It’s Better with a Band

Featuring an exciting beat and overflowing with the sounds of an entire orchestra, the tenth song on my album, Yesterday Once More, is a rendition of “It’s Better with a Band.” The song’s relaxing tune combined with a jazz-y rhythm makes for an excellent show-stopping performance!

Originally performed by Barbara Cook, this song is an absolute masterpiece and is one of my personal favorites as well. It was released in 2002, as part of her album, It’s Better with a Band, and now I’ve released my version of the song on my debut album, Yesterday Once More.

 

The song really speaks to me about the importance of a band in jazz and any other genre of music. I feel the same way about every band I perform with on any occasion! No matter how prepared I am, a song always feels more complete once I’ve had a few practice sessions with my band.

Personally, I think a band adds all the more value to one’s performance. They add a sense of anticipation, as the bass builds up to a peak before the saxophone takes over with an upbeat swing. 

Although the official release date for Barbara Cook’s album was in the fall of 2002, she recorded the songs back in 1980. What’s more is that she recorded them live in front of a large audience at Carnegie Hall in Manhattan!

The song opens with a cheerful piano number before Barbara begins to sing with her melodious voice, which has that hint of a Georgian accent. After just a couple of seconds into the song, she takes every listener by surprise with her extensive vocal range.

I was amazed at her ability to transition from one note to another with such clarity which Barbara, no doubt, owes to all her years of experience performing on Broadway in musicals like Candide, Plain and Fancy, and of course, the Tony Award-winning Music Man. I’ve been listening to her for as long as I can remember and I always wanted to release my own version of one of her songs. When I first heard It’s Better with a Band, I knew that I just had to give it my all and sing it at my best.

I chose to cover this song for my album because I wanted to see how my voice would adapt to a song which was originally sung with a high range and unique clarity that Barbara is so well-known for. I was enchanted by her voice and the affection of her fans as she entered the hall. 

This lighthearted melody is a result of Barbara’s exceptional talent and her composer/arranger Wally Harper’s knowledge of her distinct sound. While recording my version at Capitol Records and performing it live, I aim to synchronize my voice with each and every instrument, just like Barbara Cook did with the orchestra at her live performance.

The lyrics are soothing but juxtaposed with a lively theme that can bring up anyone’s mood. It’s one of my fans’ popular requests at shows because it’s so easy to sing and dance along to! Because of its unapologetic chorus and expressive composition, I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this song.

You can enjoy listening to my version of It’s Better with a Band and many other musical masterpieces by listening to my album, Yesterday Once More. Order at the links below!

iTunes: http://apple.co/2kr2IRm

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2trIA3J

CD Baby: http://bit.ly/2kOEKgC

With Love,

Maggy

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