It's been a minute since we checked in on Photay, aka LA-based electronic musician Evan Shornstein. In fact, last time we posted about him, he was Woodstock-based electronic musician Evan Shornstein. But we're locking back in on the Photay frequency today. It's time to pull up a seat and listen to a lovely cover tune this guy cooked up in tribute to one of his musical heroes.
Today, Photay released his cover of "Land Of Make Believe" by smooth jazz icon Chuck Mangione, who passed away last summer. Specifically, Photay covered the 1973 live version of "Land Of Make Believe" recorded at Toronto's Massey Hall with vocalist Esther Satterfield. He's turned it into a club-ready synth symphony that reminds me of Todd Terje. I'm impressed.
On Bandcamp, Photay writes about this song with great tenderness:
It’s a true gift to discover a song, in the vast sea of recorded music, that lifts your mind, body, and soul at the very moment you need it most. For me, and for so many others, one of those songs is the “Land of Make Believe” by Chuck Mangione. You don’t need to look far to feel how deeply this piece has touched hearts since its debut in 1973. I’ve always wanted to pay tribute by covering my favorite version, Live at Massey Hall, with its persistent samba rhythm and full orchestra embrace. I hope future generations discover the unconditional warmth and genuine hope carried within this music. Rest in peace, Chuck Mangione. Thank you for your timeless gift.
Below, listen to the cover and the original, as well as Photay's "drumapella" version.
