The White Stripes/ The Rolling Stones ft. Robert Cray - Stop Breaking Down

These are two different contemporary versions of the classic Robert Johnson song "Stop Breaking Down".
The original recording done by Johnson was recorded in 1937 and released in 1938. Johnson did two takes of the song. They are pretty similar, but the length differs with 5 seconds. This original version is a solo piece with Johnson accompanying his own vocal performance on guitar. Both takes were originally used, but on two different pressings of the single.
The top video is of the duo The White Stripes doing their version of the song. This version was initially recorded and released on the duo's 1999 debut album entitled "The White Stripes". I really like this version. Jack's slide playing really elevates this song and breathes new life into it whilst still staying true to the original. Very well done in my opinion. (The video quality isn't the best, but still enjoyable).
The video below is The Rolling Stones' version of the song. The Rolling Stones recorded a cover of the song on their 1972 "Exile on Main St." album. This performance featuring Robert Cray is from the concert DVD "The Rolling Stones: Voodoo Lounge Live". The performances on this DVD were recorded in 2004. It's a very good version. Personally I prefer The White Stripe's rendition, but this version is very good as well.
So there you have it. Enjoy Johnson's original recording along with all of the modern interpretations of his stuff.

Enjoy ; )

Dave Powers - Powerhuse

This is an excerpt from an American public access television programme called "The Piano Guy". It's basically an educational show that sometimes just features talented performers performing certain pieces. In this segment Dave Powers plays the song "Powerhouse". (He plays both set of hands in the video, impressive!!)
The song "Powerhouse" was composed by Raymond Scott in 1937. It is most famous for being featured in a lot of Warner Brothers classic cartoons.
The piece consists of two seemingly different breaks. The tempi of those pieces are also different. The A piece of the composition is fast and frantic, and was often used for chase scenes. The B piece is slower and sounds more slavish and industrial which is why it's often referred to as "assembly-line music". The structure of the song is A-B-A.
I really think it's a fun little composition, and Dave just plays it so well. I really love how he also throws a little jazz into the mix when making the last transition from the B piece to the A piece ending the composition.
It's a good song, and it's very well played, and hey it has a jazz influence on it, so that's why I'm posting it.

Enjoy ; )