Whitney and Archie

[Guest]

I don't expect to find many Whitney Houston fans on here. However, here is a wee thing she did with Archie Shepp when she was 18. I heard this on Jazz FM back in 1982 but didn't catch the details. I had no luck tracking it down and began to wonder if I had imagined it. It's a Hugh Hopper song (Soft Machine) http://api.viglink.com/api/click?for...13293923264151

[Lateralthinking1]

Very interesting. Strong song and a fabulous arrangement. Creates a distinctive vibe. She's ok in it but with all good intentions, I would still prefer others to argue the case for her "melisma" - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17039208

(Actually, it would segue with "Shipbuilding", in the circumstances (era, personnel) not a surprise)

[Rumbaba]

Very interesting. Strong song and a fabulous arrangement. Creates a distinctive vibe. She's ok in it but with all good intentions, I would still prefer others to argue the case for her "melisma" - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17039208

(Actually, it would segue with "Shipbuilding", in the circumstances (era, personnel) not a surprise)

Robert Wyatt did do a version of this, so you are bang on with 'Shipbuilding'.

[Quarky]

Whitney's best work in my view were Dance numbers that first brought her to the world's attention e.g. Wanna dance with somebody - How will I know? But I have never enjoyed her big dramatic "melismic" pieces.

[burning dog]

Whitney's best work in my view were Dance numbers that first brought her to the world's attention e.g. Wanna dance with somebody - How will I know? But I have never enjoyed her big dramatic "melismic" pieces.

[Tenor Freak]

I recall Gilles Peterson playing this track many years ago on his GLR programme. IIRC it was a Bill Laswell production (well who else would do that?)

Think I prefer Robert Wyatt's version, mind.

[Rumbaba]

Fair enough but Robert Wyatt can't really sing.

[Serial_Apologist]

Fair enough but Robert Wyatt can't really sing.

Sacrilege!!!

[Tenor Freak]

Fair enough but Robert Wyatt can't really sing.

I never thought that was the point with him - his voice is so emotional I don't mind that he "can't" sing.


"Shipbuilding" is still one of my favourite songs, it made a big impact on me back in 1982.

[Ian Thumwood]

Wanted to post something on this thread. Although I am not really a fan of WH, there is no doubt that she was a huge talent and probably the closest that pop music has ever got to producing someone of the calibre of Ella Fitzgerald. Must admit that this tune has always impressed me as it has the kind of groove that you don't want to end:-