Written by Clyde Otis, ‘This Bitter Earth’ was hit for rhythm-and-blues icon Dinah Washington in 1960. The string-laden arrangement, with Otis’ sombre lyrics, carries pangs of melancholy. Washington’s commanding delivery turned ‘This Bitter Earth’ into a standard of sorts, later covered by Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and Gladys Knight.

Alternative soul singer Aruba Red has released a live rendition of ‘This Bitter Earth’, recorded in the Vortex Jazz Club in North London. With Nathan Lee on flute and Renell Shaw on bass guitar, the arrangement is textured and airy. Red paces herself beautifully, singing with more authority at the hopeful turn in the song’s lyrics.

Aruba Red explains:

“I was struck by the melancholy, sombre nature of the song. But one line shines a reassuring light, ‘I’m sure someone may answer my call, and this bitter earth may not be so bitter after all’. To me, that one line represents connection, connection with others, promise for the future, urging us to answer our own call, be our own hero, to never lose hope…”

(Image copyright: Aruba Red)