One reason that Amy stands out among popular artists is her jazz background, but even jazz singers and instrumentalists step carefully around this song. I don't know of other any popular artist today that has even attempted it. As a contralto, the high notes in the chorus would be a particular challenge for Amy and she ducks them twice, coming in an octave lower. If you don't know the music, you don't even notice, and it's perfectly legal to do this in jazz. On the third try, goes for it; breaking into a falsetto, but holding the notes like the expert singer she is.
The only thing I don't like about this arrangement is the uptempo back up which competes with Amy's soaring vocals. Amy had such fantastic breadth of expression across musical genres, it is truly amazing.
There are so many people who only who know Amy by "Rehab". They don't know what they are missing.
"Round Midnight" was written by the legendary Thelonious Monk, one of the founders of modern "cool" jazz. If his playing seems a little awkward to you, it's not because he doesn't know what he's doing. 88 keys are not enough for Monk, so he finds some new sounds that aren't supposed to be there. Round Midnight is the most recorded jazz standard written by a jazz musician, but even skilled players stick to the "book" version. The "Monk" version is that cool place only a few can access, such as Thelonious himself.
I have no idea, but it just confirms to me that there's a lot left to be discovered about Amy's legacy. She's added her own lyrics and my first impression is that it's another gem. The version that I posted was the only one I've been able to find. Thanks.
I have no idea, but it just confirms to me that there's a lot left to be discovered about Amy's legacy. She's added her own lyrics and my first impression is that it's another gem. The version that I posted was the only one I've been able to find. Thanks.
'Round Midnight was released as a B-side on the Frank Deluxe edition. And Salaam Remi also posted a version of it shortly after her passing. But I do believe there are alot of undiscovered material and I really look forward to it!
"Round Midnight" was written by the legendary Thelonious Monk, one of the founders of modern "cool" jazz. If his playing seems a little awkward to you, it's not because he doesn't know what he's doing. 88 keys are not enough for Monk, so he finds some new sounds that aren't supposed to be there. Round Midnight is the most recorded jazz standard written by a jazz musician, but even skilled players stick to the "book" version. The "Monk" version is that cool place only a few can access, such as Thelonious himself.
Thank you so much for this!
I'd never heard the original and when I did I couldn't even describe the feeling! It was as though the music was going directly to my soul. I just felt....hollow is almost the wrong word but....I just felt completely exposed you could say. It was just so pure!
Steve, you're so right when u speak of her being so broad and she ran the spectrum of genres for sure. She said once in an interview that there is so much to be learned from jazz as a foundation before branching out into other genres and she's right.
I've always loved this song but no matter whom I've heard sing it...Sinatra, Bennett, Mathis, Diane Schuur, Harry Connick Jr....it drags so. I love the uptempo but there is something about the percussion that sounds too canned. I would have liked to have seen the sax come out more because I love the sax arrangement. I love the sexier feel the song has but percussion does dilute that a bit. love her bit of scat in this too.
Salaam had another demo of this that I downloaded and it is slightly different than this and I like it better.
I've often wondered what Amy thought of how this turned out. I know she said she was only about 80% happy w/Frank.
Carly Simon remade an album of some of her earlier classics. I would have loved to have seen Amy redo Frank and do it so she would have been at 100%. would also be interesting to see what it sounded like, as her voice changed since that time.
Amy used to sing 'Round Midnight live at her gigs in Frank Era, I'd love to see some videos. :\
Really? I would love to watch some videos. The same with "Moody's mood..." and "Amy, amy, amy" I always though that she may never sang these songs in concerts...
"When Frank Sinatra sings
It's too much to take
So I sing the standard shit
It pacifies my ache"
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Really? I would love to watch some videos. The same with "Moody's mood..." and "Amy, amy, amy" I always though that she may never sang these songs in concerts...
Me too. I think she never sang "Amy, Amy, Amy" and "Moody's Mood" though.
"Cuz I miss your ginger hair and the way you liked to dress."