One thing that signified a break in popular music between the eras of jazz/broadway and the later revolution of Rock n' Roll and later genres was the idea of the "standard." In the first half of the 20th century, there were songs that were expected to be done by everyone who could sing. Later, that changed to artists having a personal possession over their compositions. Now, in the days of social media, we have a generation of artists who are reinterpreting popular the very music that's made a cultural impact. and I have to wonder, are we seeing the return of the "standard?"
Enter Paul Middleton's version of Adele's "Easy on Me" from his newest album "Covers 4!" It's an acoustic ballad-piano-and-vocal track. Middleton's voice is sweet and very passionate, I can't imagine the songwriter herself wouldn't be taken with his heartfelt interpretation of such a lovely track. The piano is simple, which allows the vocals, and moving lyrics, to shine through. What can I say? It's an extremely well-delivered performance of an extremely beautiful song, which should be enough for anyone looking to experience Adele's music through a new lens.
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