This week I’ve had Postmodern Jukebox’s European Tour Version of the song, “All About That Bass,” #OnRepeat. This is actually one of those times where the group that does the cover of a hit pop song gets just as much attention as the actual pop singer who performed it.
Yes, this is a cover of Meghan Trainor’s original “All About That Bass.” Yes, I know that the lyrics are considered somewhat cheesy (although one would argue that the lyrics promote ideas about positive body image) and the original has influences of R&B, Doo-Wop, Country, and Hip-Hop, creating a mixture that may be catchy but is somewhat hard to get through. I admit that I actually didn’t completely listen to Meghan Trainor’s version of this song until after I heard the Postmodern Jukebox version.
Which is why I think that this group’s version of this song is so great–it takes a mainstream song and makes it relatable for everybody. The group is lead by Scott Bradley on piano, followed by Chip Thomas on drums, Ben Golder-Novak on saxophone, James Hall on trombone, Adam Kubota on bass with Ariana Savalas, Morgan James, and Haley Reinhart on vocals, and Casey Abrams on bass and vocals. This is a big group, but when you hear the music, you will understand why. This version has elements of Big-Band Jazz, Swing, and some New Orleans-style horn playing. The singing-style and vibe of the group and video feels as if you would see them perform in a club in Paris during the 1930’s or 1940’s. The singers each have their own strengths: sassiness, power, and intonation, and stage-presence; the harmonies that the girls create are iconic of the era in which they are trying to recreate, not to mention that they blend very well together.
Here is Meghan Trainor’s version and the Postmodern Jukebox European Tour Cast version below:
Is there a cover version of a song that helped you discover and/or appreciate the original more? Let us know in the comments below!