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#794955 01/10/24 07:59 PM
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Cry To Me

Hi Folks,

Here is my version of the classic R&B song "Cry To Me" by Bert Berns.

Bertrand Russell Berns (November 8, 1929 – December 30, 1967), also known as Bert Russell and (occasionally) Russell Byrd, was an American songwriter and record producer of the 1960s. His songwriting credits include "Twist and Shout", "Piece of My Heart", "Here Comes the Night", "Hang on Sloopy", "Cry to Me" and "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love", and his productions include "Baby, Please Don't Go", "Brown Eyed Girl" and "Under the Boardwalk".

He died on December 30, 1967, aged just 38 of a congenital heart condition.

Vocals: Nigel Spiers

Piano: Kevin McKendree
Drums: Wes Little
Sax: Chris West
Horns: Chris West
Sax: Tom Keenlyside
Bass: Dave Roe
Bass: Dow Tomlin
Organ: Chris Nole
Guitar: Jack Pearson


Nigel Spiers
Christchurch, New Zealand
info@nzacoustics.com
NigelSpiers #795014 01/11/24 07:14 AM
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Hi Nigel,

I have never heard of Bert Berns before, slipped under my radar I guess, but that's a very impressive list of songs he wrote, all of which I am familiar with except for this one.

You have the perfect voice for this type of material, excellent vocal! Nice job on the track too, love the groove change.

Enjoyed!

NigelSpiers #795053 01/11/24 11:01 AM
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Great vocal and overall sound is terrific, as usual. Thanks for the history on the writer. I didn't know of him, but I sure knew his music.

BlueAttitude #795128 01/11/24 05:16 PM
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Hi Dave,

Thanks for your generous comments.

Yes - I had never heard of him either but always loved this song "Cry To Me" made famous by Solomon Burke.
Best Regards
Nigel

From Wikipedia:
Berns's early work with Solomon Burke brought him to the attention of Atlantic label chiefs Ahmet Ertegun and Jerry Wexler. In 1963, Berns replaced Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller as staff producer at Atlantic, where he wrote and produced hits for Solomon Burke ("Everybody Needs Somebody to Love"), the Drifters ("Under the Boardwalk" and "Saturday Night at the Movies"), Barbara Lewis ("Baby I'm Yours" and "Make Me Your Baby"), Little Esther Phillips ("Hello Walls," written by Willie Nelson), Ben E. King, Wilson Pickett and LaVern Baker.


Nigel Spiers
Christchurch, New Zealand
info@nzacoustics.com
NigelSpiers #795138 01/11/24 06:40 PM
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I knew of him because of The Beatles, Them & Bowie's cover of HCTNight on Pinups.
Cool interpretation with the neatly done tempo changes really making it special.


Cheers
rayc
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NigelSpiers #795173 01/12/24 03:07 AM
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Well, this is quite nice! GREAT vocals, and would love to have your band "in a box" so to speak. Just love what you've done with this classic.

Recorded many times, the version of this song I know the best is by The Rolling Stones circa 1965.

The documentary "BANG! The Bert Berns Story" is available on streaming rental sites for those who want to know more about Bert and his short, wild ride...


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Brad Williams #795259 01/12/24 12:44 PM
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Hi Brad,

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for your comments.

Best Regards
Nigel


Nigel Spiers
Christchurch, New Zealand
info@nzacoustics.com
NigelSpiers #795359 01/12/24 10:12 PM
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Hi Nigel,

I've always liked this song a lot. Here in the States, Solomon Burke had the big hit with it in either '61 or '62. I was a freshman in high school - remember that much.

Your version is terrific! Loved it. You have a terrific voice for these old standards - rock and pop. Thanks for a great listen!

Alan


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rayc #795460 01/13/24 12:08 PM
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Hi Ray,

Thanks for your comments.

Yes I remember the Beatles version of Twist & Shout very fondly from my youth.

In the 1960's, in New Zealand where I grew up, we simply were not exposed to the wonders of Soul and R&B - the Radio was a solid diet of Beatles, The Seekers, Elvis or Frank Ifield.

Best Regards
Nigel


Nigel Spiers
Christchurch, New Zealand
info@nzacoustics.com
NigelSpiers #795534 01/13/24 05:45 PM
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Nigel, this is absolutely fantastic.
Outstanding vocal.
Loved those dynamics and groove changes.
Outstanding mix.
This version is as good as or better than any other versions.


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Me "I just looked next to the potatoes and there it was"!

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NigelSpiers #795556 01/13/24 09:11 PM
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Cool stuff there.


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
NigelSpiers #795562 01/14/24 12:13 AM
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Hi, Nigel.

Top shelf production, excellent players, fun vocals.


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

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DC Ron #795630 01/14/24 01:56 PM
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Hi Ron,

Thanks for all your generous comments.

Bang - I have not seen this yet - is it good?

Best Regards
Nigel


Nigel Spiers
Christchurch, New Zealand
info@nzacoustics.com
NigelSpiers #795666 01/14/24 05:11 PM
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Nigel, you are a fantastic vocalist. I hope you've made some cash from your chops. Excellent performance from both you and the band. Loved it!

NigelSpiers #795668 01/14/24 05:15 PM
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Superb, superb, superb, superb. I know this song well, in a number of versions. This is as good as any, if not better. I love the steady tempo you took this at (some others tend to go too fast for my taste), resulting in having time where you can put your accents properly. Nice change into 12/8, and back - twice smile

LOVED it - you have shown here that you have not only the voice, but the musical brain to couple with the musical heart, too. Well done.

NigelSpiers #795674 01/14/24 06:02 PM
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Like a few others that have commented, Bert Berns also slipped under my radar.
That said, you have the perfect voice for this genre.
You and your band are top shelf, great job to all.


https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677
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Al-David #795821 01/15/24 02:48 PM
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Hi Alan,

Yeah Solomon Burke's is the definitive version all right.

Thanks for your comments.

Best Regards
Nigel


Nigel Spiers
Christchurch, New Zealand
info@nzacoustics.com
MarioD #795967 01/16/24 11:53 AM
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Hi Mario,

Very glad you enjoyed it and thanks for your generous comments.

Best Regards
Nigel


Nigel Spiers
Christchurch, New Zealand
info@nzacoustics.com
NigelSpiers #795999 01/16/24 02:36 PM
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Very nice. One of my favourites.
Is it possible to share what styles and RT/RDs you are using.


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Amateur: fiddle, guitar, vocal, beginner on bass.
NigelSpiers #796002 01/16/24 02:56 PM
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I've never heard of Bert Berns, but this is a really good song with some cool tempo changes, and your vocals are amazing.
I love it!

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