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.