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3.0 out of 5 stars
A Mixed Bag of Beatles Covers by Jazz and Soul Artists, April 7, 2005
This review is from: Daytrippers: Songs of the Beatles From the Atlantic & Warner Jazz Vaults (Audio CD)
Looking for something new for the Beatles fan/fanatic in your life? This UK import includes 19 Beatles covers from the Atlantic and Warner Jazz vaults. [At least that's what it says on the cover. A quick look at the artist roster and it's evident that they also raided the soul and R&B vaults as well.]
The cover includes a still from the Beatles early-Sixties cartoon show and most of the music contained within was originally recorded between 1964 and 1971. [The lone exception is jazz pianist Brad Mehldau's rendition of "Dear Prudence" from his 2002 album LARGO.] The music is divided almost evenly between vocal and instrumental performances. Some of the interpretations are quite good. Clarence Carter does an inspired version of "Let It Be," Arthur Conley adds some funk to "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da," and flautist Herbie Mann turns in a stunning performance of "Come Together." [And at 10:06, it is by far the longest track on the album.] And Aretha Franklin's take on "Eleanor Rigby" was a No. 17 hit in 1969. [Note: There is also a wonderful version of "Eleanor Rigby" done by Vince Guaraldi, but it is only available as a bonus track on the 2-LP vinyl version.]
But there are clunkers here, too. The worst offender is Johnny Harris's rendition of "Give Peace a Chance." [Technically a John Lennon solo number, but they also include Marion Williams' version of George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord."]
Certainly not an essential purchase, but enough good material to entertain even casual fans.
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