This week, as part of my ‘summer re-runs’, I feature Beatles tunes that have been adapted to jazz. Most are exquisitely done; some maybe not so much.
And not only that I interview John Lennon. Okay—not really! What it is is interesting clips from an interview I did with Michael Gagliano, who starred as John Lennon in a London, England tribute show called Let It Be.
Some of the great jazz artists you’ll hear in this podcast are Chick Corea and Hiromi, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Larry Coryell, Herbie Hancock, Interactivo, Jaco Pastorius, Shawn and the Wolf, and Django Bates. And one highlight for me is the beautiful rendition the Canadian folkie Kim Dun does of Blackbird—with a lovely reharmonization of the tune.
Hi Larry. I’m listening and loving the show from Argyll in Scotland. Here’s a suggestion. If you like Blackbird by Paul McCartney listen to the version by Julie Fowlis a Scottish artist from the Gaelic speaking island of Uist. It’s not jazz but for me this is the loveliest version of all.
Thanks
Thanks Denis. A beautiful version alright. Such a poetic language is Gaelic. It’s so encouraging to hear that you can enjoy Discovering Jazz from as far away as Argyll in Scotland. I so appreciate the feedback. P.S. If you feel motivated, I always appreciate ratings or comments on the Apple (itunes) podcast site. Thanks again. -Larry.
Thank you for the very interesting episode Jazz and the Beatles songs,
I just want to recommend a great reharmonising a Beatle piece ( as you nicely described), a song by Kate and Mike Westbrook : she loves you! Enjoy!
Nizar Yassine
Thanks Nizar. I’ll check it out if I can find it.
-Larry
Nice program, really. I have tried to find some of the music without success. Is there a playlist somewhere?
1. Fool on the Hill–Chick Corea& Hiromi
2. Can’t Buy Me Love–Shawn & The Wolf
3. Blackbird–Jaco Pastorius
4. BlackBird—Kim Dunn
5. I Want You (She’s So Heavy)–Interactivo
6. Norwegian Wood–Herbie Hancock
7. All My Lovin’—Duke Ellington
8. Can’t Buy Me Love—Count Basie
9. Strawberry Fields Forever—Django Bates
10. Something—Larry Coryell
You may want to check out Part 2 of Jazz Beatles (episode 20
1. Rain—Steve Marcus
2. And I Love Her–Rashaan Roland Kirk
3. Yesterday—Oscar Peterson
4. Yesterday–Lee Morgan
5. Eleanor Rigby–Dr Lonnie Smith
6. Eleanor Rigby–Chick Corea& Gary Burton
7. Across The Universe . Elizabeth Shepherd & Michael Occipini with Kevin Turcotte
8. You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away–Bill Frisell
9. Here Comes the Sun–Joel Harrison
Thanks for your kind words, Krister. I’m sure you shouldn’t have any trouble finding youtube videos, albums, or cd’s of some of these artists where they perform these songs.
-Larry