In Praise of Musical Embellishments
Sept 5, 2024 | 176 words | Music
A good song needs good bones: a pretty melody and a poetic lyric. After that it only takes a talented vocalist to bring those good bones to life. Think of “Moon River,” a 1961 composition Henry Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, and first sung by Andy Williams. Or “A Case of You,” written and performed by Joni Mitchell in 1971.
But many a good song has benefited from just the right type of instrumental highlighting. I often wonder, is that the songwriter who adds these flourishes? Or is it someone working in the recording studio behind the scenes, largely unknown to the listening audience?
Carole King and Gerry Goffin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” was written for Aretha Franklin in 1967, and Aretha’s rendition is amazing. But my question is: Whose decision was it to add those lovely strings behind her vocal? And those ecstatic horns?
Who was the musical genius who decided on using a penny whistle and a bassoon on Smokey Robinson’s happy/sad masterpiece, “Tears of a Clown,” in 1967?
Robert J. Cavanaugh, Jr.
bobcavjr@gmail.com