Nobody ever said that Dusty Springfield was easy and when it came time for the song selection for "Dusty In Memphis", Jerry Wexler found out just how difficult she could be when they could initially agree upon only two songs; "Son Of A Preacher Man" and "Just A Little Lovin'". Time has proven that it was a great place to start.
Wexler and engineer Tom Dowd have received plenty of flack over the years for an ever present hiss throughout "Dusty In Memphis" but I've always felt that it added to the intimacy of the album, creating the feeling of overhearing a series of confessions from the table next to yours. In the case of "Son Of A Preacher Man", it practically resonates off the guitar intro like the steam on the streets after a summer rain before being blown away by Arif Mardin's horn arrangement. And it's probably that which makes me want to open every window within reach whenever "Son Of A Preacher Man" comes on. Plus, it's the neighborly thing to do even if the neighbors don't always agree.
With the passing of Wexler last weekend, the creative team behind "Dusty In Memphis", the crew that out-Aretha'd Aretha on "Son Of A Preacher Man", are now all gone. How well we remember...
No comments:
Post a Comment