. But I think I liked it well enough.
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