|
"Mercy, Mercy" (sometimes referred to as "Have Mercy") is a rhythm and blues song first recorded by American R&B singer/songwriter Don Covay in 1964. It has been identified as a song that "not only established a new guitar dominated soul sound, but also proved a formative influence on white r&bers Mick Jagger and Peter Wolf".〔Guralnick 1999, p. 274.〕 The songwriting is usually credited to Covay and Ron Alonzo Miller, although other co-writers' names have also appeared on various releases. In late 1964, the song became a hit, reaching number one on the ''Cash Box'' R&B chart and number 35 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. Several artists have recorded "Mercy, Mercy", including a well-known version by the Rolling Stones in 1965. More recently, Covay's original version has received attention as one of Jimi Hendrix's first recordings as a sideman. ==Recording and composition== In 1964, after years of writing and recording songs for several record labels, Don Covay was again hoping to land a record deal.〔Roby 2010, p. 81.〕 A recording session was arranged for May 13, 1964 at the A1 Recording Studio in New York City, operated by Atlantic Records co-founder Herb Abramson.〔 New York radio station WWRL disc jockey Nathaniel "Magnificent" Montague provided financing for the session.〔 Covay has given differing accounts regarding the recording.〔Shadwick 2003, p. 53.〕 In one, "Mercy, Mercy" was recorded the day following a well-received performance by Covay and his band the Goodtimers the previous night.〔 For the session, various members of the Goodtimers have been mentioned, including guitarist Ronald Alonzo Miller (also suggested as the bassist), backup singer George "King" Clemons, bassist Horace "Ace" Hall, drummer Bernard Purdie, guitarist Bob Bushnell, guitarist Jimmy Johnson, and a young Jimi Hendrix.〔〔Roby 2002, p. 34.〕〔Roby 2010, p. 201.〕〔Geldeart, Rodham 2007, p. 19.〕 Music critic Richie Unterberger describes "Mercy, Mercy" as a "soul tune with a gospel overlay in the pleading tone of the lyrics".〔 It opens with the refrain, sung by Covay with a higher-register harmony: Covay's vocals have been described as "impassioned"〔 and "assured", with "his phrasing and inflection as well as his attitude" as an influence on Mick Jagger.〔 〕 The guitar has a prominent part, beginning with the chorded lead-in: "The guitar player uses rhythmic patterns that are tasteful modifications of the motifs favored by Curtis Mayfield and Jimmy Johnson – and there have been suggestions that it is Johnson himself on the record".〔 Covay recalled that the song was recorded in one or two takes〔 and additional single-note fills at the fade-out suggest a second guitarist or an overdub. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア(Wikipedia)』 ■ウィキペディアで「Mercy, Mercy (Don Covay song)」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|