It was exactly 40 years ago that Louis Armstrong popularized the tune “What A Wonderful World,” yet it continues to be relevant in today’s social climate. When Louis Armstrong sang it, the world was rife with racial struggles and political upheaval. Now, when Jolie Holland and Booker T. Jones sing it, the world is again struggling with political problems and social collapse. The angelic singer and the tough organist wanted to remind us of how lovely life is, even in the midst of economic and political strife. Their attempt to bring beauty into a world of struggle pairs the equally unusual combination of Jolie Holland’s ethereal voice with Booker T’s earthy organ and piano.

Holland describes her interpretation of “What A Wonderful World”:

I think we were all surprised to learn that we are releasing our version of this song on its fortieth anniversary. It was released in the fall of 1967, and here again it comes out in the fall of 2007. Now that we’ve recorded it, I hear it as it was originally imagined – as a counter-point to the heaviness of the political songs of the civil rights movement. It was meant to remind us, that despite everything, the world is still beautiful. What is more centering than real beauty?

Booker T holds a similar view of the need for this song again at this time:

I hoped it would be something of a healing or a balm for the world right now because conditions are so bleak in so many places and areas. I’m hoping it’ll be a timely, refreshing uplift for music listeners. I’m hoping it’s going to be something to pick people up and to reaffirm hope and beauty – to remind them that there is beauty in the world. We hear so much about what’s wrong and no one is really saying that the world is a beautiful place. It still is a beautiful wonderful place.

The song, “What A Wonderful World,” will be released as a digital single by ANTI- on November 6th. Despite being a digital release, it will still come with a “B-side” which will be another duet with Holland and Jones, the traditional blues number “It’s A Blessing.”

There is no further word on future projects for the illustrious Booker T Jones, other than continuing to play with the MGs as well as his own Booker T Jones Band. However, we can expect a full-length studio album from Jolie Holland in 2008, as she is working on the material for it right now.

Holland/Jones Links

To read more about Jolie Holland and Booker T. Jones’ duets, including their impressions of working with each other, click over to the ANTI- blog/press release
ANTI- record label website

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