Friday, February 24, 2017
An overlooked cover tune XXV
If you think of "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head," you probably think of the B.J. Thomas hit. Although it's a strong, definitive version of the tune, Nancy Wilson's version deserves its due, as well. Wilson sings it as a contemplative jazz/easy listening number, which suits the lyrics. Instrumentally, her version is a winner, as well. The piano underscoring matches the eloquence of Wilson's vocals, and the piano intro brings to mind Richard Harris's "MacArthur Park." The closing trumpet notes are par for the course in a Hal David-Burt Bacharach arrangement. Mix those ingredients together, and you have a 1970 cover version that deserves airplay.