written by David Foster & Brenda Russell

“It’s Something,” aka “Something,” was a tasteful pop ditty that was co-written in the early eighties by David Foster and singer/songwriter Brenda Russell for Russell’s 1983 album “Two Eyes.” Through the years, this breezy, mid-tempo gem has been covered by an assortment of singers including Leslie Smith, Donna Washington and the exceptionally gifted Lalah Hathaway on Hathaway’s 1990 debut cd. “Something” was the last single released from Hathaway’s cd and it made it to #21 on the R&B chart.

Last year, “Something” was wonderfully reworked by NY fusion combo Snarky Puppy with Hathaway again singing on lead vocals. This version was published on the group’s DVD/cd “Family Dinner – Volume 1.” The astounding rendition garnered lots of attention and praise worldwide while it brought Snarky Puppy and Hathaway a well-deserved 2014 Grammy as “Best R&B Performance.” This fantastic cover showcased the group’s superior musical gifts and highlighted their musical melting pot style where jazz, rock and R&B meet to give life to their personal technique. “Something” became a musical work-of-art with a special nod to Lalah’s out-of-this world performance. She truly owns the song and stage and gives a unique touch with her top-notch phrasing, amazing scat singing and exceptional ability to sing multiple notes at the same time. The triumph of “Something” brought Snarky Puppy’s career to a higher level. They released a successful new DVD/cd entitled “We Like It Here,” tour relentlessly and eventually scored a recording contract with the Impulse! Records label. It also gave Hathaway the full recognition that her talent deserved and established her as one of the leading names in modern R&B. Recently Hathaway kept busy working on several other high profile projects with Robert Glasper, Al Jarreau, Ruben Studdard and Diane Reeves. She also started a campaign to fund her forthcoming live cd and you can read all about it clicking here.

Listen

Lead Vocals: Lalah Hathaway

Drums: Robert “Sput” Searight
Percussion: Nate Werth
Bass, Keybass, Acoustic guitar, & Baritone guitar: Michael League
Electric, Acoustic, & Baritone Guitars: Bob Lanzetti
Electric, Acoustic, & Baritone Guitars, Bass: Mark Lettieri
Organ, Fender Rhodes, & Keyboards: Cory Henry
Piano, Organ, & Fender Rhodes: Bill Laurance
Trumpet & Flugelhorn: Jay Jennings
Trumpet & Flugelhorn: Mike “Maz” Maher
Tenor Sax, Flute, & Bass Clarinet: Chris Bullock
Backing Vocals: Chelsea “Peaches” West
Backing Vocals: Katya Diaz
Backing Vocals: Rachella Searight

Produced by Michael League

Co-Produced by Snarky Puppy

Lyrics

Ooh, ooh, ooh, it’s something
You and I have something
How I long to be around when
When you can see that
You and I have something

In common, oh, oh, it’s something
You better believe it
And I’m sure of one thing
How I long to be around when
When you can see that
You and I have something

In common, it’s been a revelation, yeah
You’ve been an inspiration to me
And there is not one question, no
Where my heart will run to…

Oh, oh, it’s something
You better believe it
You and I have something
I don’t wanna lose this fun thing, babe
And hope you can see that
‘Cause you and I have something

In common, I can’t believe we’ve been so blind
Looks like we’ve wasted so much time
There’s not a note that rings untrue
Said when I’m with you

Oh, you and I got something
Come on, oh, oh, it’s something
Oh, you and I, we got something
Come on, oh, oh, it’s something

written by David Foster & Brenda Russell

Singer Lalah Hathaway is the daughter of the late, legendary Donny Hathaway. Coming from such an extraordinary legacy, it really is no surprise that Lalah is a gifted singer in her own right with a successful career consisting of solo albums and high profile collaborations with big names like Marcus Miller, Take 6, David Sanborn and Grover Washington.Her 1990 self-titled debut was a solid record that reached #18 on the R&B chart and spawned several chart singles. Lalah’s impressive vocal skills were heard throughout the album, but especially on the tracks supervised by veteran producer and former Rufus member Andre Fischer. Fischer picked refined material that put a delicious jazzy spin on the project and gave Ms. Hathaway the perfect atmosphere to shine. Unfortunately, other producers involved like Chuckii Booker and Craig T. Cooper went for a flat and heavily programmed approach which resulted in a sound not exactly on target.

Fischer and Hathaway recorded a couple of absolute gems, “Somethin’” and “Smile.” Singer/songwriter Brenda Russell co-wrote the originally titled “It’s Something!” with David Foster for her 1983 masterpiece album, “Two Eyes.” Lalah’s cover was arranged by two heavyweights, Fischer and Jerry Hey, who were pretty faithful to Foster’s original breezy arrangement of this lovely, mid-tempo ditty. “Somethin’” became the last single off “Lalah Hathaway” to make the R&B charts at #21. “Smile” is also a spectacular, pop/jazz number. Co-written by singer/songwriter Marilyn Scott with Russell Ferrante of Yellowjackets, it also featured Ferrante with fellow band members on the track. Both songs are the highlights of “Lalah Hathaway” and clear evidence of Hathaway’s amazing talent.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/somethin.mp3|titles=somethin’’|artists=Lalah Hathaway]

Keyboards: Randy Kerber
Drums: Jeff Porcaro
Bass: Neil Stubenhaus
Synthesizer: Larry Williams
Sax: Marc Russo

Arranged by Andre Fischer & Jerry Hey
Produced by Andre Fischer

Lyrics

Ooh, ooh, ooh, it’s something
You and I have something
How I long to be around when
When you can see that
You and I have something

Come on, oh, oh, it’s something
You better believe it
And I’m sure of one thing
How I long to be around when
When you can see that
You and I have something

And come on, it’s been a revelation, yeah
You’ve been an inspiration to me
And there is not one question, no
And my heart will run to you

Oh, oh, it’s something
You better believe it
You and I have something
I don’t wanna lose this time, babe
And hope you can see that
‘Cause you and I have something

In my heart I can’t believe we’ve been so blind
Looks like we’ve wasted so much time
There’s not a doubt that rings untrue
Said when I’m with you

Oh, you and I got something
Come on, oh, oh, it’s something
Oh, you and I, we got something
Come on, oh, oh, it’s somethin