Saw her do this on the Outlaw Tour stop in Raleigh, too. Like you, I'm a Bill Withers devotee. The bands I've been in have played "Use Me," so I've sung it many times. It's one of my favorite tunes to sing; the open groove and minimal melody offer endless possibilities for phrasing and dynamics - the best kind of funky soul.
Her version was fantastic, and yes, one of the first things I noticed when she came out was her choice of ax. Sister Rosetta indeed!
It's such a great song to get inside, isn't it? Bill Withers had such a knack for writing something that you just want to walk around with forever. So cool to see Celisse with these nods to the old guard but turning it all into something new!
Saw her do this on the Outlaw Tour stop in Raleigh, too. Like you, I'm a Bill Withers devotee. The bands I've been in have played "Use Me," so I've sung it many times. It's one of my favorite tunes to sing; the open groove and minimal melody offer endless possibilities for phrasing and dynamics - the best kind of funky soul.
Her version was fantastic, and yes, one of the first things I noticed when she came out was her choice of ax. Sister Rosetta indeed!
Great write-up as always!
It's such a great song to get inside, isn't it? Bill Withers had such a knack for writing something that you just want to walk around with forever. So cool to see Celisse with these nods to the old guard but turning it all into something new!
Indeed - and her band is outstanding! Minimal, but powerful with plenty of space to keep a deep groove.
Thanks Matthew I hadn't heard her either. Will enjoy looking up more of her work.
I hope you like what you find!
Yes! The whole Celisse set this summer was SO GOOD, with this cover the showstopper. Glad to see it get some love here.
She was amazing, would have very happily sat through whole afternoon's worth of songs from her