Music Luminaries Larry Chance and Billy Vera Put Their Innovative Spin on a Soul Classic with New Duet “Stand By Me”
StreamLINE MUSIC BLOG REVIEW - LARRY CHANCE AND BILLY VERA - STAND BY ME
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When two legendary singer-songwriters such as Larry Chance and Billy Vera come together on a project, not to mention carrying over 60 years of friendship and music industry experience into the creation process, the result is pure magic.
The two vocalist virtuosos have authored immensely successful careers individually as Larry is renowned as the lead singer of the legendary doo-wop group, The Earls, who released several well-known hits in the 60’s. While, Billy is a GRAMMY Award winner and is best known for his 1987 #1 hit ballad, “At This Moment”, which was also featured on one of the most popular sitcoms at the time, Family Ties.
Bringing such an esteemed pedigree to the table, Larry and Billy have paired up for the first time to release their twist on a timeless R&B soul classic, Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me”. The duo brilliantly capture the essence and feel of the original while infusing a unique flair into this modern version which makes the presentation distinctly their own.
Larry and Billy apply their signature ingenuity as they inject a contemporary jazz sound into the iconic soul piece. The jazzy twist is not only prominent in the composition but the stylistic fashion in which the two display their vocal chops.
The jazz infusion brings a swing to the original song, with hints of a big band mystique or full-on jazz ensemble, particularly with the incorporation of a standout brass section. The seasoned veterans harness this enhanced vibe masterfully and bring an inimitable vocal delivery that livens up the soundscape.
The two perform an appealing assembly of vocal gymnastics, intertwined with charismatic inflections and seamless transitions in tone. It draws you in as a listener as their stylings appear effortless as they glide across the smooth instrumentation.
Of course, the song features the iconic bass line and drum pattern of the original which is familiar to to music listeners across all ages and demographics. However, as referenced above, Larry and Billy’s dynamic, expressive vocals capture the emotional sentiment of the song and match up extremely well with the uptempo, vibrant composition.
It’s ironic how this duet even came to fruition as it was completely by chance, no pun intended. The beauty of music is that you’ll find many works and songs are borne out of an unexpected event or random occurrence. We’ll briefly lay out the story as it will give you an even greater appreciation for what Larry and Billy have done with this record.
Billy had an appearance at a sold out show at his alma mater, Archbishop Stepinac in White Plains, NY and had asked Larry to introduce him. As the show encore, Billy and Larry performed an impromptu live version of “Stand By Me”. Judging by the ensuing standing ovation and the fact that Larry had recently recorded a solo version of the classic, the two decided to go ahead and make it a duet; and the rest is history as they say!
Billy actually shared the recording with Mike Stoller, who co-wrote the original with Jerry Leiber and Ben E. King and Stoller expressed how much he loved it.
“Stand By Me” is available on all streaming platforms and you can bask in the magnificence of Larry and Billy’s rendition via the Spotify link below. Also, while you’re there, take an opportunity to immerse yourself in the extensive catalogs of music they each have crafted individually and collectively over their acclaimed careers.
Also scroll further below to connect with and read more about Billy Vera via his social media platforms, website and official Wikipedia page.
Enjoy this timeless classic that has transcended music, television and film!
Listen to “Stand by Me” on Spotify
Connect with, Follow and Read More About Billy Vera
- Website: https://www.billyvera.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billyvera
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/billybeater
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Vera
Billy Vera Bio
Not only is Billy Vera (born William McCord, Jr. on May 28, 1944 in Riverside, CA) a rock historian, he’s made some rock history himself over the last quarter century. Vera wrote for the likes of Barbara Lewis and Rick Nelson during the mid-’60s before recording his “Storybook Children” as an R&B duet with Judy Clay in 1967 for Atlantic. It proved a solid hit, as did their 1968 follow-up “Country Girl – City Man.” Vera surfaced as a solo artist in 1987 when “At This Moment,” a song he’d cut in 1981 with his band, Beaters, was featured on the popular TV sitcom Family Ties and topped the pop charts on Rhino. Vera recently returned to a soulful duet format, this time with ex-Labelle belter Nona Hendryx, for “You Have to Cry Sometime” on Shanachie. Vera has also compiled and annotated many CD reissue projects, notably the Legends of Specialty series. ~ Bill Dahl, Rovi
Source: Posted by Billy Vera on Spotify
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