Mary Wilson Sings "Both Sides Now" @ Vibrato Last Night!

**marv2** · 12-17-2014, 06:39 PM

Here's something really special. Back from her European Tour, Mary sings the classic "Both Sides Now"

**Mark Desjardines** · 12-17-2014, 10:41 PM

When Joni Mithell' first recorded her song " Both Sides Now" she lacked the life experience to add that extra punch. Mary Wilson has experienced the highs and lows of life and brings the bitter sweetness of those tribulations to the forefront when she delves into the lyrics. I would really like to get the chance to see her perform up close and personal!

**marv2** · 12-17-2014, 11:00 PM

Originally Posted by Mark Desjardines

When Joni Mithell' first recorded her song " Both Sides Now" she lacked the life experience to add that extra punch. Mary Wilson has experienced the highs and lows of life and brings the bitter sweetness of those tribulations to the forefront when she delves into the lyrics. I would really like to get the chance to see her perform up close and personal!

She is definitely experienced. I would love to know if Joni has heard Mary's version of her song.

**detmotownguy** · 12-18-2014, 03:19 AM

Hi Marv: I believe there is a link to an interview where joni discusses that she didn't have the life experience to sing the song. She may have referenced other singers who she appreciated their interpretation.

**marv2** · 12-18-2014, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by detmotownguy

Hi Marv: I believe there is a link to an interview where joni discusses that she didn't have the life experience to sing the song. She may have referenced other singers who she appreciated their interpretation.

I think I saw an interview with Joni Mitchell about a year ago on Canadian television where she talked about her life and her music.

BTW, I learned that the venue where Mary is performing in this clip, "Vibrato" is owned by Herb Alpert. You might recall he also signed Jean Terrell to his A&M Records back in the 70s.

**marv2** · 12-18-2014, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by detmotownguy

Hi Marv: I believe there is a link to an interview where joni discusses that she didn't have the life experience to sing the song. She may have referenced other singers who she appreciated their interpretation.

I found the Joni Mitchell interview she did for the CBC. I will post it in the Clubhouse.

supremester · 12-18-2014, 12:36 PM

I'm told this is a wonderful venue from the performer's aspect. They work off the door - no percentages taken off for anything and are paid 100% of the covers [[generally $25) in full each night. Alpert is a stand up guy and provides the least shady club in the USA for quality performers at this level. He feels he runs a classy club for performers to play, and makes his money off the food and beverage. He gets no door money, performers get no food money and both compliment each other. The Vibrado began as a club to support local jazzz musicians so there are no deals or provisions for travel or lodging, nor deductions for bar tabs etc which are settled separately from the door. Of course there are other clubs with this arrangement - but not this reputation. Mary had a low number or reservations but a lot of walk-in traffic - which is not uncommon for some attractions. Often the early show will draw more heavily than the later show, and it's up to the artist if they wish to collect a second cover for those wishing to stay. Drawing just 20 short of capacity for the first show and over 90 for the second, she did well enough to be invited back without hesitation that night. I've seen Mary in similar sized rooms and highly recommend it to see her at her best.

**marv2** · 12-18-2014, 12:50 PM

Originally Posted by supremester

I'm told this is a wonderful venue from the performer's aspect. They work off the door - no percentages taken off for anything and are paid 100% of the covers [[generally $25) in full each night. Alpert is a stand up guy and provides the least shady club in the USA for quality performers at this level. He feels he runs a classy club for performers to play, and makes his money off the food and beverage. He gets no door money, performers get no food money and both compliment each other. The Vibrado began as a club to support local jazzz musicians so there are no deals or provisions for travel or lodging, nor deductions for bar tabs etc which are settled separately from the door. Of course there are other clubs with this arrangement - but not this reputation. Mary had a low number or reservations but a lot of walk-in traffic - which is not uncommon for some attractions. Often the early show will draw more heavily than the later show, and it's up to the artist if they wish to collect a second cover for those wishing to stay. Drawing just 20 short of capacity for the first show and over 90 for the second, she did well enough to be invited back without hesitation that night. I've seen Mary in similar sized rooms and highly recommend it to see her at her best.

This is a cabarat aka known as a nightclub/restaurant. This is the perfect setting for Mary Wilson's "Up Close" Jazz concerts. Not to be confused with the house party that Diana Ross and Mariah Carey played last New Year's Eve in the U.K. with Diane opening for Mariah.

Mary, coming straight off of a long European tour with Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, settles in nicely to this more intimate setting and totally difference style of music that she performed with the Rhythm Kings just days ago!

**marv2** · 12-18-2014, 01:00 PM

Vibrato is Herb Alpert's Jazz club. Herb has known Mary for over 50 years! Here are a few pics of the club:

**marv2** · 12-18-2014, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by supremester

I'm told this is a wonderful venue from the performer's aspect. They work off the door - no percentages taken off for anything and are paid 100% of the covers [[generally $25) in full each night. Alpert is a stand up guy and provides the least shady club in the USA for quality performers at this level. He feels he runs a classy club for performers to play, and makes his money off the food and beverage. He gets no door money, performers get no food money and both compliment each other. The Vibrado began as a club to support local jazzz musicians so there are no deals or provisions for travel or lodging, nor deductions for bar tabs etc which are settled separately from the door. Of course there are other clubs with this arrangement - but not this reputation. Mary had a low number or reservations but a lot of walk-in traffic - which is not uncommon for some attractions. Often the early show will draw more heavily than the later show, and it's up to the artist if they wish to collect a second cover for those wishing to stay. Drawing just 20 short of capacity for the first show and over 90 for the second, she did well enough to be invited back without hesitation that night. I've seen Mary in similar sized rooms and highly recommend it to see her at her best.

Mary sounds good doesn't she?

**blueskies** · 12-18-2014, 03:12 PM

Wow.....loved it. Thanks!

supremester · 12-18-2014, 03:28 PM

It looks like there's not a bad seat in the house - very cool. Yes, Mary sounds great on Both Sides Now - I saw her do it at Feinsteins - a similar sized room, and she was great then as well on it.
You might want to check out Mary in Vegas next month for a two-night gig at The Suncoast - she follows Bobby Rydell. I saw Ophelia Pulse there and it's a very comfortable room.

http://www.suncoastcasino.com/entert...coast-showroom

Originally Posted by marv2

Mary sounds good doesn't she?

**marv2** · 12-18-2014, 04:02 PM

Originally Posted by blueskies

Wow.....loved it. Thanks!

I did too. Mary is a superb vocalist!

**marv2** · 12-18-2014, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by supremester

It looks like there's not a bad seat in the house - very cool. Yes, Mary sounds great on Both Sides Now - I saw her do it at Feinsteins - a similar sized room, and she was great then as well on it.
You might want to check out Mary in Vegas next month for a two-night gig at The Suncoast - she follows Bobby Rydell. I saw Ophelia Pulse there and it's a very comfortable room.

http://www.suncoastcasino.com/entert...coast-showroom

After spending the last month and a half traveling from New York to LA [[tomorrow I will be in Canada....!) , she will have to send for me! LOL!!!!

**milven** · 12-18-2014, 05:01 PM

Originally Posted by marv2

After spending the last month and a half traveling from New York to LA ..., she will have to send for me! LOL!!!!

OMG !! You should have flown

supremester · 12-18-2014, 05:29 PM

Wow - that IS a lot! Have you been on any Dreamliners yet?

Originally Posted by marv2

After spending the last month and a half traveling from New York to LA [[tomorrow I will be in Canada....!) , she will have to send for me! LOL!!!!

**marv2** · 12-18-2014, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by supremester

Wow - that IS a lot! Have you been on any Dreamliners yet?

I don't believe I have, but the flight to Austin, TX last month, the plane looked very similar to a dreamliner.

supremester · 12-18-2014, 05:57 PM

I've heard that the Dreamliners reduce jet lag by up to 90% on long routes, I was wondering if maybe you had experienced that on your transcon flights. I believe United and American are the only carriers using them domestically as they break them in for overseas routes.
I wish they'd drop the price by half so cheap ass Alaska Air would buy some.

**marv2** · 12-18-2014, 11:03 PM

Originally Posted by supremester

I've heard that the Dreamliners reduce jet lag by up to 90% on long routes, I was wondering if maybe you had experienced that on your transcon flights. I believe United and American are the only carriers using them domestically as they break them in for overseas routes.
I wish they'd drop the price by half so cheap ass Alaska Air would buy some.

More airlines should have them.

**jillfoster** · 12-18-2014, 11:26 PM

I wish she would speed it up a bit, I think she's singing the song too slow.

**marv2** · 12-18-2014, 11:32 PM

Originally Posted by jillfoster

I wish she would speed it up a bit, I think she's singing the song too slow.

Someone else made that comment several years ago, but then I was annoyed by this guy in her backing band constantly hitting the cymbals throughout the song. The way Mary sings it now is almost at the exact same tempo Joni Mitchell sings it today. I guess it's meant to make it sound more reflective, but at times it sounds mournful. Still she sounds great.

**milven** · 12-18-2014, 11:43 PM

Originally Posted by marv2

Someone else made that comment several years ago, but then I was annoyed by this guy in her backing band constantly hitting the cymbals throughout the song. The way Mary sings it now is almost at the exact same tempo Joni Mitchell sings it today. I guess it's meant to make it sound more reflective, but at times it sounds mournful. Still she sounds great.

This song should be sung by a mature person. I saw Elaine Stritch in concert and before she sang her signature song, she said it pisses her off when she sees young singers singing "I'm Still Here" Paraphrasing, she said something like, "Well of course the bitches are still here. They're young. I'm 80. I'm Still Here !

Both Sides Now should also be sung by someone who has experienced life.

Mary has had a lot of ups and downs and can definitely put personal meaning to the song. IMO, she is so much better doing this than doing old Supremes songs. I think the definitive version of the song is by the mature Joni Mitchell

**marv2** · 12-19-2014, 12:08 AM

Originally Posted by milven

This song should be sung by a mature person. I saw Elaine Stritch in concert and before she sang her signature song, she said it pisses her off when she sees young singers singing "I'm Still Here" Paraphrasing, she said something like, "Well of course the bitches are still here. They're young. I'm 80. I'm Still Here !

Both Sides Now should also be sung by someone who has experienced life.

Mary has had a lot of ups and downs and can definitely put personal meaning to the song. IMO, she is so much better doing this than doing old Supremes songs. I think the definitive version of the song is by the mature Joni Mitchell

I like Joni Mitchell, always have...But I LOVE Mary Wilson's version of this song. She has lived the life!

**jillfoster** · 12-19-2014, 12:22 AM

My favorite version of the song is this one:

**marv2** · 12-19-2014, 12:40 AM

Originally Posted by jillfoster

My favorite version of the song is this one:

Ok, that's nice. It has a Country feel to it, but where is the drama? The angst? The critically wounded heartbreak? LOL! Mary sings hers so good it could make ya cry. hehehehehehe...........

**marv2** · 12-19-2014, 12:44 AM

Here's another performance of the song by Mary Wilson from several years ago. It's even slower than the above performance. Very solemn. Mary brings drama to the song the way I believe Joni Mitchell originally intended........

**marv2** · 12-19-2014, 12:46 AM

Now here's Joni Mitchell performing it in 2000 more than 30 years after she originally recorded it as a young woman. Notice the similarity between how she sings it and how Mary sings it both as experienced people: