R&R (“River” & Renee)
One of my favorite songs is Joni Mitchell’s “River.” I missed it somehow when Joni recorded it originally - the first time I heard it was on an “Ally McBeal” Christmas album, where it was sung by Robert Downey, Jr. For some reason, it moved me a great deal. Since then, I have collected versions by six other singers - the usual suspects like the Indigo Girls and James Taylor and less usual suspects like jazz singer Dianne Reeves and opera singer Renee Fleming. Oh yeah, and that original Joni Mitchell recording, too.
And about that Renee Fleming…Now, I knew she had a gorgeous voice - she is an opera singer, after all. I also knew that she had once come very close to being a jazz singer instead. But when she released an album of standards and pop songs a few years ago, did I buy it? Did I even spend a minute listening to samples? Reader, I did not.
But I came across said album the other day while searching for some jazz song on iTunes and I’ve been making up for lost time ever since. What a gorgeous, rich, sexy voice. Like melted caramel…mmm mmm.
Speaking of iTunes, my friend Eric posted an interesting way to survey your personal iTunage and see just how broad your collection is. Or not. I mean, do you have an opera singah slingin’ jazz?
