BeatSession 01|31|12 (Etta James Tribute)

The Original Sample:

Feeling Uneasy by Etta James

Etta James is actually an anagram of her birth-given name Jamessetta. The name Etta was given to her by Johnny Otis just prior to her first recording in 1954. Today she is widely regarded as one of the greatest singers to have ever lived, which is why it’s hard to believe that up until 1989, she was considered one of the most underrated and overlooked singers of all time. Sure, she was nominated for a number of Grammys in the 60’s and 70’s, but of the 30+ awards that she has received, they all occurred AFTER 1989.

But there is one song which is an unsung highlight in her career that was recorded during one of the lowest points in her life. In 1974, Etta was sentenced to 17-month drug treatment program at Tarzana Psych Hospital for her heroin addiction. Fortunately, she was granted day passes to leave the facility to record. And one of the first songs she recorded was this week’s sample selection, “Feeling Uneasy”, a haunting and almost wordless vocal improvisation which lasts for almost 3 minutes. She was so ravaged and sick from the effects of her withdrawal that she couldn’t sing the lyrics. Instead, the listener is immersed in a barrage of painful moans and wails. In the end, she is only able to sing the title during the song’s final measure. There is so much happening in her voice; so much texture and emotion that she says more in 3 minutes of indiscernible lyrics than most songs ever do.

Quick Update:
►Perseverance – Live performance (emcee/beatmaking) by WBS’ very own Gee at IMPXVII’s CD Release Party.

peace, @illa0804/@generationill

Featured Beats and Producers:

UNEASY JOINT (FOR ETTA) by Mr. Klimatic (Toledo, OH)

Power Struggle – Inspired by Dream Remix by PMBeatz (Washington, DC)

Westside Groove by Laidback (Nantes, France)

Take It Easy by thadizzie1 (San Francisco, CA)

Take ’em to Church by 25/8 (Miami, FL)

Path of Peace by NeV (Augusta, GA)

Tribute by MH (Saskatoon, SK Canada)

Sweet Nothings by Gee (Toronto, Canada)

Park City III by Sideways (Park City, UT)

The Champ is Here by Thyro of FlipMusic (San Juan, Philippines)

Gene Roca – Sex Is Remix by BoJam of FlipMusic (Pasig, Philippines)

1985 by Hi-Rock (Toronto, Canada)

ThisCuteShittyFeelingThatIMissHer by TicTac Productions (Toronto, Canada)

Closer by Agent Smith 78 (Chicago, IL)

Magic Hat by DJ Magic Of Beast Coast (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)

Closer (Snippet) by illa (Miami, FL)

Etta World Peace by Chrizo (Las Piñas, Philippines)

Better Late Than Dead by Blackph03nix (London, England)

Monday Morning by SPNZ  (Makati City, Philippines)