Of all the songs to choose I had a request from a couple who are regulars and friends of the owner in the restaurant where I've been playing. Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Does ,anyone do it and how to not sound corny? Sing, play instrumental, Rhythm used ?
The other is Let's Stay Together. Al Green. I love this song and can't get a handle on it. I sing mostly around the key of G being a,Baritone. I'm thinking maybe the range is too wide for me? Anyone have any success with these? Any thoughts appreciated? Thanks

Over the Rainbow works well with a slow brush swing, or a 12/8 with minimal backing (think "Unchained Melody")
As for the Al Green song, I do it in C with a simple 8 beat pattern, (ala "My Girl") but I add a bass drum on all fours. Gives it more of a drive.

You will find I sound exactly like Judy Garland on this one:
https://app.box.com/files/4/f/0/1/f_96303004958

bill check your email

You could try this ... I have performed it with a Hawaiian style and gotten compliments on it ...

I was denied access

Don't know why, it works for me. It's not that good though!
Let me try again: https://app.box.com/s/sfef4htdotmfikcftcxs83pwa78vs0gm

That one worked ...
Judy is JEALOUS !!! So is Kenny G !!!

I fell in love with Judy Garland when I was just 7 years old, and this song has been with me ever since.

I use a 12/8 style for this one. Over The Rainbow

In my archives, I have a recording of my daughter singing this song, and she does a much better job than I do. Here's her recording of Over The Rainbow using the same style.

Tony, I never really liked that Hawaiian rendition of Over The Rainbow, but maybe it's because I tend to be a traditionalist when it comes to certain songs - especially this one.

Good luck,

Gary

Gary ... I am USUALLY a traditionalist, but I was asked to play the Hawaiian version and got as close as I could ... fortunately the client liked it ...
And that's why they make vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and CHUNKY MONKEY !!!

never cared for the Hawaiian version......

This heart felt rendition of this beautiful song preformed by the great late Eva Cassidy is simply amazing!!!....
the feeling she evokes toward the end gives me chills till this day every time I listen to it.

One of my favorite versions was by Jerry Lee Lewis!!

Heard a little Mason in there every now and again ...
Only Don's was better ...

Yes, Jerry Lee’s version is interesting, especially since he changes the word order. Original version early on says “way up high”. Lewis opens with “blue birds fly”. Second statement of original is “skies are blue”. Lewis sings “way up high”. And, as I recall, in his recorded studio version he sings “above the chimley tops” not “chimney”. But, ol’ Jerry Lee can do anything his way, I suppose. He always has.






,

I've done "Rainbow" in many styles, and I never remember it failing to satisfy the crowd. A good song can do that. Personally, I love doing it on uke in Izzy's style, but I often do it with straight two-handed Rhodes piano. No one remembers the disco version by MECO, huh? They did medleys of Wizard of Oz, and Star Wars ... fun break from the regular din on the dance floor.
I could listen to Eva Cassidy all day. Such a talent.

Thanks all for the input. Definatly given me some ideas to work on.
Nobody does Rainbow like Eva . Period !
The Hawaiian and Jerry Lee versions are interesting. Donny sent me a nice classy version I think I like the best.
AS for the other song, I listened to Dave and went back to trying it in C. I had tried that key before and still had the hardcopy. It will take a bit of work , hard song to sing correctly.
Stay tuned the Roland FP90 has landed
Thanks again everyone

"Let's Stay Together" has a wide vocal range ...
Would love to hear your version, Bill, especially with the new Roland ...
Best of luck with it ...

There are not enough adjectives in the whole dictionary to describe Eva Cassidy when it comes to song interpretation. I've listened to her sing Over the Rainbow repeatedly over the years and never tire of it. You can get lost in that song the way she puts it over.

She does a terrific job on other styles too.



Tragically, she died way too soon!
Eva Cassidy death

You got that one right! Who is playing the piano in the beginning? You....arranger keyboard.......MIDI file.....Liberace?

Wow Donny thanks for posting Eva Cassidy. I had never heard of her. Never heard anyone interpret a song so beautifully. She has a way of suspending the melody over the chord changes that I found mesmerizing. Great post!!!!

God Bless,
Don

Your very welcome Don sadly shes gone RIP but her music lives on.