10 Great Covers Of The Beatles' Songs
5. A Hard Day's Night – Ran Blake & Jeanne Lee
Let's be honest – the oblique styles of jazz mavericks, pianist Ran Blake and singer Jeanne Lee aren't going to be to everybody's tastes but, in terms of daring and inventiveness, the duos interpretation of A Hard Day's Night more than warrants its place on this list.
Throughout her career, Lee collaborated with many of the great names in avant garde jazz, including Carla Bley, Anthony Braxton and Archie Shepp. Blake's singular piano sound earned him credits on more than 40 albums, together with 40 years work as a teacher at the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music.
A Hard Day's Night is one of the earliest Beatles' compositions on this list. Written in 1964 by Lennon/McCartney, it formed the title track to the album which accompanied the movie of the same name – the Beatles' first feature film.
Blake and Lee bring undeniable class and sophistication to their version. Lee's vocals are enticing and mysterious. Blake's playing is challenging and fascination. Together they weave an unforgettable spell.