Baroque jam for guitarists.

1. Tune to standard classical EADGBE

2. Play over and memorise the following chord sequence:

D - A - Bm - F#m - G - D - G - A/A7

3. Load up Pachelbel’s Canon and play along, experimenting as you go. Wonderfully therapeutic! The F#m chord, though simple, is astonishingly beautiful in the context.

I have posted these before. To me, these really pull at the heart and are 2 of the most beautiful versions of meaningful songs to me.

In this version you can really tell that Gary Brooker poured his heart and soul into this performance. So much emotion, soul, and passion.




The swing of emotion in this performance of a treasured classic always gets me.

I’ve got quite a wide range in musical tastes, not all of which I would necessarily describe as beautiful.

However I’m going to put forward this track from Yorkshire folk singer Kate Rusby. It’s only when you know what it’s about and really listen to the lyrics does the power of the song really come across.

It’s written from the point of view of her grandmother while she was nursing Kates grandfather as he was dying from emphysema he caught while working in the mines. The band that comes in at the end is the colliery brass band from the actual pit where her grandfather worked.

https://youtu.be/6r9p3uhmpi0

I’m adding another song. I think the true measure of a great song is whether or not it can be played acoustically. If the instrumentation can be stripped away to just an acoustic guitar and a voice, and it still sounds great, the song’s a winner.

This video embody’s that idea. Stripped down like this, the song shines. And Winwood’s voice and playing are top notch. The fire adds to the impact.

^^^^ I've always liked Eric Clapton's rendition of this, Andrew, including one done live with Stevie Windwood.

Guy

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I've always thought the songwriters themselves tend to give great renditions of their own songs.

Here's Paul Anka singing My Way. Certainly the only version that bears comparison with Sinatra, I think.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-3V2cZFa9U

Great thread, Steve.

So, so many I could choose but the one that sprung to my mind immediately is a song co-written and sung by one of my musical Gods, Leonard Cohen, along with Sharon Robinson - Alexandra Leaving from their album Ten New Songs. I've seen it sung live by the pair of them as well.

I could also add any number of Cohen songs.

jtc wrote: ↑Tue Jan 18, 2022 10:40 am Always gives me the feels

I thought of that song, definitely memorable and a bit of a departure from some of their other tracks on the album, which I bought but won't name in case it worries the forum censoring software!

Kip wrote: ↑Tue Jan 18, 2022 12:10 pm
The swing of emotion in this performance of a treasured classic always gets me.

I do like Heart and have watched that version a number of times, John Bonham's son on drums and the track brought Robert Plant to tears.

Another song I always thought was beautiful and soulful

BobMunro wrote: ↑Tue Jan 18, 2022 2:22 pm Great thread, Steve.

So, so many I could choose but the one that sprung to my mind immediately is a song co-written and sung by one of my musical Gods, Leonard Cohen, along with Sharon Robinson - Alexandra Leaving from their album Ten New Songs. I've seen it sung live by the pair of them as well.

I could also add any number of Cohen songs.

Yeah I was going to reply with "Leonard Cohen songs".

So many (too many) beautiful songs out there to list but any with Leah Kunkel accompanying Art Garfunkel - wonderful harmonising, beautiful voices.

Kip wrote: ↑Tue Jan 18, 2022 12:10 pm

The swing of emotion in this performance of a treasured classic always gets me.

I was thinking about this thread as I rode down the motorway this morning, wondering what contribution I could make. As you may have guessed, I came to the same conclusion as Kip.

In the early 70's I bought my first album, and it happened to be Led Zep IV. I vividly remember the inner album sleeve, which of course was printed with the lyrics to this song. As the age of 12 or 13 I remember trying to convince my ancient Grandfather (who was probably the age I am now) that those lyrics were poetic and brilliant. Good times.

So, brilliant as the Heart version is, I listened to this one this evening.

Having heard both the Heart version and the Led Zeppelin version of Stairway to Heaven, I do love them both but will always have a special affection for the original.

Now I promised you a second Italian/English collaboration.

This is “Il Mio Mondo” by Umberto Bindi.



A beautiful song, known throughout the English speaking world, of course as “You’re My World”. I know that Cilla divided opinion; she was a bit raw and raunchy, but the emotional power in her singing is unquestionable. She is ever present on the USB in my car.

I listen mostly to ‘classical music’, and these two - I guess you could call them song cycles - are absolute favourites:

Vier Letzte Lieder by Richard Strauss
Here is a taste from soprano Lise Davidsen:





Les nuits d'été by Hector Berlioz
A taste from soprano Regine Crespin:



Sorry about the links, I can’t seem to get it to show an image.

Wis wrote: ↑Tue Jan 18, 2022 9:23 pm Vier Letzte Lieder by Richard Strauss
Here is a taste from soprano Lise Davidsen:

Wow, she has the power to be a great Wagnerian!

Speaking of which, I will make this my final contribution for today. Another Norwegian soprano, another great Wagnerian. The one and only Kirsten Flagstad with the sublime Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde.

^^^ Indeed, Steve. Lise Davidsen is well on her way to become a major Wagnerian, having already sung at Bayreuth. She’s also very much in demand by major opera houses.

I have spent a very enjoyable hour this evening catching up and listening to all the songs put forward today. Some are old favourites, some are performances I have never seen before and others are completely new to me. I have loved them all, but especially the Joe Bonamassa and Leonard Cohen songs. Just beautiful.

I was thinking that for a thread of beautiful songs, there ought to be something written by Paul McCartney. Rather than one of his well-known compositions, I thought I would share this fantastic song of his, If I Take You Home Tonight, that was recorded by the sublime Diana Krall. I love it. Enjoy.