This song, instrumentally Ray Bryant's
Erewhon, now with lyric added by vocalist Tina May, is a perfect marriage of funk and Latin rhythms. Tina May's recording begins with a bright instrumental introduction that repeats as an interlude several times during the song. When Tina comes in on her first verse, the horns continue playing background figures that give the song punch and energy, but the inherent funkiness of Ray's composition ensures that it would be just as exciting with a simpler arrangement.
The B section uses a repeating melodic figure over changing chords, each one eliciting a different quality from the melody. The solo section oscillates between just two chords, which allows the soloists to explore freely. In this arrangement, both flugelhorn and voice improvise at the same time, responding to one another and building off of each other's energy. Tina then returns to the second verse of the A section, singing through the form to the second verse of the B section. The instrumental interlude returns as a vamp that slowly fades out.
Lyric Description: This lyric by Tina May extends a hand to a lost and lonely friend on a road that will lead to isolation and sadness. Her words encourage this friend to get back up, walk tall and lean on old companions until he or she feels like living again.
No-Vocal Version: This accompaniment-only version closely mirrors Tina's recording. It has the same introduction (four bars with a pick up) and format (AAB) up until the solo section. In this version, the 32-bar solo section is left open for the singer to explore. The out chorus is the same as in Tina's version: the singer returns with the second verse of the A section, then sings the second verse of the B section. The endings are also the same, with a vamp and fade.
The four-bar instrumental introduction leads to a natural break for the vocal entrance. Hear the original
CLIPA; then the Minus You version
CLIPB.
If another key would be better for you, send the key you'd like to
Don and we'll post the transposition on the website for purchase. If you're not sure which key is best, send us your range and we'll work with you to figure out the best key.
"Tina May Sings The Ray Bryant Songbook" was recorded at the legendary
Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs.
This is the second time composer/pianist Ray Bryant recorded his composition
Erewhon, but it's the first time he'd recorded it in this key and with a vocalist and four-horn ensemble. Ray had recorded a quintet version on his album "Gotta Travel On: Ray Bryant Trio" with Clark Terry (flhrn) Snooky Young (tp) Ray Bryant (p) Walter Booker (b) Freddie Waits (d) on February 17, 1966.
Hear more of Tina May and Ray Bryant on "
The Ray Bryant Songbook."
Singers' Corner No-Vocal Version: This Minus You version closely mirrors Tina's recording. It has the same introduction (four bars with a pick up) and format (AAB) up until the solo section. In this version, the 32-bar solo section is left open for the singer to explore. The out chorus is the same as in Tina's version: the singer returns with the second verse of the A section, then sings the second verse of the B section. The endings are also the same, with a vamp and fade.
The four-bar instrumental introduction leads to a natural break for the vocal entrance. Hear the original
CLIPA; then the Minus You version
CLIPB.
It's good experience to sing along with an arranged instrumental background. Once you've gotten comfortable, try recording yourself singing along with the track, using a program like GarageBand or Audacity.
If another key would be better for you, send the key you'd like to
Don and we'll post the transposition on the website for purchase. If you're not sure which key is best, send us your range and we'll work with you to figure out the best key.
