It’s funny how some people’s lives come to be defined by a single event…at least, in the public perception. Think Monica Lewinsky or Linda Tripp. Believe it or not, they probably lead full, interesting lives…but as far of most of us are concerned, we think, “isn’t she the one who…?”. So it is, to some degree, with Lori Lieberman. She’s been a respected singer-songwriter for several decades now, but one event has come to define her life in the public consciousness: She visited an L.A. club nearly 40 years ago and saw a young Don McLean (American Pie) in concert, and was deeply moved. She wrote a poem about the experience, which grew into a song which she recorded on one of her early albums. Her performance didn’t connect with the public-at-large for whatever reason…but another by Roberta Flack did…in fact, becoming one of the signature songs of the Seventies. And Killing Me Softly With His Song was picked up 20 years later by The Fugees, becoming the top-selling single of 1996. The same song has been recorded by acts as diverse as Englebert Humperdinck, Tori Amos, Perry Como, The Jackson 5, Alicia Keys, Frank Sinatra and Luther Vandross. Great song, right? Well, it all started with Lori…and we’re delighted that she’s enabling us to share a newly-recorded version of the song wtih you, as well as He Needs You…from her new album, Gun Metal Sky.
The Pimps of Joytime are one of those bands that leave you satisfied, but at the same time, wanting more. Incredibly infectious rhythms and grooves borrow liberally from multiple musical genres, including latin, hip-hop and jazz. From their debut album, High Steppin’, they’ve brought us two songs to share with you: Bonita and Joytime Radio.
Chris Huff is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer specializing in hooky retro-pop songs that combine different genres. From his album Death and Texas, he’s sharing his song For The Trees.
The above songs are all available right now for free download from Great Songs Free. Next up, in instrumental music:
At only 21 years of age, Ólafur Arnalds is Iceland’s latest export. Having already sold out The Barbican Hall in London, toured major European festivals and opened for Sigur Rós on their most recent European tour…the future seems bright for this extraordinary talent. Arnalds’ music can only be described as achingly beautiful. He creates a world of delicate symphonic compositions. His music scales the heights perfected by the romantics. Yet by mixing strings and piano with loops and edgy beats it remains equally engaging to the contemporary ear. Check out 3055 and Ljósið from his self-titled album.
These instrumental tracks are now available at Great Instrumental Downloads.
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And finally…
Active as a musician since early childhood, Terry Lynn Tschaekofske has performed in numerous rock and blues bands in Utah and Northern California. As a private teacher, he has given thousands of lessons to eager students. He’s recently released his debut solo album, Illusions, and he’s brought us two songs to share with you: Who Was She and The Other Side of Paradise.
And these songs are available right now for free download at Free Solo Guitar.
