While “researching” a post — ie, listening to music on YouTube — a few weeks ago on Elvin Bishop, I found this tremendous cover of “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” by Morgan James. She seems to specialize in doing covers, and she’s great at it.
Her version is slower than Bishop’s. Slow versions of popular songs — and those done in alternate styles (such as Eric Clapton essentially covering himself on his acoustic version of “Layla”) — tend to add dimensions, nuance and emotional depth to the originals.
The first two examples are courtesy of my brother: Eva Cassidy’s version of The Box Top’s “The Letter” and Cassandra Wilson’s take on Glen Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman.” Two related songs to listen to are John Fahey’s version of Phil Phillip’s “Sea of Love” and his mournful “Steamboat Gwine Round da Bend,” which essentially is very slowed down New Orleans-style music.
Recent Comments