from Oannes *

Υπάρχουν αμέτρητες εκτελέσεις του αριστουργήματος των Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein II από το θρυλικό αντιρατσιστιό musical “Showboat” – πρεμιέρα το 1927. Διαλέγω αυτήν, από την πρώτη ηχογράφηση της αναθεωρημένης απ’ τον Jerome Kern βερσιόν [1946]. Ο μεγάλος μπασο-βαρύτονος Willard White [φωτό] δίνει μια συγκλονιστική ερμηνεία.

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There are countless interpretations of this masterpiece [Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein IΙ], from the legendary anti-slavery musical “Showboat”, premiered in 1927. I choose this one, from the first recording of the Jerome Kern-revised version [1946].
Τhe great bass-baritone Willard White [photo] gives a mind blowing performance.

❝ Here we all work ‘long the Mississippi
Here we all work while the white folk play
Pullin’ them boats from the dawn till sunset
Gettin’ no rest till the judgment day
Don’t look up and don’t look down
Ya don’t dast make the white boss frown
Bend your knees and bow your head
And pull that rope until you’re dead
Let me go ‘way from the Mississippi
Let me go ‘way from the white man boss
Show me that stream called the River Jordan
That’s the old stream that I long to cross
Ol’ Man River, that Ol’ Man River
He must know somepin’, but he don’t say nothin’
He just keeps rollin’, he keeps on rollin’ along
He don’t plant taters, and he don’t plant cotton
And them what plants ’em is soon forgotten
But Ol’ Man River, jest keeps rollin’ along
You and me, we sweat and strain
Bodies all achin’ and wracked with pain
Tote that barge and lift that bale
Ya get a little drunk and ya lands in ja-ail
I gets weary and so sick of tryin’
I’m tired of livin’, but I’m feared of dyin’
And Ol’ Man River, he just keeps rollin’ along ❞

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Enjoy!

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As always, I’m happy to hear your thoughts, however I’d highly recommend a direct dialogue with the …’source’ [why comments are closed here], so please visit Oannes’ page where you can also listen to the music!

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* For my friends who didn’t know, or first timers here, Oannes [aka Socratis Papahatzis] is my husband, partner in life and music and the one with my undying admiration. Together we have a band MK-O [the music of Marina Kanavaki & Oannes]. So, it’s my pleasure to share with you his [and sometimes mine] musical selections. • Do visit his site. He has my highest recommendation!