from BRENNA WHITAKER
Written by George Michael
During his tenure as president of Verve Music Group between the end of 2011 to 2016, David Foster produced successful records for superstars including Rod Stewart, Diana Krall, Mary J. Blige and Andrea Bocelli. Foster also showcased new talents with releases by The Voice Season 9 winner, Jordan Smith, R&B vocalist and American Idol Season 2 winner, Ruben Studdard and Malaysian singer, Yuna. Another great new talent that Foster signed on Verve was American jazz and R&B songbird Brenna Whitaker. Her self-titled debut cd saw the light of day in 2015. The Hitman produced the record with his right-hand man and engineer supreme, Jochem van der Saag.
Brenna Whitaker showcased clever reworkings of classic and contemporary hits plus a couple of interesting originals, a well-dosed blend of traditional pop and R&B with strong blues and jazz overtones. Ms. Whitaker’s voice was perfect for that kind of material and atmospheres. Her powerful and expressive articulation, under Foster’s expert guidance, totally stole the show as she delivered one great performance after another. There were many catchy moments on Brenna Whitaker which contained tasteful instrumental tracks delivered by the Hitman and his usual A-list of musicians and arrangers.
This week’s pick is “One More Try,” a song that is initially left off of Brenna Whitaker’s original release. The release of “One More Try” eventually surfaces as an iTunes bonus track.
“One More Try” was a cover of the incomparable George Michael’s (1963-2016) #1 hit from his 1987 multi-platinum smash, Faith. Whitaker’s classy performance echoes legends like Etta James (1938-2021) and Peggy Lee (1920-2002) who were among the young singer’s main influences. Foster’s arrangement gave the song a strong bluesy feel enhanced by Michael Thompson’s guitar work. The prominent horns were arranged by Chris Walden and gave the song a Blood Sweat & Tears flavor, especially on the intro.
Brenna Whitaker makes for a pleasant listen for the lovers of traditional pop, jazz and blues with a modern twist. The listener will also hear more than a bit of the fabulous Amy Winehouse (1983-2011).
Listen
- Lead Vocal: Brenna Whitaker
- Keyboards: David Foster
- Bass: Carlitos del Puerto
- Drums: Lyndon Rochelle
- Guitar: Michael Thompson
- Horns: Alex Iles, Bill Reichenbach, Brandon Fields, Chris Bradio, Chris Gray, Chuck Findley, Dan Higgins, Greg Huckins, Jeff Driskill, Jon Papenbrook & Paul Young
- Horns Arranged by Chris Walden
- Produced & Arranged by David Foster
- Co-Produced by Jochem van der Saag
Lyrics
I’ve had enough of danger
And these people on the streets
I’m looking out for angels
Just trying to find some peace
Now I think it’s time
That you let me know
So if you love me
Say you love me
But if you don’t
Just let me go…
When you were just a stranger
And I was at your feet
I didn’t feel the danger
Now I feel the heat
Now I feel the heat
That look in your eyes
Telling me “No”
So you think that you love me
Know that you need me
I know you’re wrong, I wrote the song
Just let me go…
And teacher
There are things that I don’t want to learn
Oh the last one I had
Made me cry
So I don’t want to learn to
Hold you, touch you
And think that you’re mine
Because it ain’t no joy
For an uptown boy
Whose teacher has told him goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
So when you say that you need me
That you’ll never leave me
I know you’re wrong, you’re not that strong
Let me go
And teacher
There are things that I still have to learn
But the one thing I have is my pride
Oh, so I don’t want to learn to
Hold you, touch you
And think that you’re mine
Because there ain’t no joy
For an uptown boy
Who just isn’t willing to try
So cold inside
But maybe just one more try