In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Cecilia

Music by Paul Simon

Originally Performed by Simon & Garfunkel

"Cecilia" is a song by American music duo Simon & Garfunkel, released in April 1970 as the third single from the group's fifth studio album, Bridge over Troubled Water (1970). Written by Paul Simon, the song's origins lie in a late-night party, in which the duo and friends began banging on a piano bench. They recorded the sound with a tape recorder, employing reverb and matching the rhythm created by the machine. Simon later wrote the song's guitar line and lyrics on the subject of an untrustworthy lover. The song's title refers to St. Cecilia, patron saint of music in the Catholic tradition. The song was a hit single in the United States, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. On the Cash Box Top 100, it reached number one. "Cecilia" also did well in Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain, where it reached number two, and also in Switzerland and Belgium, where it peaked at number three. The song has been the subject of numerous cover versions, most notably by the singer Suggs, whose version featured the ragga duo, Louchie Lou & Michie One and reached number four in the United Kingdom in 1996.

Release Date: 1970 on the album Bridge over Troubled Water

Deke Sharon : Men's Popular Jazz Vol 2

"Cecilia" - This playful Simon and Garfunkle standard is perfect for a cappella with the tenors sharing the original's harmony. Bass and bari weave counter melodies and driving background parts built entirely around the lyrics. No vocal percussion necessary - lots of rhythmic intensity built into the background parts. One of the most popular and requested male arrangements originally sung by the Beelzebubs of Tufts University. "I Can't Tell You Why" - A lush, delicately textured rendering of the Eagles classic. A high tenor solo floats above a sextet of light overlapping lines and a rich bass line, forming a warm bed of sound not unlike a synthesizer or string section. Perfect for a talented octet, or a male chorus. "I Only Have Eyes for You" - This 60's classic made famous by the Flamingos, and then later recorded by Art Garfunkle, is one of the best loved doo-wop tunes of all time. This version maintains the doo-wop styling during the verse and shifts into a rich, close harmony ballad in the chorus. "Rock The Boat" - One of the most infectiously catchy pop/R & B songs to come out of the 70's (made popular by "The Hues Corporation"), this arrangement will make your singers want to get up and dance. Very melodic background lines, plenty of syncopation. Vocal percussion optional.

Songlist: Cecilia, I Can't Tell You Why, I Only Have Eyes for You, Rock The Boat