Does it sound tacky for a vocalist to "jazz-up" the old standard songs?

Question

Like the National Anthem,Over the Rainbow,and many Christmas carols?
These songs became popular in their origional form:-- is it disrespectful or arrogant for vocalists to think they can do it better their way.

MIDTOWNIR--People listen to certain songs because of the mood they create and the memories they bring forth.--These new versions have not yet been accepted and should not be dumped on listeners who were expecting to hear the things they like.Don't people have the right to keep the songs that they have held sacred in their origional form?
Please don't say "they don't have to listen", because the reverse is also true--these vocalists don't have to sing.

Flipp4449---If you call it "soul" to go up and down the scales and mawkishly scream verses that were written to be soft and tender : that is the most corny kind of "soul" I can immagine.

Ray G---I like to add my own seasoning.
If you're so fond of experimentation, would you like it if I put mustard on your corn flakes?

Midtownir---Isn,t a hot-dog a copy of another hot-dog; and does somebody have the right to deny me of my copy?
They will determine what I "should" like?

That's why they put many spices on the table, so people can add them if they like them. The cook shouldn't dump pepper in everyone's food just because HE likes it.

It has nothing to do w/ "copyrights".
No wonder you don't think it's tacky.
How would you like someone to draw a mustache on a treasured picture of your mother?

Should you be considered a great artist if you repaint the 'Mona Lisa' wearing sun-glasses?

Answer 1

I think I know what your getting at when you ask this question.

Yes, I have heard some ridiculous versions. The bad thing about it was that the vocalist used the songs just to show off. It was as if they were trying to "one up" all the previous versions.

I have also heard some really great unique versions of old standards. I think the thing that made them good is that you can hear the love for the song itself in the singers voice.

Answer 2

Of course you should "jazz- up" the tunes you sing. Otherwise you might be just a copy cat. If you listen to songs done by different artists they are rarely the same. I just heard an old Beatles song done by Stevie wonder. totally different, but still the same original tune and words.

Go for it - just be careful of trampling on anyone's copyright.

Added in response to your comments: Hi big j - guess your opinion is that it is tacky. OK.

if you'd like answers to your copyright question, what about asking a copyright question on Yahoo Answers. Sounds from your comment to me that you do have some questions about what copyright entitles one to - or not.

Answer 3

"Jazzing up" songs to me is like using seasoning on food--you have to know what to use and in the right amounts. Like food, using too little or especially too much can ruin things. Some singers can go into overkill and use too many runs or alter the melody so much that the song is almost unrecognizable. I say a modest amount of "jazzing" is ok, though I wouldn't alter the National Anthem too much since that could actually be insulting to people used to the original version.

Answer 4

I love it. You're just set in your ways. I don't find it disrespectful at all. And I'm 57. Every tune should have a little soul.