I've definitely featured the late (52 years old) Eddie Harris and Les McCann performing "Compared To What?" several times before. It is the thinking person's angry, frustrated scream against a government gone wild in a country which seems to have lost its way, forgotten The Constitution and completely forgotten about the wishes and hopes of its Founding Fathers.
In "Tryin' To Make it Real Compared To What?" Harris and McCann render a live performance that gets everyone's heart racing -- it is pure, unadulterated soul played with funky sponteneity. The dynamics and other live, in-concert effects will turn you on and make you angry, too. But it's so worthwhile. While your temperature rises, you will be grabbed by the urge to get up and dance. Listen to the lyrics as they ring clear and true. And listen to McCann's voice. He means it. He is the caged bird, screaming soulfully.
Al Jarreau's version follows. He isn't as fully spontaneous and funky, and he gives a slickly-polished performance, with some of his signature scatting, vocalese and new instruments created by his stunning voice. I particularly like this version (although not quite as much as the original) because of its upbeat tempo and wild sax riffs. You'll enjoy the ride.
I want to dedicate this article, and these songs with love to three wonderful friends, and exemplary Human Beings, each with amazing talents and Old-School integrity: Lidia Szczepanowski, Fran Petito and Paul Parsons. My message to them, aside from thanks for making my life so much richer? It's simple -- when we heal each other, we heal ourselves.
United We Stand!
Uncle Dazz for The RadioDAZZ Blog
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EDDIE AND LES
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzvlivbptXk
AL JARREAU
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zNo4pe55_8
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