Following from last week’s article, here’s the second part of ‘Dreamcasting an Aretha Franklin Tribute’. To recap the hypothetical brief: Aretha Franklin’s estate has asked The House That Soul Built to organise a tribute to the Queen of Soul, comprised of UK-based soulful talent. Read our suggestions below!
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Beverley Knight – ‘The House That Jack Built’
No British tribute to Aretha Franklin would be complete without the reigning Queen of UK Soul Beverley Knight. Written by Bobby Lance and Fran Robbins, ‘The House That Jack Built’ depicts a setting of pastoral, domestic bliss which is tarnished by heartbreak. Just over two minutes in length, it has some of the finest horn work in Aretha’s discography. Ms Knight has the instinct and agility to ride the song’s funky groove, with plenty of space to let rip with her lioness growl.
David McAlmont – ‘Angel’
David McAlmont has a superb ability to interpret a vulnerable lyric. This song, written by Aretha’s sister Carolyn, carries a plaintive longing which McAlmont could render beautifully in his wispy falsetto.
Natasha Watts – ‘Groovin’
A companion once likened Natasha Watts’ voice to a ‘creamy mug of hot chocolate’. That description has always stuck. Her warm tones would suit the tranquil ‘Groovin’, from Aretha: Lady Soul (1968).
Vula Malinga – ‘Sweetest Smile & the Funkiest Style’
‘Sweetest Smile and the Funkiest Style’ will forever be the forgotten Aretha cut that will never get the acknowledgement it deserves. And fair enough. It was only released in 2007 on Rare and Unreleased Recordings from the Golden Reign of the Queen of Soul. It missed the cut on the Hey Now Hey album, perhaps deemed too raunchy. After all, the lyrics are dripping with sex. Vula Malinga, of Basement Jaxx and Soul Family, has the playful vocal inflection and vivacious personality for this number.
Rachel John – ‘You’ve Got A Friend/Take My Hand, Precious Lord’
Olivier-nominated actress Rachel John has a voice built for soul and gospel. She performed Aretha’s mash-up of Carole King’s ‘You’ve Got A Friend’ with the hymn ‘Take My Hand Precious Lord’ at a West End Live Lounge concert. It was spirited, comforting, and powerful. It would be a shame for her not to reprise it.
Ruby Turner – ‘Share Your Love With Me’
One of the UK’s premier soul singers, Ruby Turner is particularly known for her wonderful collaborations with Jools Holland. She has sold-out residencies every year at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club. Her thick, heavy, raw voice would suit the pleading ‘Share Your Love With Me’, recorded by Aretha for This Girl’s In Love With You (1970).
(Image sourced through Google’s ‘Licensed for Reuse’ function)
