Alison

from St. Ann by Brother Theodore

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Alison

I always loved this classic by Elvis Costello. The original has this organic, analog realness that is rare today but so present during that time. The groove, Elvis' vocal, the story; it's all money. I remember hearing it for the first time at the St. Ann house playing on B93 FM and falling in love with it. I never thought of myself much more than a closet singer, but I adapted it for the four string bass so that I could do it as a solo piece and the limitations of the instrument forced me to voice the chords in a way that gave it a "jazzier" feel. I don't think that Elvis' song or any other song can be made better by a cover. I believe that this version is a respectful intersection between my voice, influences, and the genius of Elvis Costello. That's what I think at least. I hope that Elvis feels the same. This was the second track that Sanara and Tamar put vocals on and it was then that Cam and I knew that they were going to be some of the strongest threads in the fabric of this recording.

lyrics

Oh it's so funny to be seeing you after so long, girl.
And with the way you look I understand
That you are not impressed.
But I heard you let that little friend of mine
Take off your party dress.
I'm not going to get too sentimental
Like those other sticky valentines,
Cause I don't know if you've been loving somebody.
I only know it isn't mine.
Alison, I know this world is killing you.
Oh, Alison, my aim is true.
Well I see you've got a husband now.
Did he leave your pretty fingers lying
In the wedding cake?
You used to hold him right in your hand.
I'll bet he took all he could take.
Sometimes I wish that I could stop you from talking
When I hear the silly things that you say.
I think somebody better put out the big light,
Cause I can't stand to see you this way.
Alison, I know this world is killing you.
Oh, Alison, my aim is true.
My aim is true.

credits

from St. Ann, released June 30, 2019
Bass | Vocals: TG3
Backing Vocals: Tamar T. Gillette & Sanara Pippins
Written by Elvis Costello

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Brother Theodore New Orleans, Louisiana

BROTHER THEODORE is the brainchild of New Orleans native Ted Gould III, a veteran musician whose career includes working with NOLA Funk Music Legend, Zigaboo Modeliste, Prince Damons, and Pop Icon, Jody Watley.

"St. Ann" is Soul w/ Funk, Rock, and Jazz tendencies and features the talents of some of the best NOLA & Bay Area musicians with guest appearances by PRN Alumn, Dr. Fink & Levi Seacer, Jr. ... more