The veteran singer-percussionist and friends release a fabulous 8-minute, jazz-blues interpretation of the Eugene McDaniel protest song, taken from the forthcoming album Open Me, A Higher Consciousness of Sound and Spirit, out on 8 March on Spiritmuse Records. Compared To What was first recorded by Robert Flack, and later, Les McCann and Eddie Harris. With shades of Gil Scott-Heron in his vocal delivery, Kahil El'Zabar plays kalimba, backed by Corey Wilkes on trumpet, Alex Harding on baritone sax, with James Sanders on violin, viola and Ishmael Ali on cello. It was recorded at Soundmine Studios, Chicago in July.
To explore and enjoy more by Kahil El'Zabar's Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, who are celebrating 50 years of music, see also the other embedded link below.
Said I love the lie, lie the love
Hangin' on with a push and shove
Possession is the motivation
Hangin' up the whole damn nation
Looks like we always end up in a rut
Tryin' to make it real, but compared to what?
Go to church on Sunday, sleep and nod
Tryin' to duck the wrath of God
Preacher's fillin' us with fright
Tell us what he thinks is right
But he must be in some kind of stupid nut
Tries to make it real,
Compared to what.
But where's that bee and where's their honey?
Where's my God and where's my money?
Unreal values, crass distortion
Unwed mothers need abortion
And it kind of brings to mind ol' young King Tut
He did it now.
Tried to make it real
Tried to make it real, yeah, but compared to what?
Said I love the lie, lie the love
Hangin' on with a push and shove
Possession is the motivation
Hangin' up the whole damn nation
Looks like we always end up in a rut
Tryin' to make it real, but compared to what?
The President, he's got his war
Folks don't know what the hell it's for
Nobody gives us rhyme or reason
If anyone doubts, they call it treason
We're chicken-feathers, without …
Tryin' to make it real, compared to what?
Slaughterhouse is killin' hogs
Poor dumb rednecks rollin' logs
Tired old lady kissin' dogs
Twisted children are killin' frogs
I hate that human, love that stinking mutt (I can't use it!)
Try to make it real, compared to what?
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