For that particular tune I prefer the tone Christelle is using, although they are both nice. I think sometimes top players take really simple tunes and try to make them too fancy. There are times for fancy songs, and with something simple you want to make yours stand out, but sometimes simple is better. My favorite version, although maybe it's getting over used, is the Israel Kamakawiwo'ole uke and vocal medley (with What a Wonderful World).
If I was going to record it I'd aim for Christelles tone and use much less orchestrated backing, maybe uke or guitar just on chords. They both sound a bit like they are being used to show off what good chops can do to a simple song, at the expense of the song, I think.
But that's just my opinion. Opinions are terribly subjective. I can hear elements in both versions that could make someone like them a lot, but they aren't to my taste.
Here is the uke version. You've probably all heard it, but one more time won't hurt. No harp.
Both versions are impressive. What position do you think Christelle is playing in? Is she using overblows?
Last Edited by Palmetto on Jul 22, 2015 3:32 PM
Christelle is playing in 12th position in that clip. She's probably hitting some overblows during the upper octave part, but I can't spot where exactly.
Last Edited by timeistight on Jul 23, 2015 9:24 AM
Nate, I too am an Iz fan. I love that medley, but I can't get a handle on it trying to emulate it on diatonic harmonica. It sounds like a minor key but I can't find it in 3rd position. Has anyone else tried this beautiful and haunting rendition of these songs on harp?
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole is taking a *lot* of liberties with Harold Arlen's melody -- far too many, in my curmudgeonly opinion -- but I don't think he's changed it to a minor key. I think he's just simplified it to make it easier to sing. Should lay out fine in 1st or 2nd position.
This might be a good point to refamiliarize ourselves with the original:
Last Edited by timeistight on Jul 23, 2015 2:14 PM
Just joking Iceman. She does have a beautiful voice and does the song justice. To show old I am here is one of my favorite singing performances of the song.
---------- Wisdom does not always come with old age. Sometimes old age arrives alone.
