.
Republican
Vs. Democrat, Male Vs. Female, War Vs. Peace, Light Vs. Dark, Good
Vs. Evil, Man Vs. Machine, Love Vs. Hate, Dog Vs. Cat, Sun Vs. Moon,
Brain Vs. Brawn, Oscar Vs. Grammy, Angel Vs. Demon, Laurel Vs. Hardy,
Beer Vs. Wine, TV Vs. Radio, Pitcher Vs. Batter, Paper Vs. Plastic,
Reality Vs. Fantasy, Yeshua Vs. Beelzebub, Conservative Vs. Liberal,
You Vs. Me, House Vs. Senate, Offense Vs. Defense, Kramer Vs. Kramer,
Spy Vs. Spy, Fischer Vs. Spassky, W.C. Fields Vs. Sobriety, Harold
Gimpy, Jr. Vs. Sheldon J. Pismire, Rock Vs. Paper Vs. Scissors, Islam
Vs. Everything, Singer Vs. Singer, Band Vs. Band...
.
THE
BATTLE OF THE BANDS! (‘BOTB’)
.
Shoop-Shooby
–
Shooby-duh-Dooby-Doop-Dooby-Dooby-Doo-Wah
–
Buh-Doo-Wah!
.
Yes,
it’s time once again for ‘Battle Of The Bands’
(‘BOTB’)
.
Alright,
let’s get on it...
.
.jpg) |
| EUGENE MARTONE VS. JACK BUTLER |
My November 1st BOTB installment was one I'd wanted to do since Day One of the BOTB blogfest. I put it off so long ONLY because I was hoping someone would come along at YouTube and create a better video for the Richie Cole instrumental 'IF EVER I WOULD LEAVE YOU'.
Today's BOTB blog bit is one I've wanted to put together for just as long as the last one. In this case, I held off because I was afraid that pitting two lengthy instrumental Jazz tracks against each other would scare off a lot of voters for good. I'm aware that a lot of people "believe" they do not like Jazz, and I didn't want voters to think long instrumental Jazz compositions would be a regular feature in my future "Battles". I now feel, however, that the BOTB blogfest is sufficiently established so that even if a majority of voters dislike today's offering it won't keep them from returning again to vote on my next "Battle" come December 1st.
I wrote above that a lot of people "believe" they don't like Jazz, and I think that's because a lot of people have a misconception about what Jazz iz or can be. For that reason, I put together a little lesson in 'JAZZ 101' a few days back. If you missed it and are interested in getting a good idea of just how much musical diversity can be found under the label of "Jazz", you can check it out by clicking HERE.
But for those of you who feel you're ready to tackle a monumental Jazz "Battle" right now... here we go...
EDDIE HARRIS was a well known and very innovative Jazz musician who had his hand in a number of projects. You can read about him HERE, if you'd like. The following excerpts come from that Wackypedia page:
Eddie
Harris was an American jazz musician, best known for playing tenor
saxophone and for introducing the electrically amplified saxophone.
He was also fluent on the electric piano and organ. His best-known
compositions are "Freedom Jazz Dance", recorded and
popularized by Miles Davis in 1966, and "Listen Here."
His
first album for Vee Jay, 'Exodus to Jazz', included his own jazz
arrangement of Ernest Gold's theme from the movie 'Exodus'. A
shortened version of this track, which featured his masterful playing
in the upper register of the tenor saxophone, was heavily played on
radio and became the first jazz record ever to be certified gold.
He
had moved from Chicago to Los Angeles in the mid-1970s, and was
responsible for much of the music on the hit TV series, 'The Bill
Cosby Show'.
In that 'Jazz 101' lesson I mentioned above, I recommended a 2-CD set of 30 Classic Jazz tracks. Track 11 on Disc 1 happens to be Eddie's very catchy 2-minute recording of 'EXODUS'.
But today, we are using the aforementioned 'LISTEN HERE' in a "Battle" against a cover version recorded by one of Eddie's really big fans.
First, the original, released in 1968:
'LISTEN HERE' by Eddie Harris
.jpeg) |
| GODZILLA VS. KING KONG |
In 1969, BRIAN AUGER, a big fan of Eddie Harris' music recorded a version of 'LISTEN HERE' in a Jazz Fusion form (meaning, Jazz with some Rock elements).
Auger used two bass players and four drummers on the track. His band did one rehearsal of the song up to the ensemble drum fill point. Then Auger cut the rehearsal short and they recorded the track in just one take. Eddie Harris later told Brian Auger personally that he thought Auger's recording was the best cover of 'Listen Here' that he'd ever heard. Here's that one-take recording:
'LISTEN HERE' by Brian Auger & The Trinity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4rQmY0RWSY
.
.jpg) |
| RIDDLER VS. BATMAN |
.
After voting here, I suggest - actually I insist - you pop over to the blogs of the other 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS' participants to see which songs they have chosen and vote there also. (If their ‘BOTB’ blog bits aren’t posted yet, pour yourself two shots of ‘Grand Marnier’ over ice – do it twice – and then return to their blogsto
.
Voice Your Vote @ ‘FAR AWAY SERIES’ by clicking HERE.
@ ‘TOSSING IT OUT’ by clicking HERE.
@ ‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’ by clicking HERE.
@ ‘DISCCONNECTED’ by clicking HERE.
@ 'BOOK LOVER' by clicking HERE.
@ ‘CREATIVE OUTLET OF STRATPLAYER’ by clicking HERE.
@ 'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS' by clicking HERE.
@ 'CURIOUS AS A CATHY' by clicking HERE.
@ 'THE SOUND OF ONE HAND TYPING' by clicking HERE.
.
As I've done in the past, I will continue to return to my 'BOTB' blog bits on the 7th and 21st of each month to post my own votes and announce the winners in the comment sections.
.
~ Stephen T. McCarthy
.
YE OLDE COMMENT POLICY: All comments, pro and con, are welcome. However, ad hominem attacks and disrespectful epithets will not be tolerated (read: "posted"). After all, this isn’t Amazon.com, so I don’t have to put up with that kind of bovine excrement.
The only version of this that I'd previously heard was Auger's version but I hadn't listened to it in years. I've always liked it from the first time I heard it (early 70's) and enjoyed the entire album it came from.
ReplyDeleteAs I started into the Eddie Harris version I started thinking that this would be my preference since it's really good. But then it got a little more free-form in that spacey jazzy way and I liked it less. Still liked it though. It's good stuff.
Then I listened to the Auger version and it seemed even better than I remember. I like the 4 drummer concept and prefer the sounds of the organ and guitar. It also has more of a rock flavor. This version still has my heart and mind.
My vote goes to Brian Auger with great admiration going to Harris.
This was a nice way to start my morning.
Lee
Tossing It Out
BOIDMAN ~
DeleteGlad ya liked it. As I said, I've been waiting since Thursday, August 1, 2013 (my very first BOTB installment) to get to this one.
I didn't know if you were familiar with the original recording by Eddie Harris, but I knew you knew Auger, and I knew you had the original album his cover came from, and... I would have tracked you down and killed you if you'd beaten me to this song.
Eddie Harris, Brian Auger - no one can cast a bad vote here.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
But... I don't like jazz.
ReplyDeleteHahahahaha. I really couldn't resist. Just so you know, I did go back and read your Rock 101 post (mostly). Okay, I skimmed your Rock 101 post. I didn't click on the links to the rock music, but I did for the jazz links. You made your point succinctly, well not succinctly as there were rather a lot of links, but thoroughly. You made it thoroughly. Jazz has sub-genres. You will like some and not others.
Now, let's talk about this battle. I wasn't that impressed with the Eddie Harris original. Let me tell you why. (You're dying to know, right? Right????) And maybe this also explains jazz that doesn't appeal to me (in general). There seemed to a repeating note pattern that was just endless. Occasionally, I thought it was going to take off and really "pop"... my way of saying really go somewhere. I dug it when the sax blasted like he was really going to groove now. But, it didn't happen. Then, the piano kicked in and I thought, "Well, now it's going to take off. But, nope. Just that same repeating look with the piano instead of the sax." Let me say this differently. I like foreplay, but eventually I want to get down to it. The Harris version felt like all foreplay and we never got down to it. It ended and I was thinking, "What? It's over? There is still business that needs to be done here." So, I knew that Auger was probably going to win this before I even clicked on the video.
And holy moly. This is what I am talking about. I could still hear that repeating note pattern, but it went somewhere. The drums drove the song and it jammed. I am not good enough to pick out individual instruments, but they took turns rocking out, and it MOVED. The piano was hot. The guitars were hot. I never once got bored and started thinking about what I'd have for lunch (confession: the thought crossed my mind several times during the Harris version). I even listened to the Auger version twice just because. It astounds me that after that drum blistering solo, this was a 'first" for them, because it only got better!!!
Yep. Very satisfying.
So Auger (with enthusiasm) for me!
Question: Is he playing the organ in this??? Sounds like it to me, but as I say, not all that good at instrument identification.
GIRL WONDER ~
Delete>>... Let me say this differently. I like foreplay, but eventually I want to get down to it. The Harris version felt like all foreplay and we never got down to it. It ended and I was thinking, "What? It's over? There is still business that needs to be done here."
HA!-HA! ...HA!
I'm not sure I get you. Could you take another stab at it?
Alright, no question about it: you just entered the BOTB Comment Hall O' Fame!
Damn! Now I'm thinking maybe I should have used 'BOLERO' instead of 'LISTEN HERE'.
Yes, ma'am, that would be Brian Auger on the Hammond B-3 organ.
Thanks. You give good comment!
[;-)}
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Robin stole my joke!
DeleteI'll vote for the smooth Eddie Harris which had me hooked. The Brian Auger group was nice too, but the drums seemed to spoil the effect. Auger's had a bit more juice, but I love the horn(sax) on Eddie's version.
ReplyDeleteAll I wanna say is...
DeleteGOD BLESS YOU, D.G.!
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
WOW! "Now for something you'll REALLY like:" ("Nuthin' up my thleave!")
ReplyDeleteJust when I think you've done your best BOTB yet, you pull this one outta your... hat! You had me pegged and one who would really like this one, and you were right. I love BOTH versions. This one is a very tough decision for me.
I was aware of and appreciative of Harris. I have the Live at Montreaux" album with Les McCann, and LOVE "Compared to What." And what really hooked me on that song was Harris' growley, sexy, rasping tone he achieves on his instrument and the way he noodles around the melody. He does the same thing here. Jazz usually starts with a clearly obvious melody and embellishes and improvises around it, but I love the way Harris does it.
But I also love the Auger version. I love the insertion of the drum solo, although I’ll bet the drummer improved on it in later performances. The fact that this song was recorded after only one take s a testimonial to the musicians AND to JAZZ ITSELF. What other form of music relies on such creativity? NONE! And sometimes you get wacky, sometimes lousy, and sometimes SUBLIME creations.
This is a very close battle for me, but (as I often, though not always, do) I think I must go back and support the original. That Harris sound is cool AND hot, man! (Did you guess right, StMcC?)
And Robin: if Brian Auger is foreplay with climax, think of Harris as Kama Sutra. If you are patient, you can achieve new heights.
SHEBOYGANBOY SIX ~
DeleteYou get an A+ X 3 for three (count 'em: 3) Rocky & Bullwinkle references!
>>... I was aware of and appreciative of Harris. I have the Live at Montreaux" album with Les McCann, and LOVE "Compared to What."
I've not heard that album (maybe I'll find it on Spotify at work tonight) but the album that 'Listen Here' comes from - 'The Electrifying Eddie Harris' - is really good; I like every cut on it.
And I don't think I've ever heard ANY version of 'Compared To What' that I didn't like. (And, by the way, that song was already on my 'Future BOTB Match-Ups' list, but I have two other artists in mind. I'll have to listen to the Eddie Harris version because maybe I'll replace one I already have in mind for Eddie's take on it.)
As for the drumming on the Auger version here, I am absolutely wild about that section from 5:41 to 6:02. My foot starts tapping and my body starts moving every time I hear that (if they weren't tapping and moving already). Hokey-Smoke, that's some funky junkie! Frankly, I don't think it could get any better'n dat dere.
Loved your comment. A little puzzled about the "Kama Sutra" though. What does Ben & Jerry's have to do with sex? I mean, beyond the obvious (you know, putting it on someone and then removing it). ...Oh, wait! I'm thinking of 'Karamel Sutra'®.
What the hell is Kama Sutra then?
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Damn! Great tune!!! I like both! And I don't have enough time to really dig into this right now. I'm temporarily abstaining until I get a chance to give both of these excellent renditions the attention they need....
ReplyDeleteMore to come in the next few days...
GgC ~
DeleteI appreciate that you appreciate these performances enough not to rush to judgment.
~ D-FensDogg
This is a difficult one for me (aside from the typing), I have now listened to both versions twice through and do like them both. I have not read the other comments and won't until I've made my decision. I'm pretty sure where your vote will fall. I may actually be the vote that saves you from your most dread outcome - 'the shut-out'. We'll see. I'll be back later, after I've listened a few more times and made my decision.
ReplyDelete"C'mon, c'mon - it's either one or the other."
Delete~ McDogg
Harris version all the way! It gave me a feeling of coolness as if I was sitting next to Steve McQueen driving really, really fast going no where and enjoying every minute. The 2nd one just made me go in circles and my head hurts:)
ReplyDeleteBIRGIT ~
DeleteThanks mucho much for your vote. And I liked the creative way you described your reasoning behind the vote.
Speaking of Steve McQueen and speed, did you ever see the documentary 'ON ANY SUNDAY'? If not, I highly, highly recommend it! Very fun movie (made by the same guy who made the classic surfing movie 'Endless Summer') and I love the music in that movie so much that I own not just the DVD but the CD soundtrack, too!
Come to think of it... I'm going to play that in my new Bose music system RIGHT NOW!
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
HOKEY-SMOKE!
ReplyDeleteGREAT COMMENTS FROM... EVERYONE!
I have to shower right now and get to work, but I will reply to each comment INDIVIDUALLY just as soon as I have the time.
Thanks, Y'all, for listening, appreciating and giving this some real thought.
As Boris Badenov said to Rocky and Bullwinkle:
"I'll be bach."
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
I also enjoyed both versions. Since I can only choose one, I'm voting for Auger's Jazz Fusion style. It just seemed to have a little more bite to it. Many years ago a local reporter invited me to come along on an assignment to review Chicago jazz clubs. We went to small places with huge talent. It was such a great experience, and I wish I had saved the article to see what became of these talented performers.
ReplyDeleteJulie
JULIE ~
DeleteAnd you didn't axe him if I could come along too?
Don't give me that "It was many years ago and I didn't know you then" jazz! If you had wanted to know me you would have found a way.
I'm very, very disappointed in you, Julie. Heck, I may not even talk to you again, until the next time I comment on your blog or reply to one of your comments on my blog.
Hey, I'M SERIOUS!
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Despite my flippant answer on an earlier post, I have listened to SOME jazz- actually, in this society, I should say, "Some jazz beyond the Cosby Show". It hasn't been extensive, and has slowed to a drizzle since our local npr station has decided to fill the air with obscure tracks that I cannot classify and overnight BBC news.
ReplyDeleteAll that said, Auger's version is more to my tastes than the original. I think it is the cleaner sound that does it for me.
BROTHER MARTIN ~
DeleteWell, you shouldn't be listening to NPR anyway - that publicly-funded Marxist propaganda station!
With your vote, I think Auger takes the lead, but this is a long way from over.
Thanks for your loyal BOTB support, CW!
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Both are good. But, come on, two bass players and four drummers? Auger wins!
ReplyDeleteJOHN ~
DeleteIt sounds like you're saying you like Auger's version 4 times better'n you do Eddie's original.(?)
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
OK moment of truth and time to vote. I’ve listened to both of these tunes numerous times now and I have to admit I like them both, for different reasons of course, but the more I listened the more it became clear when my vote would land.
ReplyDeleteFirst let’s talk about Eddie Harris. I know Jazz takes a lot of different forms and has many sub-genres but for me it’s mostly about the horns and I love me some sax. This guy knows how to play that thing to the max. When I first read your reply to my earlier comment, I was going to say; ‘keep your pants on’, but on second thought; go ahead and take them off, cause this is the type of music where you just want to hit repeat on the player and stay in bed and day and…listen, or let it be the PERFECT background for whatever. When he gets to the piano part there in the middle, I love the way the artist tickles and teases those notes out of the ivories. Oh yeah, that’s smooooth. That repetitive beat leads a rhythms to my thoughts that, well…use your imagination. Then there are those little burst of sax throughout…this piece is absolutely delicious.
Up next is Brian Auger (FYI – I was listening to Eddie Harris while I typed the last paragraph and now Brian et al are streaming through my headset – I gotta say listening to these two pieces through a pretty good headset is fantastic – it’s like the music is inside of you or me actually). This version is certainly more peppy and moving along (can't keep my head from bobbing), but as a comparison I’m wondering; ‘where’s the fire’. There’s a frenzy to this version that, though not unpleasant, doesn’t come close to the low and slow sensual feel of Eddie Harris. The guitar is great and the organ a nice touch, but on the piano parts, I just don’t get the same tickling/teasing feeling, it’s more like a pounding/grinding – pick your pleasure, I guess. That drum solo puts it over the top for me, not I a bad way, but…If I had only heard this version, I would definitely say ‘I LIKE IT’, but up against Eddie Harris, I know where I’m feelin’ it.
Give my vote to Mr. Eddie Harris and his sax. That guy really knows how to use that thing.
Did I say I like jazz, especially when tempted by those guys with a big horn?
Now, I’m gonna read the other comments and see whacho talkin’ ‘bout!
FAE ~
DeleteJazzmen with little horns need love to, ya know.
I appreciated your detailed analysis, even if it didn't include a link to a Jim Stafford song, or a link to Robin Williams imitating Bruce Springsteen in the voice of Elmer Fudd.
What is it about this comment section that makes me wanna smoke a cigarette (even if I don't inhale so I can be president of the U.S. someday)?
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
POSTSCRIPT:
DeleteI hope you realized the earlier response was actually a link to a classic Far Side cartoon.
~ McDogg
I never said I had anything against those Jazzmen with little horns (although I might have implied that). It's all in knowing how to use it that counts.
DeleteSheesh! First you wanted a drink of water. Now you need this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vT-VaMXsAw I guess I also better come by in the morning to tuck you in. :-)
AND your gonna have to do something badder than inhale to keep out of THIS government.
I knew that was a link and did click on it. Most days my life is exactly like that!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vT-VaMXsAw
DeleteFAE ~
You were too late. I had already gone to hear Elmer Fudd sing 'FIWUH' early in the morning after you mentioned it. But... thanks for mentioning it.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
I ran off to vote at the other BATTLES and then came back here to read the comment thread. Now...I'm LMAO!
ReplyDeleteYou can keep that Karmal Sutra and make mine Rum Raisin. BUT, that said, Mr. Six in spot on.
I'd like Rum Raisin Ice Cream even better
Deletewithout the raisins...
and the ice cream.
[;-)}
~ McDogg
OK -- back now. Sorry for the delay. I'm going to add my comments and vote and then catch up on the other comments.
ReplyDeleteFirst -- although I was pressed for time the other day when I stopped by, the main reason I delayed in voting was because I couldn't decide. I really liked both! since my initial visit, I've listened to both versions several times. I finally had to take off-the-cuff notes while listening to try and capture my thoughts:
Eddie Harris: "Very cool groove! Great bass riffin' right up front. Earthy tone on the sax. sensual phrasing. "varitone" sound mixed in really well -- doesn't take over or seem too effect-laden. There's plenty of clear clean sax mixed in to emphasize the excellent playing and phrasing. Some smooth overdubs (other horn players credited on the album, but on "Sham time" only -- I had to go search to see). Piano lost in the mix too much, but nice playing. Love the sax phrasing! Powerful and emotional soloing without over-the-top 'lookit-me' blowing simply for soloing's sake. Great song!"
Brian Auger: "Bass is cool, but maybe recorded too hot -- harsh clipping sound rather than smooth distorted tone. Organ tone great on the 'head' of the tune. Exuberant and edgy guitar by Gary Boyle (had to Google to find out who this was playing -- mental note to check out more of his stuff). Cool guitar. Really nice piano, but kind of buried in reverb. Obligatory drum solo (again -- too heavy reverb) but thankfully not too long. Best part by far is when organ solo starts -- jazzy, but with a lot of rock phrasing. Hot playing!!! Sounds jazzy, but at times more like Rod Argent or Jon Lord from Deep Purple or Steppenwolf at times (a very strong rock groove in this version with the sound of that Hammond organ) -- some other hot Hammond players. Excellent organ soloing!!! Really like it. Faded before it felt "over" -- I'd prefer a strong, tight ending."
Looking over these, I see plenty of positive comments on both, but very few quibbles for the Eddie Harris version. So why I love both, I think it's clear that for me, the Eddie Harris version kind of edged out Brian Auger.
So give my vote to Eddie.
Great song, great playing, great versions, and TOUGH decision!!
CHRIS ~
DeleteHoo-Wee! What an analysis, what a musical dissection.
Heck, I didn't even do that much thinking when I had to dissect a frog for Biology class AND MY GRADE DEPENDED ON IT!
I just said to the teacher, "Mmmm... Tastes like chicken. Please, sir, I want some more."
I guess this WAS a tough decision for you if you had to listen to both recordings several times (as did FAE) and actually take notes like you were at Berklee or sumpin' and your grade was at stake. Looks like I done put a BOTB together real good-like.
Thanks for your input. I've gotten lots of good comments on this one and it seems it wasn't an easy decision for a few folks.
I have no idea who will end up with the WIN here, and that's the sign o' a top-notch Battle. Thanks for returning and commenting so extensively.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
This is kind of tough, with two very different takes.
ReplyDeleteHarris has a nice slow funky vibe going, and Auger picks it up a little, and adds the organ...
And I might have to flip a coin...
I think for right now, the Auger version is ahead by a nose, but that may only be due to a weekend-long prog festival.
Too bad, like Robin the Thief Of Jokes* I do not like jazz-or I might look to pick up both versions.
* Just kidding Robin-my fault for being so late to the party!
LC ~
DeleteWell, I definitely had you pegged as an "Auger" vote. However, it actually seems like you enjoyed the Harris original more than I thought you would.
~ McDogg
That Harris version had a groove-that CD is on my "search Zia" list....if the rest of the disc is as cool, it's a must-have.
DeleteI'm actually surprised you'resurprised I enjoy the Harris version-I remember playing a lot of R&B stuff for you that you seemed not to care for...while I love the stuff. So jazzy music with a funky vibe is right up my alley...
Hmmm, both are excellent! How do I decide? How do I decide? Well...I do like jazz music and even though the second one makes me wanna dance more I'm going to go with Eddie Harris. His cover makes me feel like I'm sitting in a smoky lounge more and after all isn't that the way jazz is supposed to make you feel? :D
ReplyDeleteAuger gets my vote!
ReplyDeleteCATHY & MIKE ~
ReplyDeleteWell, you split the vote, which means this race is still neck-and-neck and may come down to a "Photo Finish" to determine the winner.
Thanks for your input.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Well, you caught us, you sly dog. You already guessed what was coming, but I have to make it official and say it anyway, so here goes... we both vote for Brian Auger's version.
ReplyDeleteNow, Brandon's is a much simpler explanation. He doesn't like the more traditionally "jazzy" sound of the first one, voting instead for the more "rock" sound of the second one.
As for me, I like both versions. I like the jazziness of the first one. But one thing I do loves me is some buildup - the slow building from something simple into something just off the walls crazy and magical all at the same time, and between those drums and that organ that comes blasting in... Auger just knocked it out of the park for me.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I second Robin's "foreplay" comment. It's true, Eddie Harris's felt like it needed to go somewhere but just quite didn't. If his version built up into something a little crazier, maybe brought in another instrument or two, I'd probably vote for that one. It's not bad at all. I like it. But now that I've heard it with and without buildup... I just can't do without.
~6B
PART 1 OF 2:
ReplyDeleteSTMcC’s Vote On ‘BOTB - 2014, November 15th
- Eddie Harris Vs. Brian Auger'
And The Final Tally:
It was looking to me as though this BOTB was going to be a "Photo Finish" and my own vote might be the deciding factor in figuring the winner. Well, almost but not quite.
Even so, this was a remarkably competitive BOTB when you consider that just a few days before I posted it, I was seriously thinking I might have my very first BOTB shutout waiting for me (and no BOTBer likes a shutout!)
On November 12th, I sent the following Email to fellow BOTBer FAE of the blog 'Far Away Series':
I just finished putting together my BOTB for Nov. 15th. DOH!!! I'm skeered I has a shutout here.
I've been wanting to do this BOTB since the very beginning but was concerned I'd scare away voters permanently because this is a Battle between two instrumental Jazz tracks, and the original is a little over 7 minutes long, and the cover is a bit over 9 minutes.
But I'm not worried about scaring away voters at this point. What I am worried about is that I've just put together a shutout. I really dig BOTH of the versions I'm using a great deal. But I just now listened to them both back-to-back and realized that this is NOT going to be a close contest. In fact, I can easily imagine it being 18 to Zero, or something like that.
BOTH songs are great but... head-to-head, it's going to be really tough for one of them. Remember, I thought The Rockets Vs. Fleetwood Mac on 'OH WELL' was going to be a pretty easy win for The Rockets but it was ONLY MY VOTE that saved them from a shutout. This time, even my vote can't save a shutout. I think my ONLY hope is Donna, or possibly Robin. I think everyone else is going to go the same way, including me.
Here I was looking forward to this BOTB but I'd never listened to both songs back-to-back before, and now I'm almost sorry I put this BOTB together.
"OH WELL", we'll see.
Yak Later...
Continued Below...
PART 2 OF 2:
ReplyDeleteHA!-HA! This goes to show how unpredictable these "BATTLE OF THE BANDS" can sometimes be.
It turned out that Donna didn't make an appearance this time with a vote, and Robin voted for the version I was sure would kick butt. In fact, the first two votes that came in - Arlee's and Robin's - both went to Brian Auger and I thought: Here it comes. Here comes the shutout I feared.
But D.G. Hudson submitted the third vote and it went to Eddie Harris. And that's why I responded with this: "All I wanna say is... GOD BLESS YOU, D.G.!"
Well, after that, votes started falling for both artists and then I began thinking that my own vote might decide the winner, which has been the case at least 2 or maybe 3 times in the past. (What I can I say? I BOTB real good.)
As I said in my E to FAE, I love the Eddie Harris original AND the Brian Auger cover. But... man, that serious tickling of the ivories (by Brian Auger), that drum pattern at 5:41 to 6:02, followed by the Four-Alarm Fire that is Auger (again) on the Hammond organ... for me, this is quite possibly the fastest 9 minutes in Jazz! It's over before I know it and then I hit the "Repeat" button and go for Round Two.
It wasn't my vote that decided this close contest, but nearly so...
Eddie Harris = 6 Votes
Brian Auger = 8 Votes
As always, my thanks to all y'all for playing along, and I hope to see y'all back here again on December 1st for the beginning of my 2-BOTB Holiday Special.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
POSTSCRIPT:
"Holy Eleventh Hour And Fifty-Nine Minutes, Batman!"
I had already written this entire comment (above) and was just about to click "Publish" when I thought I'd take a couple more seconds to check and make sure that 6-B and Brandon had truly dropped the ball on this BOTB. And to my surprise, THERE WERE TWO MORE VOTES HANGING BY A THREAD.
6-B, if I had to express one single criticism about the Eddie Harris original (which I still think is excellent) it would be exactly what you and Robin also expressed. I feel that Eddie's 'Listen Here' just kind of fades away, without ever actually hitting that high point that the listener might think is coming eventually. Indeed, it leaves me thinking: Wait! That's it? It's done? Seriously? Alright, I'm going to light a cigarette then. ...Here I go. ...I'm serious, I'm getting ready to light up. ...I'm reaching for the cigarette ...see me reaching for the cig? OK, I'm reaching for the matches now. ...Here I go, striking the match. ...Oh, c'mon, are you serious? That was it?
Anyway, the Eleventh Hour And Fifty-Nine Minute updated final tally is:
Eddie Harris = 6 Votes
Brian Auger = 10 Votes
Not one little bit surprised by your vote, or the final outcome, BUT I stick with my vote and Mr. Six and his Kama Sutra comment.
ReplyDeleteYeah, well you don't smoke anyway, so why should you care how it ends?
Delete~ D-FensDogg
'L.A.U.'
Him: "Do you smoke after having sex?"
DeleteHer: "I don't know -- I never looked..."
HA!
DeleteIf he's really good she does.
~ D-FensDogg
I'm not surprised Auger won, but I still stand by my Eddie Harris vote. But really, it's a choice between "wonderfully terrific" and "terrifically wonderful." They're both great.
ReplyDeleteAnd I enjoyed your summary comments -- and I didn't even need to take notes. ;)
GgC ~
DeleteYeah, in all seriousness, both tracks are BOTH wonderful and terrific, and the word order isn't too important.
Thanks for checking back in, Brother.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'