Wichita Lineman

hr-Bigband
Duration: 07:19
2,700 views

There have been so many beautiful jazzy renditions of "Wichita Lineman," composed by Jimmy Webb originally for country artist Glen Campbell. Bob Dylan called the piece "the greatest song ever written." Among the noteworthy covers are recordings pianist Fred Hersch, vocalist Cassandra Wilson, and a trio of Gregoire Maret (harmonica) / Romain Collin (piano) / Bill Frisell (guitar). This reviewer proposes that the most haunting of the jazzy renditions is actually from a large ensemble, the hr-Bigband (a.k.a. the Frankfurt Radio Big Band), featuring the renowned Kate McGarry and Theo Bleckmann on vocals. It opens with a thoughtful guitar solo over the most distinctive feeling in the song--a steady pulse of overlapping long notes, bouncing back and forth between the brass and winds. Kudos to arranger John Hollenbeck, whose commissioned work here shines a spotlight on the talents of the Frankfurt big band.

Posted by Scott Lichtman.