If It Was
Gretchen ParlatoDuration: 04:44
Award-winning singer Gretchen Parlato and song writer/multi-instrumentalist Alan Hampton share an uncommonly beautiful chemistry. Perfectly-crafted recordings such as the ballad “If It Was” (first released in 2011 to commemorate Japan’s tsunami victims) incorporate tender ensembles and blended vocals and leave a sense of catharsis and completeness. Thus, it was noteworthy to learn they decided to revisit “If It Was” as of August 2025. There was good reason for this -- to show support for their fellow residents of the Altadena community in Los Angeles after the Eaton fires. All proceeds from the recording go to www.altagether.org, working for a collective recovery from that disaster. The new version features a wistful upright bass introduction by John Clayton and increasingly rich piano solo by his son, Gerald Clayton. Meanwhile, the in-studio video illustrates the musical power of a simple arrangement. Within the YouTube video description box, click on “Show transcript” to see a rendition of the poetic lyrics.
Posted by Scott Lichtman.
