Remembering Solomon Burke

 Posted by at 5:00 pm  No Responses »
Oct 112010
 

Legendary soul singer Solomon Burke passed away yesterday en route to a European concert. In his seventy years, the “King of Rock and Soul” dominated soul, gospel, and rhythm and blues music like no one else. On early hits like “Cry to Me” and “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” and latter-day classics like “Diamond in Your Mind” and “Make Do With What You Got,” his smooth baritone turned everything it touched to gold. With just a few syllables he could deliver you or seduce you, raise you up or bring you low. Unlike many of his peers, Burke continued performing and recording up through his last days; he released two records this year alone!

Though his commercial fortunes ebbed and flowed, the music community never forgot Burke. His 2002 album Don’t Give Up on Me featured song contributions from Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson, and Tom Waits. Pretty impressive Rolodex.

We’ve rounded up some live covers to remember the legend. Few can turn a phrase like Burke can, making his renditions of clichés like “Christmas Song” and Sam Cooke‘s “A Change Is Gonna Come” revelatory. On the less somber side, the raucous onstage party on “Proud Mary” shows his love of the ladies. Anyone who has attended a Burke concert can attest to the unbridled joy filling the room. He will be missed. Continue reading »

Queen Emily Belts Classic Soul on Bobby “Blue” Bland Standard (Cover Me Premiere)

 Posted by at 4:00 pm  3 Responses »
Aug 132010
 

Queen Emily was a semifinalist on America’s Got Talent, but don’t hold that against her. Unlike many of the novelty weirdos on those shows, Ms. Emily David really does have talent, talent coming out the ears. Her classic soul singing conjures a vintage style left for dead by radio, recalling pioneers like Aretha Franklin (whose “Chain of Fools” she covered on the show) and Dinah Washington.

For her forthcoming album (release date TBA), Queen Emily headed down south to record with the famed Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Yep, that’s the same Muscle Shoals that Aretha herself cut sides with back in the day. Signed to the legendary Malaco Records label – home to Roberta Flack, the Drifters, and Bland himself – she prepared a set of old-school soul for the LP. Cover Me is pleased to premiere a track from the upcoming album.

Written by Frank-O Johnson, “No Easy Way to Say Goodbye” first appeared on Bobby “Blue” Bland’s 1987 comeback Blues You Can Use. In blues torch-song tradition, Emily’s voice soars sky-high as tears drip from every word. Backing her up is that retro sound too often relegated to dusty record store bins. This is the stuff your mama grew up on. Emily’s unstoppable performance shows us that soul may be down, but it damn sure ain’t out. Continue reading »

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