Here’s my cover of Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen (album Various Positions, 1984), chosen by Richard for our Song Challenge. I already knew the song well from singing it with our choir, which made it especially meaningful to revisit.
I played the piano myself, supported by the chord progression in iReal Pro, and recorded three vocal verses, each with different harmonies. (more…)
This is my vocal cover of Take It Easy originally written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey and released in 1972 as the debut single of the Eagles. The song reflects a laid-back, road-bound outlook on freedom and letting go of worry. In my version, I sing the track with a strong focus on the chorus, layering multiple vocal harmonies to emphasize its open, communal feel. It was Terri’s choice for the Fortnight Song Challenge.
(more…)
I wrote the lyrics for this song as a parody of Achy Breaky Song, the parody Weird Al Yankovic made of Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus. Joe asked us in The Fortnight Song Challenge on Singeo.com for a Weird Al cover, but singing a cover of a parody of a cover felt like one step too far for me. (more…)
My cover of Just the Two of Us (by Bill Withers, album Winelight, 1981). I was immediately happy with Sue’s choice for the Singeo Fortnight Song Challenge, this song has a special kind of calm, soulful confidence that really invited me to explore phrasing and feeling. (more…)
My cover of Brown Brown Eyed Girl, the timeless classic by Van Morrison (1967). Beneath its sunny groove and instantly recognizable melody lies a gentle sense of nostalgia – memories of youth, freedom, and moments that linger long after they’ve passed. Van Morrison later described the recording session as fast and spontaneous, almost like a demo that unexpectedly became a hit. (more…)
My cover of Blue Christmas. The song was written in 1948 by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson. Andy Williams recorded the song for his album Merry Christmas, which was released in 1965. His version became part of the standard American Christmas album canon and helped keep the song widely known beyond its earlier recordings. (more…)