Favourite version of Summertime?

Sneer · 11-24-2011, 07:35 PM

We all know the song Summertime, written by George Gershwin as the opening aria in his opera Porgy and Bess in 1935. It's one of those songs that has the capacity to connect with people on a deeply personal level, irrespective of social class, race or age and, as result of its universal appeal, is the most covered song in musical history, with over 25,000 interpretations to its name.

Original arrangement

So, what's your favourite rendition? Why does this particular version reverbrate with you more so than any other?

I personally love covers by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, The Zombies, Miles Davis, Albert Ayler and Ricky Nelson, but my favourite has to be this:

For me, it's all in Joplin's voice. There's a desperation in the delivery, a call to make the most of those special, almost intangible moments the song encapsulates. It's as if she knew time was running out for her, and she's imploring the listener to glean as much from life as they can, before it's too late. I also love the intro created by the band, and the guitar work is so emotive.

Over to you.

11-24-2011, 07:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
Sneer Let it drip Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 5,397	Favourite version of Summertime? We all know the song Summertime, written by George Gershwin as the opening aria in his opera Porgy and Bess in 1935. It's one of those songs that has the capacity to connect with people on a deeply personal level, irrespective of social class, race or age and, as result of its universal appeal, is the most covered song in musical history, with over 25,000 interpretations to its name. Original arrangement So, what's your favourite rendition? Why does this particular version reverbrate with you more so than any other? I personally love covers by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, The Zombies, Miles Davis, Albert Ayler and Ricky Nelson, but my favourite has to be this: For me, it's all in Joplin's voice. There's a desperation in the delivery, a call to make the most of those special, almost intangible moments the song encapsulates. It's as if she knew time was running out for her, and she's imploring the listener to glean as much from life as they can, before it's too late. I also love the intro created by the band, and the guitar work is so emotive. Over to you. __________________ LastFM Sneer's Emporium of Sound Fright Team radio show Last edited by Sneer; 11-24-2011 at 08:15 PM.