Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 180 - A Special Feature on Jazz Classics Reborn as Vocal Versions!

Last time, we featured iconic albums showcasing the Fender Rhodes electric piano, starting with the track "Spain." This time, I’d like to introduce albums where original instrumental masterpieces have been transformed into vocal versions, giving birth to new works worthy of being called classics in their own right.

As a long-time listener, you might have experienced a moment when you thought, “Wait, wasn’t this an instrumental piece? It has a vocal version too!” These surprises are not uncommon, as our brains often recognize famous melodies even when presented differently. Delving deeper into these renditions reveals unique arrangements and melodic variations, making for an enjoyable listening experience—especially when the song in question is a major hit.

For this feature, we’ll focus on the iconic track "Birdland."
The name "Birdland" originates from a jazz club in Manhattan, New York. The "Bird" in Birdland refers to none other than the legendary Charlie Parker, whose nickname was "Bird." This club is famous for hosting performances by a host of jazz giants, including Charlie Parker himself, Miles Davis, Art Blakey, and John Coltrane, to name a few.

■ Recommended Album: Weather Report - Heavy Weather (1977)

No jazz fan would be unfamiliar with this album. Released in 1977, Heavy Weather is the seventh album by the supergroup Weather Report. It was on this album that bassist Jaco Pastorius, who had only contributed two tracks on the previous album Black Market, replaced Miroslav Vitouš as a full-time member. This marked a turning point, solidifying Weather Report's reputation as a supergroup.
Keyboardist Joe Zawinul praised Jaco Pastorius for his unique ability to produce the sound of an upright bass using an electric bass—a feat no other musician had achieved before. Jaco, using his fretless Fender Jazz Bass, was unparalleled in his ability to replicate the acoustic bass's tone while pioneering his own distinctive style.
Heavy Weather received a five-star rating from DownBeat magazine and was voted "Album of the Year" in the jazz category in the publication's 1977 readers' poll. It became the group's most successful record, both critically and commercially.
The album showcases the extraordinary synergy of three legendary musicians—Wayne Shorter, Joe Zawinul, and Jaco Pastorius. Listening to this record, one can truly grasp the remarkable chemistry that defined this iconic work.

Recommended Track: "Birdland"

The opening track of Heavy Weather, "Birdland", has become a jazz standard in its own right. Its unforgettable, catchy bassline is brought to life by Jaco Pastorius, who uses his fretless bass and signature picking harmonics to "sing" the melody. The track defies categorization within jazz, kicking off the album with a vibrant, pop-like accessibility that still retains the sophistication of jazz.
Composed by keyboardist Joe Zawinul, "Birdland" stands out as one of the most memorable and accessible compositions in the jazz realm, unparalleled in its catchiness.
I had the privilege of hearing Jaco Pastorius perform live when Weather Report toured Japan in 1980. His performance was nothing short of overwhelming. Comparing the live rendition of "Birdland" to the studio recording, there were subtle differences in the sense of resonance, yet the precision was almost identical. In fact, the live version had an even greater sense of dynamism, leaving me in awe of their unparalleled musicianship. I suspect the studio recording was achieved in a single take without overdubs, given its organic feel.
Following Heavy Weather, Weather Report released the live album 8:30. The consistency and brilliance of their performances throughout this album further underscore the extraordinary talent of this legendary group.

■ Recommended Album: The Manhattan Transfer - Extensions (1979)

Released in 1979, this album was The Manhattan Transfer's breakthrough work and one of their best albums. The producer was Jay Graydon, who was then making waves as a member of the group Airplay. The biggest highlight of the album is undoubtedly their cover of Weather Report's masterpiece, "Birdland."
However, the album doesn't only feature "Birdland" as a cover. It also includes "Nothing You Can Do About It," credited to Jay Graydon and David Foster, from Airplay's album Romantic. I believe that the success of their "Birdland" cover, which rivals the original, is due to the brilliance of their four-part vocal ensemble.

Recommended Track: "Birdland"

Weather Report’s “Birdland” may sound pop-like and catchy at first listen, but it is a highly intricate and technically demanding composition that requires exceptional musicianship. The complex interplay of various instruments creates a piece so sophisticated that it would be nearly impossible for average musicians to replicate. Yet, The Manhattan Transfer boldly chose to reinterpret this challenging piece with their four-part jazz vocal ensemble.
Executing such an ambitious idea was no simple feat, but producer Jay Graydon rose to the challenge. Adding lyrics to the intricate melody and having the quartet perform it flawlessly showcases the depth and versatility of American musicians. When I first heard their rendition, I was utterly stunned—it was an awe-inspiring experience. The vocal arrangement was meticulously crafted, capturing every nuance of the original performance and reproducing it with vocal harmonies.
In addition to the extraordinary vocal execution, the synthesizer work in the album Extensions deserves special mention. Joe Zawinul's Oberheim synthesizer bass lines in Weather Report’s original are iconic—rich, gritty, and widely recognized among musicians as a gold standard for synth bass. On Extensions, the synthesizer is handled by Ian Underwood, a keyboardist known for his work with Frank Zappa. Underwood's analog synth sounds are nothing short of exceptional, producing quintessentially rich analog tones that are unforgettable. The bass tones in the intro are phenomenal, but I was completely captivated by the brass-like analog synth sounds, which alone were enough to knock me out.
The Manhattan Transfer won the 23rd Grammy Awards for Best Jazz Fusion Performance, Vocal or Instrumental, and Best Vocal Arrangement for “Birdland.” Furthermore, in 1982, they performed with Weather Report themselves. It’s almost certain “Birdland” was part of their setlist. The thought of hearing Weather Report’s original rendition combined with Manhattan Transfer’s vocal harmonies is something I’m sure I’m not alone in longing for.

Featured Artists, Albums, and Recommended Track

• Artists: Weather Report, The Manhattan Transfer, Jay Graydon, Joe Zawinul, Ian Underwood, and others
• Albums: Heavy Weather, Extensions
• Heavy Weather, Extensions Recommended Track: "Birdland"

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