Like many of you of a similar age, the name Bobby McFerrin in association with music might stir a memory or two, but from where? Searching in the dim and distant past, I recalled he did a song called Don’t Worry Be Happy which, according to Wikipedia was released in 1988 (I was surprised it was that long ago!) and is listed on VH1s 100 Greatest One Hit Wonders of the 80s, which I’m guessing isn’t quite how Mr McFerrin intended his music to be remembered. Perhaps he ought to release it again in light of the pending election and what might happen to the economy afterwards…
Anyway, political commentary aside, my recent interest in this blast from the past stems from his recent appearance on Later with Jools Holland, a venerable torrent of introductions to new and old musicians alike, and the only music programme on television worth watching in my opinion.
If you missed it, you missed out on something quite special, but with the wonders of the Interweb, you need be culturally deprived no more. The show featured such highlights as Gorillaz playing their track Stylo featuring a sterling performance by Bobby Womack and Mos Def; Diane Birch – impressive vocals and well worth a listen; the Drive By Truckers – definitely the kind of red-neck, yeehaa type band who’ve played in venues like the one in From Dusk ’til Dawn with wire mesh protecting the stage from flying beer bottles; and Bobby Womack again – worthy of another mention as he did an outstanding separate performance with Jools on the piano.
Undoubtedly though, the highlight for me was Bobby McFerrin who, unlike the others, was not surrounded by instruments, speakers, lightshows, video screens, or indeed anything other than just him and a microphone. Not knowing anything about him but a vague memory of a song from 20 years ago, this was quite special. He performed a song called Smile, which was written by Charlie Chaplin, and if you’re quick you can still see this on the BBC iPlayer – look for Later Series 36(!) Episode 3 (25 minutes).
Sadly, aside from one very poor mobile phone film on YouTube, I couldn’t find any other link I could embed for you of Smile, but here’s one of him doing a different song called Drive which is also excellent. Check this out for true mastery of the human voice.
