Bobby McFerrin & Yo-Yo Ma

vocal // contemporary classical

Sadly, too many people only will recall “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” when they think Bobby McFerrin. Beyond novelties, McFerrin actually brought a lot of innovation to a capella and music, in general. The song below comes from his 1999 collaboration with cello master Yo-Yo Ma. In a simply divine arrangement, McFerrin’s voice and Ma’s cello weave lyrical lines together and apart, creating a sonic landscape that escapes categorization. I hear hints of Akira’s Dolls’ Polyphony in the tune (and since it was released only 2 years after the movie, I bet it’s more than coincidence.)

A master of voice and a master of string. Making sound.
Bobby McFerrin & Yo-Yo Ma – Grace
buy this cd

Posted by Paul Irish on Monday, April 16th, 2007 under classical.

13 Responses to “Bobby McFerrin & Yo-Yo Ma”

  1. Golden Lady said on April 17th at 11:49 pm :

    This is probably one of my favorite albums, ever. It actually broke in half when someone sat on my CD case – this reminds me I need to buy it again.

  2. vjb2 said on April 18th at 12:07 am :

    Just for the record, AKIRA was originally released in 1987. You may be thinking of one of the re-releases.

  3. suigeneris said on April 18th at 4:47 am :

    Simply… thanks from Spain.

    Your blog ever discover me new visions of world music.

  4. Jerome said on April 19th at 8:37 am :

    Wow, that was nice and refreshing. It’s weird that the album was release in 99’…i remember just seeing it at starbuck’s a couple of months back.

    Also, great touch putting in that Akira music. I thought the exact same thing and wanted to listen to it right after.

  5. Jared said on April 19th at 3:15 pm :

    Got to love Bobby.

  6. Anonymous said on April 27th at 9:49 pm :

    Loved the song.

    And great site!

    http://www.wtfShouldIDo.com

  7. Anonymous said on May 8th at 11:30 am :

    I got to see Bobby perform in Seattle a week or so ago. It was fantastic. During his vocal improvisations, which ranged from sublime to funky he did this hilarious compressed version of all the Wizard of Oz music. I’ve never seen someone so exuberant and having such a great time on stage. He’s also very good at getting the crowd to participate.

  8. Paul Irish said on May 8th at 2:39 pm :

    Too cool!
    Thanks for the field report, anon. I’d love to catch him in person.

  9. mersenne said on May 13th at 8:50 am :

    hate to make a plug but I’ve featured a terrific house song by his son Taylor Mc Ferrin here on undomondo with some scat rhythms like his father (or maybe they’re actually by his father who knows?)

  10. Paperdaisies said on August 2nd at 10:49 pm :

    Wow, this is amazing. I’ve never even given a second thought to Bobby McFerrin until just now. You’ve certainly opened my eyes…thank you again.

    This was the best stumbleupon site I’ve ever stumbled on. I love this blog, you’ve restored my faith in amazing music!

  11. Mister Suss said on August 6th at 9:27 pm :

    what a great site! so lucky to have found it. also i’m lucky enough to have been raised with parents who love bobby mcferrin for his other music, especially his collaborations with the likes of chick corea and, obviously, yo yo ma.

    question, to which i assume the answer is yes: have you heard aesop rock’s song “garbage,” in which he samples from “grace?” it’s really what turned me on to him, hearing an old favorite used so creatively. good stuff.

  12. Paul Irish said on August 7th at 8:17 am :

    @Suss, I don’t think I had heard that track. Very cool!

  13. reidbenfi said on October 29th at 4:52 pm :

    wide simulate offset mitigating capacity seasonal

«
»